Porsche 550 Spyder

[System]

[satcomvato]

This is probably my favorite car of all time. I was born in the same town James Dean was born in, and about 20 minutes away from the annual James Dean Festival, so as long as I can remember this car has had a mystique to me.

[ae86_16v]

Very very cool. Iconic.

[styla21]

Originally Posted by ae86_16v Iconic.

Nailed it. My favourite classic of all time.

[r2r]

One of my all time favorite cars!

Its design is Simple, Elegant and Purposeful.

Nothing less then Subzero

[F250]

That's a replica in the above photo. Note the Volkswagen wheels, Speedster windshield, amber front signal lights, interior trim, shape of rear fenders and longer wheelbase.

Here are two photos of real ones:

[satcomvato]

I believe the replica pictured isn't a Chuck Beck replica, is it? The headlight trim piece seems to stick out too far. From what I remember, the Beck spyders look just about perfect. Maybe I'm wrong.

[styla21]

Originally Posted by F250 That's a replica in the above photo. Note the Volkswagen wheels, Speedster windshield, amber front signal lights, interior trim, shape of rear fenders and longer wheelbase. Here are two photos of real ones:

That's a great post right there.
Stick around!

[F250]

Here's a picture of Chuck Beck driving one of his replicas. I met Chuck years ago when he was in Phelan, California. He was building his Spyders (in Brazil) and his Lister replica. I test drove the 550 after Chuck gave me a ride it it - I was still trying to latch the seatbelt when we sailed across a railroad track at 100mph+.



If I recall correctly, one day his 12 year old son decided to drive one of the Listers to school. He was recognized by the kids in the school bus he passed.

If you Google Porsche 550 Spyder photos, the OP's photo pops up #1. If you go to the site the photo comes from, I think you'll find out it is some kind of a Photoshop job. Notice how narrow it is.

[liveaxle]

It seems a lot of supercars are uncool because of the footballers who buy them. A footballer is, as we know, a daft prick with bad taste. The 550 was driven by James Dean who was a cool dude. Stirling Moss also drove one (much faster and safer).

So the 550 is a really cool car!

[philip]

Same car as F250's photo from the same place but a different angle.



James Dean dieing in the car, makes it about as cool as you can get. Pretty unbelieveable for the '50's.

The tires are about 2 inches wide.

[zacknolden]

Originally Posted by satcomvato I believe the replica pictured isn't a Chuck Beck replica, is it? The headlight cover trim piece seems to stick out too far. From what I remember, the Beck spyders look just about perfect. Maybe I'm wrong.

I also agree with you. I even consulted my Uncle who works for a certain replica shop here in Fargo. But it's still bad ass.

[Erez]

subzero