Porsche 550 Spyder Recreation

This is a hand-built recreation of the Porsche 550 Spyder, one of just three alloy-bodied examples from Paul Foreman's 'Outlaw 718' workshop. A tubular chassis carries aluminium bodywork made by Ashley & James using an English wheel and a wooden buck.

Power comes from a rebuilt Porsche 914 engine, bored out from 1.7 to 2.1 litres. It breathes through twin Dellorto carburettors, has been converted to upright cooling, and drives the rear wheels through a 914 side-shift five-speed manual. Power is put at roughly 130 hp for about 650 kg. The dealer is candid that it is loud, cramped and raw.

It is finished in French blue with Wendler-style teardrop details and Sonauto dealer badges, a nod to the customer 550 RS Spyders delivered new to France in 1955. It is UK registered with a 550-style plate, shows 345 miles, and comes with a colour-matched Pacto Carrera helmet.