BECK 550 Spyder Twin-Turbo, Upgraded. Extras

This 1955 Beck 550 Spyder shows well in Zermatt Silver exterior paint (an original Porsche color) over burgundy leather seats and trim. Under those gorgeous body panels beats a beast of an engne-- a twin turbo flat four engine with bespoke tune.It's a classic Spyder look with a modern drivetrain. It has a manual 4-speed transaxle, Cable Shifter, Kennedy Engineering Adapter all backing up a 2.2L JDM Subaru engine with Twin Turbos and custom tuning specific to this build by Idaho Speed Center. The driveline has many upgrades from the stock JDM engine, itself a much more advanced powerplant from the Type-1 VW engine that first resided under the flip-up rear engine bay. Larger Air-Air Intercooling, K&N air filter, standalone engine management, Remote Oil Filter, Engine Oil cooling, fan-driven cooler airflow-- and even a supplemental pressure gauge.The car dyno'd, when completed and tuned at Idaho Speed, at just over 200 HP to the wheels. This is plenty for a swing-axle car on 185/70 rubber. It is also magnificent fun to open up on a long straight stretch of pavement.The car has been used for rallies, sunny weekend drives and club/show events. As such it's accumulated a total mileage of just under 10,000 miles. The vehicle title is Clean and it is believed to have had only two owners. Current ownership has had the car for over 20 years. As a car to enjoy on weekends, take to rally and show events or simply to add as a beautiful well turned out replica-- it's a fine addition to any car collector's garage.Frame is in original condition. Zero Rust, Zero Collision Damage.Integrates all of Chuck Beck's original Gen 1 Beck 550 Spyder Features:- Beck OG Chassis # 128- Lift off frunk lid.- Quick Fill, Flip Up Competition-Style through-the-frunk fuel filler-VW Style pedal cluster, cable clutch to 4-speed VW-Porsche transaxle-Flat Firewall, upholstered in neutral grey-Full tube frame, to original Porsche 550 specs, overlaid in Beck's fiberglass body panels.-Two-point competition seat belts with quick-detach clasps.-Leather rear-bonnet tie-downs, with integral automotive-grade frame latches-- interior releasesNotably, the chassis was one of the original full hand-builds by Beck's Southern California team, bearing an OG chassis tag # of 128.This is NOT a later "Beck-Brazil nor a Thunder Ranch or Bremen or other build. It's an original Beck California Built car.The car is offered with an unencumbered Idaho title, listing the car as a "1955 PORS CV-- CV 550". The title does carry a "REPLICA" legend, matching the Chassis Sticker and Inspection Assigned VIN Number consistent with Idaho's system, which does allow it to be listed as Make=Porsche.The car has full working lights, wipers and safety systems-- and should be readily titled in any state as a 1955 Replica Vehicle. Please check with your local DMV for clarification or send us any questions you might have.The current owner is believed to be only the second owner, having used, upgraded and enjoyed the car for over 20 years.The prior (believed original) owner would have taken delivery from Beck of a completed chassis with a VW Type-I air cooled engine.After acquiring the car we desired more daily usability, with a bit more power, and ultimately chose a JDM Subaru engine to replace the VW carbureted flat-4 powerplant. This did require frame enhancements to accommodate cooler, radiator, intercooler and fans. All that equipment was mounted amidships, over and around the transaxle area as pictured.The car shipped from Beck with the optional rear-mounted battery box and the upgraded car retains that location for its modern 12V electrical system. The car was rewired by Idaho Speed to accommodate the EJ22TT engine, fans and standalone engine controls. This includes a return-based high-flow fuel system, modern pump and filter. The system has recently been serviced and pressure is spot on, with no fluid leaks.Given the subsequent popularity (this could be one of the first conversions of a 550 Spyder to a Subaru engine, a now commonplace upgrade) of 2.0 and 2.5 liter engines from WRX and STi spec'd cars, one might ask "Why the 2.2?".We did deliberately select the 2.2 TWIN-turbo configuration for a variety of reasons:-- EJ22 blocks were widely considered the strongest and best built of Subaru blocks from the 1990s and early 2000s-- Twin turbos offered a high target power output, but with a much gentler transition to boost due to the sequential configuration-- Engine controls were straightforward with the MAP sensors available standalone--We wished to avoid the "knife edge" torque curve characteristics of "big turbo" 2.0 and 2.5 motors-- Although a Flat-6 might also have worked, the Subie Flat-4 fits beautifully and it makes a great combination.Notable Upgrades-Not all 550 Spyder Replicars were equipped with Parking Brakes, but since the rear hubs and swing-axles are Beck supplied, the original chassis came equipped (see pics) with central handbrake like any proper sports car. It's a minor thing, but many of the replicas you come across omitted the handbrake, which is installed on this 550.-Kennedy Engineering Subaru to Type-I bell housing, clutch and flywheel adaptation.-Stage 2 Kennedy Engineering Clutch components-Beck Original Frame was modified and re-coated in red for Subaru engine, turbos and intercooler, radiator and oil cooler.-Oil Filter Relocation for easier service-Integral oil pressure gauge at filter housing-New lubrication and cooling lines for twin-turbo systems-All coolers with integral thermostat-controlled fans-Sand-rail style cable-shifter system to replace the sloppy original VW "rod shifter and bushings". Shifting the 4-speed transaxle is now a joy, with a precision and speed never possible with the VW system in a mid-engine layout.--The car does come with a custom-fit Tonneau cover, which snaps over the interior to keep out of the sun/weather. Or, it can easily be half-retracted for solo drives. The cover is in a Burgundy shade that matches the seats and trimThe car currently resides in a climate-controlled garage in Boise Idaho. Ownership is on unencumbered Idaho title, ready to transfer to the new owner. We dearly love this Spyder but find ourselves with limited garage space and a couple of Italian vintage cars to prep and modify, so it's time for the Spyder to find a new home.The Subaru powerplant is strong (the original JDM donor had under 35,000 miles) and with up-to-date fuel injection it fires up at the touch of the starter button. The master power is controlled by a keyswitch (a NOS Bosch 356-style ignition switch, as spec'd by Beck, was recently installed, with two original master keys included in the sale) and adjacent to the key is a silver START push-buttonto fire up the starter. All the controls for ECU, fuel system, starter and accessories were upgraded when the Subaru mill went in. Parts are generally available through the usual Subaru parts suppliers-- and the alternator is a modern Subaru, supporting a 21st Century electrical system. This includes all-updated automotive-grade wiring, fuse panel (see pic) and relays.It's a great combo-- classic 1950s racer style, with an up to date engine, drivetrain management and electrical systems. All integrated by the pros at Idaho Speed.A note about tires (see photo). It currently sits on radial (but vintage look) 185/70-SR15 correct tires on 15" rims. The tires are past date and should be replaced upon delivery to the buyer-- depending on the anticipated usage, there's a variety of types and compounds that are compatible. The car has most recently been registered on a low-usage "Classic" Vintage Car registration, primarily for club events, shows and local usage, so tire compounds have not been of concern. The new owner will want to evaluate their planned usage and replace rubber as appropriate.The rims are a chrome steel pattern on a Porsche-VW 4x130mm hub type. We like the classic look of the steelies, but that is a common Porsche bolt pattern and many choices are available that will easily clear the brake system.The brake system is Beck's Gen 1 Standard Package of Disks upfront and drums in the back. The proportioning ratio is set up well as the car sits and it has plenty of braking capacity for such a lightweight car. There are kits available to switch the rears to disks, if desired, but we do not believe it really enhances braking effectiveness that much.Like most Beck-adjacent and Thunder Ranch cars, this is still a VW-derived rear swing axle suspension set up, as used in millions of VW cars and vans over the decades. In higher-lateral-G it will not perform as well as modern IRS systems-- thus snap oversteer is a native trait of the suspension. In evaluating tire choices, the buyer is encouraged to consider that the lower adhesion limits of the high-profile 185-ish rubber can be more desirable than high-grip compounds which can stress the limits of the swing-axle system in a sometimes-unpredictable way.Similarly, we intentionally limited power to the roughly 200 RWHP levels. Being so light, the car is astonishingly quick in a straight line on that 200HP; we feel it was plenty. The EJ22TT block will certainly take more boost and make more power with a tune and fueling adjustments. A conversion to an Independent Rear Suspension would be a must-do prior to making any more power, should a future owner desire. We think that one drive will convince the buyer that 200HP is more than ample. The car is grin-inducing as the boost builds.The only flaws, which are strictly cosmetic, in the paint are a couple of chips and two smudges from over-buffing (apparently, by prior owners in detailing it). The chips appear near the "snap-downs" which hold the included Tonneau Cover in place. They snap and detach with a considerable spring-loaded force and it's pretty easy to over-push and have the snap scratch against the nearby paint. Those could be touched up, or if the new owner is doing other work on the car it could be re-sprayed. The Zermatt Silver is a classic Porsche tint and it looks great on the car. The photos show the over-buffing area (right rear fender) and one of the snap-damage chips near the snap anchor point.There are no visible rock chips. Glass is original and mint condition.The sport seats are original in Beck, in a matching Burgundy/Maroon shade matching the interior tub trim line, which is in great shape. (see pics).The driver's seat has some wear over the bolsters on the edge of the seat. (See pic) There are no tears.The carpet and panel upholstery is in a neutral grey shade and doesn't exhibit rips or tears.I've tried to include oblique pics which show the great fit of body panels, the complete absence of any fiberglass damage and the precision of door seam alignment. The original assembly was done by Beck's team in So Cal and the fit and finish even 30 years later is very solid. Doors don't drag, latches align, panels fit. The panel alignment is like new.Other Logistics Details:The car is available for shipment immediately following payment. It's in a secure garage in Boise, with fresh battery, ready for pickup or shipping, at the Buyer's Discretion.We do require the deposit to be paid within 48 hours of the auction closing and consider that Non-Refundable, due to the high time and cost of prep and listing on an exclusive basis here. The car is listed nowhere else and this is the sole site where you'll find it offered. Our intention is to sell the car to the winning bidder on EBAY and expect that win to be secured with the timely submission of deposit. This is, of course, fully refundable if as Seller we fail to perform or if there are material undisclosed defects in the car.Payment can be made via electronic payment, ACH, wire transfer or cash. Payment needs to be completed prior to shipment or delivery, if the Seller-Delivery Option is preferred.One additional service we can provide, since we have rally cars and parts coming and going to events and service locations frequently, is that we can deliver to any location in the Mountain or Pacific Time Zones SOUTH of the 44th parallel for a flat $1000 delivery fee. Portland/Eugene/Salem/VancouverWA area $1250. Seattle area, Olympia to Bellingham $1500.Delivery would be made in an enclosed trailer to a residential or commercial address, subject to mutual agreement on timing and travel schedules.Naturally, the buyer is encouraged to seek out other transportation options. We can assist with drop-off at any viable freight or auto transport handler within a 50 mile radius of ZIP 83702.This really is a great example of a 550 Spyder. We lavished a lot of attention on little upgrades like the interior map light, DOT lens upgrades and over-the-top cooling capacity for all fluids. We hate to see it go but we have a series of events to prep for this fall and winter, and other fun vintage cars to ready for good times. The car starts, shifts and drives like a new modern Subaru. It's ready to drive onto the transporter for more fun in the sun.As always, please send any questions you have via EBAY messaging and we will reply timely.Thanks for your interest in our BECK 550 Spyder