Hi there. Long time lurker, finally become a member today. Hopefully if all goes well I'll be posting a lot more. I''m in the market for a numbers matching 550 Spyder and I think I found one that I fancy. I'm a bit new to them, but I recently came into some money and have been dreaming about this car for a long time.

It's out of state and I intend to fly in to inspect it in person, as well as hire a local expert to check it. For the time being, the current owner sent me these photos. We've been talking about it quite a bit and the facts seem to add up.

I'm wondering if from these photos someone can tell me if it's the real deal or a replica? Are there specific questions I should ask the owner about the car? Should I request additional specific photos? The original engine is in a crate, as the owner explained the 912 engine is best for actually driving the car.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Not really sure how to tell if real or not, but that thing is SWEET!

Just noticed the image hosting service I used advertises along with the images. Sorry about that. Was just looking for something fast, free, & easy for uploading/sharing.

Someone that is more familiar with them should be able to tell by the fit and finish, as well as by the body parts and trim if it's original or not. It appears to be to me, but I've only owned newer Porsches so I want to make sure before I waste more time and resources to send someone out to inspect it.

Is there a way to search DMV records in the state to see how it's titled if I know the owner's full legal name? Are those considered public records?

If there's a handbrake between the seats....it's a replica.

This is a Beck 550 Replica.
It is fiberglass.
Classic Beck Silver Blue color.
VW type 1 motor/tranny.
Rear clamshell wheel arches not correct.

Well I will help you out, that is definately a replica and not of very high quality, 20k range sounds about right. Oh and real ones trade in the 600K to 1 million dolllars plus range.

that's a replica.

Wow! Thank you guys. What a great help you have been. We were discussing the value of it to be between $500k-$750k, said he bought it 12 years ago for $120k off of Hemmings. What a scammer.

Nothing beats free advice. Only here on 6speed.

For one, it has a 356 windscreen. AND it doesn't have the twin cam engine in it either.

Wow. He must think there are some really huge idiots out there.

Sorry for the huge picture. But this is what you want to look for when searching out this illustrious and extremely rare automobile.



Become a lot more educated on this car by going to a proper source (of course people here have mega experience) but you will get more direct information here at Spyderclub.com in your quest to purchase the car of your dreams.

Good luck and let us know how it all comes together! I, for one, want to see pics of this beauty when you bring it home! Are you kidding! It's like the Holy Grail!

Thanks again guys. Will check out SpyderClub. Truly disappointed, but whatever. Life goes on...

yes, you'd expect to pay $1-2 Million for a real Spyder 550 - (just saw one sold for over $3 Mil)
.
there are some good replicas available - typically offered in the mid $20K range - although I see currently many listed well above that -
.
I've listed my Beck 2002 reproduction at the lower end of that price range here and at Craigslist

550Rick

Loves the old 550's, the replicas even look stunning in person.