What 550 kit is this?

[RustyCarrs]

Hello all, this is my first post. Im in the market for a 550 replica. I found one but wanted
to run it past the experts to see what you guys think. Anyone know who made this kit?

[RustyCarrs]

few more pics..i noticed the rear wheel arches look odd and it sits quite higher than most 550 replicas ive seen.
any input would be great. Thanks!

[TSchommer]

I would guess a very early Beck. It’s tough to tell, but I think the rear wheel arches look so high because the car in general looks like it’s riding at least 2” too high. I’m sure others have, but I have never seen a mid-engine Spyder replica with a single carb setup.

[Larry Jowdy]

It seems to me that the engine in that car is either a 1300 or 1500 cc.

VW, if memory serves me correctly went to a dual port intake manifold in 1971. If the car is "really" reasonably priced then think about a new engine with dual carburetors and displacement over 2,000 cc's. With the current engine, the car will go but it won't be as fun as it would be with a high performance engine. With a new engine consider a new exhaust system as well.

[RustyCarrs]

thanks for the input guys, ill try to get more info from the seller.

[DessauSpeed]

This is a CMI. It used to belong to a buddy of mine in Georgia. He drove it around for 20 years without a windshield or interior and rattle can camo paint. It had a 356 motor in it then. The seller here has finished the car I guess. Interesting ride height.

[EEricson]

rare find.

[RustyCarrs]

thanks guys, im going to try to purchase the car, stay tuned.

[DessauSpeed]

I don't know it would be possible, but I would recommend driving a Beck as well as this car, before you buy it. Nothing against this car or CMI bodied cars, but the driving experience between the two is very different. I’ll agree with most folks and say that the CMI is the superior car when it comes to accuracy of shape and looks, but it’s quite a bit smaller. For instance, I’m 6ft tall, and door top in my Beck was about 3in below my shoulder. In the CMI it was like 5 or 6. Does not sound like much, but you really get the effect of being ON the car instead of being IN in it. I’ve been in a real Spyder, and it felt the same. I am a believer in making a replica as true to the real expierence, but I found my Beck to be overall more comfortable and more of a pleasure to drive.

All that being said, with a little work, this could be a really cool car, and you’d have a pretty prestigious 550 replica. ( At least among the 550 replica crowd, to everyone else it’s just another “kit”)

Good luck either way!

[EEricson]

There is a Dr. out in California currently re-doing a CMI with the Rusty Tubs "clam correction" and just about every other detail you could think of. His will be the ultimate 'glass 550 replica, bested only by The Spyder Factory and other hi-buck tributes. But I agree with DessauSpeed: at some point practicality intrudes. The Beck cars are not all that big either!

[RustyCarrs]

After some researching, i dont think i will be buying this car, Im a big guy so i need a bigger car, and
I would want more power. The car is on ebay, and or Fast Lane Classic Cars. Thought i would pass it on if anyone is looking.
Thanks for all your input, im still in the hunt.

[Larry Jowdy]

I don't know what your budget is but here's an absolutely great car and it has a Type 1 engine built by FAT Performance. (great Calif. engine builder)

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=16911

[EEricson]

That Vintage looks like it's priced right.

[RustyCarrs]

Thanks! Very nice