In the history of Porsche no car has inspired more awe - or more fear - than the Porsche 550 Spyder.  The car was specificallly designed to support Porsche racing efforts and was produced in very limited numbers from 1953 to 1956. 

The design of the 550 was undertaken by Porsche engineer Wilhelm Held.  Herr Held was given very specific instructions by Ferry Porsche for the Type 550 - mid-engine, light weight, precise handling and aerodynamic shape.  In order to maximize aerodynamics, the first three prototypes were equipped with a removable hardtop and were raced with great sucess.  However, it was an open top Spyder driven by Hans Herrmann under closed railroad crossing guards at the 1954 Mille Miglia that captured the public's imagination.  Hermann's car was distinct in that it had red tail stripes which signified that it was supported by the Porsche Werks race team. 

Porsche 550's were actively raced from 1953 to 1965 and continually piled up win after win.  The secrets to the car's success were quite simple: low weight, low height, great aerodynamics and a 4 cam engine that was very difficult to break (or beat).  The car was so sucessful against larger classes that, in European circles, it earned the nickname "The Giant Killer."  In the United States, the unfortunate death of James Dean gave the car a different nickname - the Little Bastard.  And on a wet road or with an unskilled driver, that nickname can be quite appropriate.   

The problem with real Porsche 550 Spyders is that they are like deities (believed to exist but virtually impossible to physically locate).  A second (and greater) problem is cost.  In March of 2012, a 1955 550 Spyder RS sold for roughly 3.8 million dollars (that's $3,800,000.00!).  The final problem  with real 550's is the virtual inability to drive them in open traffic (who wants to take the risk of having a teenage texter hitting their million+ dollar Porsche???).  Thus, for the majority of mortals (like me), seeing a real Porsche 550 Spyder probably won't happen, owing one definately won't and even if I did own one I would be too scared to drive it.   

Fortunately, for those of us who would like to experience the mystique of a Porsche 550 without making a Faustian bargain, Beck has produced a very high quality 550 replica that is simply amazing to drive.  The car presented here was built by Beck and is powered by a 1915 cc Type 1 engine producing roughly 90 horsepower.  The engine is mated to a Type 4 speed transmission which shifts smoothly and the powertrain propels the car to far in excess of freeway driving speeds (140+ km).  The car has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.  It starts, stops and drives excellently.

The car's fiberglass shell is virtually identical to an actual 550 and it is even wrapped on the bottom in fiberglass which greatly reduces drag.  The silver paint is in excellent condition and is free of substantive defect.  The red stripes on the tail are vinyl and can be peeled off without damaging the paint.  The car has chrome 4 lug wheels.  If the car is purchased at the buy-it-now- price then I will include 4 chrome 356 nipple hubcaps with the car.  These hubcaps are authentic and come with the patina associated with 50 year old hubcaps.  The car's spare is mounted behind the engine and is also a chrome 4 lug wheel.

The car's interior shows as new with rich, black leather seats and a virtually new Nardi steering wheel.  The car does not have an ambient air system or a radio but it does have a set of seat belts.  The car is also equipped with an "as new" soft top, frame and side curtains.  These items store neatly in the front boot of the car along with an aftermarket car cover.  The car's odometer reads roughly 5900 km which translates to roughly 3,658 miles (Km's X .62 = miles). 

After I received the car, I had an oil change and a tune-up performed.  As the car was not leaking oil - again NOT leaking oil - I did not do any other form of maintenance.  Given the almost pristine state of the car, I see no reason why it could not be driven to any location in the continental United States (or Alaska if you are brave of heart and stout of back)..

If you would like to see a video of me driving the car on the Houston freeway then please visit my YouTube channel - TheBavarianMotors.

If you would like to own this wonderful piece of Porsche history (or a very close fascimile thereof) then please contact Mark Counts @ 713-320-3059.

We are a licensed lender in the State of Texas and can assist you in obtaining financing for your automobile purchase.

If you need assistance with financing then please contract Mark counts at 713-320-3059.

Please ensure that you have obtained financing prior to bidding on one of our cars.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, our cars are sold "As Is" and without warranty.

However, some of our cars come with the full manufacturers warranty and some are eligible for extended warranties.

Please discuss the potential purchase of an extended warranty with your sales representative.

Unless stated otherwise in the vehicle's listing, shipping is the sole responsibility of the buyer.

There are many reputable transporters across the country and the Buyer is required to contract directly with one of them.

If required, we can locate a shipper for the Buyer but will not assume responsibility for the vehicle once it is consigned to a shipper.

Terms and Conditions

All vehicles we sell have clean and clear titles. 

We do NOT sell salvage vehicles or vehicles with reconditioned titles.

All vehicles are sold "AS IS" and there are no representations or warranties except those contained in the written sales contract or bill of sale.

The winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours by phone to start the transaction.

The winning bidder must respond within 2 days after the auction with a $500 deposit required via wire transfer, Visa/MC, or certified funds(cashier's check) to start the transaction.

It is understood that the vehicle is sold on an "As Is" basis. 

Buyer are free to purchase with or without an inspection.  

We strongly encourage pre-purchase inspections.  These inspections are relatively cheap and help ensure  that the Buyer is completely satisfied with their purchase.

All sales are subject to a state inspection fee of $40.75 and a Vehicle Inventory Tax based at .2271% of the purchase price. Ex. $10,000.00 X .2271% = 22.71.

Texas residents must pay applicable sales tax and a registration fee.

Out-of-state customers may pay tax and register the vehicle in their own applicable state. Upon request, we may be able to complete the buyer's home state registration.

The buyer is responsible for all shipping costs. We will arrange for shipping, if requested. Also, transportation to and from the airport and our location is buyer's responsibility.

We make every attempt to deliver our vehicles to our clients with two keys, key fobs, manuals, booklets, NAV CDs, wheel locks, tool kits, etc..., however, from time-to-time, a vehicle may be missing one or more of these items and we cannot guarantee that they will be included in the vehicle at the time of sale. Please call for the exact accessories included for the vehicle.

Our vehicles are pre-owned vehicles and they are sold in "As Is" condition. At time, some of our vehicles may still be in factory warranty or an extended warranty may be purchased. Ask for details.

For Canadian car buyers: If the title is to be released at the time of delivery (which is much mandatory to move the vehicle through customs), a wire transfer is the fastest  way to complete the sale.  If the payment is not by bank wire transfer, i.e., certified bank check or approved loan check, the title will only be released when all funds have cleared. Please keep in mind that the funds verification process can take up to 15 days. We will assist you with the documentation needed to clear Canadian customs, but knowing exactly which documents are required by your home province are the buyers responsibility. Requirements for Canada can be found at www.riv.ca under "Registration of import vehicles, Canada".

Notice to All Bidders

Please remember your eBay obligations. When you bid, you are entering into a legal and binding contract. Do not bid if you do not intend to buy this vehicle!

All bidders must have pre-approved loans or other financing.

The winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours by phone to complete the sale and to receive a purchase order via fax.

Major Credit Cards are accepted.

Please call for limits and details (credit card charges may incur a service fee).

Payments are accepted through paypal.com (Deposit only-$1,000 max.). Please call for limits.

We do not accept Escrow or E-Loan. Please call for exceptions prior to bidding.

Please remember that you have the option to call for the reserve price direct at 713-320-3059.

We appreciate your interest in this auction and look forward to seeing your bid. Good Luck and Happy Bidding!