Inspired by the Porsche 356 which was created by Ferry Porsche, and some spyder prototypes built and raced by Walter Gl"ockler starting in 1951, the factory decided to build a car designed for use in auto racing. The model Porsche 550 Spyder was introduced at the 1953 Paris Auto Show. The 550 was very low to the ground, in order to be efficient for racing. In fact, former German Formula One racer Hans Herrmann drove it under closed railroad crossing gates during the 1954 Mille Miglia. Perhaps the most famous of the first 90 Porsche 550's built was James Dean's "Little Bastard" numbered 130 (VIN 550-0055) which Dean fatally crashed into Donald Turnupseed's 1950 Ford Custom at the CA Rt. 46/41 Cholame Junction on September 30, 1955. MotoeXotica Classic Cars is pleased to present the beautiful 1984 Porsche 550 Spyder Replica you see pictured. The 550 is among the most frequently replicated classic automobiles, just like the AC Cobra and Lotus Seven. Several companies have sprung up in the last 25 years, some of which build near exact replicas from the ground up, including space frames built to exacting specs from Porsche blueprints. This particular roadster was constructed by Beck Development out of Upland, California. Finished in timeless silver, the paint is in great condition, showing only very small minor imperfections. The Porsche emblem on the hood really accents the color of the car. Over the rear fenders, you will find that there are red decals that look just like the ones that were on James Dean’s “Little Bastard” 550 Spyder. The body is solid and made completely of fiberglass. Included with the car is a black tonneau cover that is used to cover up the cockpit when not parked or to cover up the passenger side when driving alone. The chrome is in great condition with plenty of luster and only shows minor imperfections on the mirror. Inside, you will see that the interior is very simple. The red vinyl seats are in excellent condition, showing no notable signs of wear or imperfection, with the exception of the driver’s seat left bolster, common from sliding into the car. The carpet is a matching red and is in just as great of shape! The red interior in the cockpit makes the silver exterior of the roadster really pop! The dashboard is simple, housing the necessary gauges and painted to match the exterior. This particular 550 came with the dash grab handle and push button start option. As you sit in the driver’s seat, you are sent back into the age of James Dean! Being as this is a Porsche replica, the engine is rear mounted. Under the rear deck, you will find a dual port 1600cc Volkswagen engine. Attached to the engine is a manual transmission. The roadster sits upon a set of 15” Mangels wheels which are wrapped with 185/65R15 tires in the front and 205/60R15 tires in the rear, with plenty of tread life left to them! This Porsche 550 Spyder replica was professionally built from the ground up. This is an excellent get out and drive roadster for a warm day! The VIN is CA390137 and the mileage currently shows 5,890. It is being sold on a clean & clear title and is titled as an ’84 Volkwagen. GET OUT AND DRIVE!!!
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