22 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHPorsche 550 Sypder - BECK - Need Input
Leading reported evidence
Use broken-in beck 550 is the way
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I have also heard buying a slightly used, broken-in Beck 550 is the way to go ..
Leading evidence: 'Use broken-in beck 550 is the way' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'most prized replica out there' (1 discussions; 0 report identifying it and 1 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Test drive today, once i leave my clients nyc location' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
For some reason, people are now paying too much on Ebay for used cars with limited options.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that suspect a cause
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suspected cause
So the Spyder is probably the most prized replica out there.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that suspect a cause
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suspected cause
At first look I did a double take thinking what a rare bird it was...I thought it was the real thing.
Test drive today, once i leave my clients nyc location
Suggestion or failed attempt
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion · Original poster
Thanks for the feddback gents, I am going for a long test drive today, once I leave my clients NYC location.
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
22 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Generation: 20261026T124918Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
Amigos, I am currently looking into obtaining a 1957 550 Spyder with 11K miles and it is simply flawless, the dealership is a rep P-Car dealer that I have done business is the past with. This GEM is a true Beck, not a cheap copy. The engine and power were awesome and the exhaust sounds better than my 03 Targa with my Fabspeed exhaust.
They are asking 28K and they will provide me with a two year warranty. My question is this: Are there any know problems and or bugs with the 57 550 ? I couldn't find anything on them. I truly fel in love with this beauty.. Take a look see.... Any and all comments are welcome.
If it is flawless with 11k miles and they want 28k with 2 year warranty I would check it out very carefully. I IMHO would think a person could get more than 28k. I'm not trying to scare you and I'm probably off base but right or wrong that�s my thought. I hope it works out for you it sure looks good.
I would ask at
www.spyderowners.com
and at
www.spyderclub.com
-- these are the two sites where Spyder owners go.
I also looked extensively at a Beck 550 about a year ago -- I found that 25K - 35K was the going rate for a used one considering that they take 12-18 months to get a new one if you order it.
There are also a few dealers that specialize in 550 Becks, but I don't have their info handy on this computer I am at.
I would definitely get it if it checks out. I am jealous.
I have a Vintage 550. Vintage Spyders is a competitor to Beck (I won't say which is preferred...it's a Ford/Chevy thing).
As suggested, Spyderowners and Spyderclub are great resources.
My "off the cuff" thoughts:
It's an incredible head-turner. You can park a GT3, Ferrari Modena, a Lambo, and a 550 side-by-side, and people will choose this one every time. The styling is timeless and gorgeous. It makes people smile.
If you've got the bigger engine, it's very fast. Mine has 180HP in a 1300 pound car. Great power/weight ratio.
It's raspy and LOUD. Best exhaust note in town. You'll get thumbs up from the Harley guys.
Steering is edgy through the corners. I go fast in a straight line, but never even THINK of approaching the handling limits. That's because...
It's not a safe car. I wear a vintage 50s helmet with mine (painted to match). But still, even with a five-point harness, it's not a safe car. The thing is lower than a snowsled.
It's not practical. I know of one person who uses hers as a daily driver (a woman, no less!). But without a top, A/C, heater, windows, etc. it is a bare, raw driving experience.
It's a replica, with all the pros/cons. If you want to buy an original vintage Porsche, you might look at a 356 coupe. But then you have to deal with the rust, squeaks & rattles, reliability issues, etc. of a fifty-year old car. If you want an original 550 Spyder, you have to shell out a million bucks.... So the Spyder is probably the most prized replica out there. There are far fewer Spyders on the road than say, Cobras (not to disparage the latter). They are pretty much bulletproof.
Take her for a drive, reasearch on the listed websites, and follow your gut.
I would like to hear more thoughts on the 550 replica cars as well. I have always wanted one and some day would love to own one. I realize they are not safe, by todays standards, or even '50's standards
Anyone else have experience with these? I have seen a few -phlat6- installs as well. That would be a rocket---
That's the best looking car you can get for 28k! Have you thought about buying new? It's not that much more . . .
http://www.chuckbeckmotorsports.com/#
I've seen them up close - really terrific looking. if you get it, let us know your impressions. I've thought about getting one many times.
Buying new takes a very long time... I have heard as much as 18 months due to the queue of orders and the time it takes to make them. I have also heard buying a slightly used, broken-in Beck 550 is the way to go .. works out the gremlins, etc and you get instant gratification.
I owned one of the Beck manufactured cars (they are also sold as kits) about 5 years ago, and I had a mixed experience with mine. It was a beauty and lots of fun, but the handling is borderline dangerous, especially with the more powerful (>150 hp) engines. The suspension is unforgiving. I also had problems with stalling. In my opinion, you are spending way too much for a used car. I looked into buying a brand new one two years ago, and the factory had several coming up within a 4 month period. For some reason, people are now paying too much on Ebay for used cars with limited options. If you search on google you can find the manufacturer's website. They are very helpful. With all the options, including top, special lights, steering wheel, bigger engine etc. they are in the 32-35k range. I would buy another one if I just wanted it as an occasional toy.
You may want to check out Kevin Jeanette's Gunnar Racing.
http://www.gunnarracing.com/
. Kevin has had a lengthy and successful Porsche racing career and has some fabulous cars for sale. I do know he recently built 6 Beck Spyders in various states of tune for some of his customers....perhaps one of them is for sale now. Check out his project list for pics...if Kevin built it, it will be right.
Good luck
I have one that's been in "production" with Greg Leach of Vintage Spyders since 11/13/03 (yes 2003) and Greg tells me he might have it ready this summer.
New ones take forever!
Also, the frame of Vintage is better than Beck's
These things are awsome. Extremely light, and the weight to power ratio just plain ridiculous,
This is why I bought my Vintage used. Found one in NY with 900 miles, and had it shipped here. I went from purchase to car in garage in under two weeks.
FWIW, I know a guy who owns an original (yes, an original) 550 Spyder. He purchased his car in 1963 for $4500! Anyway, he checked out my Vintage and really liked it. He was impressed with the fit & finish. Vintage takes its time but the end product is outstanding.
My use of the car is for the occasional PCA event, car show, or sunny fun about town. It's perfect for these purposes.
Here is a short video that includes my car. This small excerpt is from a humor short film I'm producing...so it's not finished (no audio yet). You might enjoy it though. It's a 6MB MPEG file.
SHORT 550 SPYDER CLIP
When I complete the film I may revive this thread and post it here. (Will probably be a month or so, though.)
I think they are nice looking. But thats a lot of money for a repli-car.
Some guy in Portland has one. At first look I did a double take thinking what a rare bird it was...I thought it was the real thing. Several months later I saw it parked up at a local Jag dealership and I took a good look at it. Man it was cheap!!. It was made by Beck but had all the Porsche emblems on it. I just think they're kind of phony with the construction elegance of a molded fiberglass bathtub.
I guess I take the oposite opinion than most. Why bother with something thats a knock-off. Again, thats just my opinion.
Good luck with the car if you buy it.
That is not a 1957 550 Spyder. that is a Beck and they are a very well made Fiberglass Kit Car, they are VW or Subaru powered in a Mid-Engine configuration. A 57 Spyder would set you back about 7 figures especially if it has any history tied to it. The Fuhrman vertical shaft engine alone is worth about 150K.
Ummmmmmmmmmmmmm...2021-2005 equals ??? Last post 16 years ago. Think anyone cares anymore? How come nobody ever looks at the date of the last post in a thread, especially a first poster? Way to go Fulltilt1 New User.
[Image-only post; no author-written text. Original image references:]
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlist.com-vbulletin/480x360/051eaad2_85da_4509_b163_ef2f6a26262c_f4094bba6b8667f57ec2d82ea61c373d30321c91.gif
