One-Off 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder Custom by Darrell Zipp
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1955
- Make: Porsche
- Model: 550 Spyder Replica
- VIN: MA34033
- Mileage Shown: 2,562
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Silver
- Seller: Boston911
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Westwood, MA 02090
- Lot #: V-0011761
We are pleased to offer this custom 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder-style replica. Handcrafted by renowned coachbuilder Darrell Zipp, this 550 replica incorporates the front end of a Porsche 914 with a custom fabricated tubular steel frame, custom bodywork, Porsche disc brakes, a 901 5-speed manual gearbox, and a Porsche 914 1.9L flat-four motor rebuilt by Allen Johnsen Racing Engines. The car weighs in at approximately 1,600 lbs. while generating a claimed output of over 120 HP. Acquired by the second and current owner about 7 years ago, this one-of-a-kind 550 Spyder custom is now being offered for auction out of Massachusetts with just over 2,500 miles showing on the odometer.
Inspired by the original 550 Spyder, the fiberglass body panels were hand-shaped and customized for a more modern and unique appearance. The builder, Darrell Zipp, boasts over 40 years of experience and is known for creating Dave Emory's 1932 Ford "Revolver" which was the recipient of the Ridler Award, Boise Award, and title of America’s Most Beautiful Roadster. The bodywork on this 550 is finished in Silver and features double fairings over the rear section, air intakes on top of the rear fenders, and air scoops on each rocker panel to feed the oil coolers. A removable top is included consisting of an aluminum frame covered with Hartz Stayfast canvas upholstery. The top is said to weigh approximately 20 lbs. and can be easily removed or installed within two minutes using four bolts. This Spyder rides on custom 16" chrome ventilated wheels dressed in BF Goodrich Touring T/A tires.
The minimalist righthand-drive cockpit is appointed with grey Ultrasuede bucket seats, a custom dashboard, removable three-spoke racing steering wheel, Haneline instrumentation, and suicide-style doors with internal handles. A RaceQuip driver’s safety harness is installed along with a passenger lap belt, chrome roll hoops, and a fire extinguisher mounted on the chassis support between the seats. All the gauges are said to be fully functional, and there is no radio or electric windshield wiper. A manual windshield wiper is said to be included, although the car is reported to have never been driven in the rain.
Power comes from an air-cooled Porsche 914 1.9L flat-four engine which was completely rebuilt by Allen Johnson Racing Engines. It features stainless steel 40/34mm valves, moly retainers, 911 cups, dual valve springs, Keith Black 96mm pistons, 24mm pins, dual Weber 40mm downdraft carburetors, electronic ignition, an electric fuel pump, three oil coolers, and a custom made dual-fan shroud. The rear wheels are driven through a 5-speed Porsche 901 manual gearbox. The front end and steering box were derived from a Porsche 914, while the custom rear end is fully adjustable with double trailing arms. Porsche disc brakes are also equipped along with a Wilwood brake and clutch master cylinder. Routine fluid and filter services have been observed and there are no outstanding maintenance items reported at this time.
This sale will include a clean Massachusetts title for a 1973 custom vehicle. Unlike any other 550 Spyder replica on the road, this incredibly unique Darrell Zipp custom is ready to be enjoyed by a new owner.
Auction Results
- Sold for: $40,000
- Auction End: Aug 02, 2021 07:46:24PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 22
Comments (49)
Sold for $40,000
Bid in the amount of $40,000
that is a beautiful car
Bid in the amount of $39,550
Bid in the amount of $38,750
Bid in the amount of $38,250
Bid in the amount of $38,000
Bid in the amount of $37,250
Bid in the amount of $37,000
Bid in the amount of $36,100
Bid in the amount of $35,750
Bid in the amount of $35,500
Bid in the amount of $35,000
Bid in the amount of $34,000
Bid in the amount of $33,750
Bid in the amount of $33,500
One hour to go everyone!!! You will not be disappointed by this gorgeous high performance machine. I took it out Saturday and it drove perfectly. Needs nothing. It's ready to go. BTW, also includes a custom car cover, H3 Fire Extinguisher, CTEK Batter Charger, and Ram Mount phone mount.
@MAC4Cars Quick measurements are approximately 150 inches long by 64 inches high by about 40 inches tall (ground to top of windshield)
@MAC4Cars I will go measure the car. There are three pedals :-)
Bid in the amount of $33,000
Extremely nice car, what are the dimensions of the car? Also, this might be a really stupid question, but I only see two pedals - is the rod the gas?
Bid in the amount of $32,500
Additional content has been added to the listing page.
Bid in the amount of $32,000
Bid in the amount of $31,000
@NoSweatRacing thanks for the comments and questions. Take a look at the article at the end of the photos. That describes pretty well what Daryl put into the car. The underneath is fully covered and don’t have a lift to get it up and remove. Always happy to show in person. Thanks again. Pcar should be posting videos that I sent yesterday morning.
I would like some underneath photos. Ths steering box and tie rods sure look like a VW Beetle. A Porsche 914 uses a MacPherson strut front suspension along with a rack and pinion steering.
Even some photos of the front brakes with the wheels off, that way we would know of the wheels bolt pattern.
I also looks that this is a fiberglass body on a VW Beetle floorpan. At least the front half. The underneath photos will help any buyer know what they are buying.
Good luck on the sale it's a cool car, unusual as right hand drive with left hand shift.
@jallgood1225 some additional photos and videos should be posted by pcar shortly. Thanks for patience.
@americanworkmule some photos and videos should be paired by pcar shortly. Thanks for patience.
@americanworkmule absolutely. I will take pix in morning. It attaches with four Allen bolts and top snaps to windshield. It is absolutely fine at highway speeds but admittedly I love driving the car with the top off. ?
@Boston911 (seller) is there any chance to see the frame of the top in better detail?
How is it attached to the car?
Is it safe at highway speed? Thank you
@jallgood1225 video posted yesterday of start and idle and walk around. Also added a few pics of engine bay. Will make every attempt to get a driving video tomorrow morning assuming weather cooperates. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks!
A new video has been added to the listing page.
Bid in the amount of $30,000
@jallgood1225 thanks for the comment. video of car starting and running was taken last night and should be posted today. Will not have a chance to drive until Friday unfortunately. Work always gets in the way of the fun stuff. That said it’s powerful, shifts smooth and is a blast to drive.
Must see comprehensive video of this car running and being driven.
If looking solid I’ll fly in with my mechanic for a PPI.
Then I can offer a serious bid.
James A
Bid in the amount of $5,000
Bid in the amount of $1,957
Cool car with some really well done details, namely that fan shroud, the lock wired steering wheel and the top snaps! The ad states it has 914 front end but it sure looks like beetle suspension and steering!
@Clint930 sure thing. Will post some pictures and try and get a video tonight. It had been raining so couldn’t get the video yesterday.
Having owned both a Beck 550 Spyder and a 914, I am very intrigued by this beautiful car. Great design! I have driven many miles in the UK, Ireland and Australia, so RHD is not an issue for me. Anxious to see the videos. Can you also provide photos of the rear deck in the open position.
Bid in the amount of $1,000
@Terra ha! I hear ya Terra. What I can say is that if you haven’t tried right hand drive it’s honestly quite simple and take about a minute to get used to it. Shift pattern the same. Pedals the same. Just left hand versus right. I learned to drive a manual in my mid 30s. (In late 40s now) and my second manual car was right hand drive.
In terms of videos I will work to get some of startup and running. Hoped to do tonight but a thunderstorm rolled in and this baby doesn’t get wet (or at least won’t with me). Stay tuned
The car looks great though I'm not sure personally about the right hand drive. Teaching an old dog new tricks isn't without a challenge. Can you post some videos, driving, start up, etc.? Would love to see how it drives.
@leftlane excellent question. This car has a much larger cabin space than a normal 550 or other replicas. I am 6’4” and 215lbs and I have plenty of room with and without the top on. And thanks for the garage/car selection compliment!
@JMS935 great question. Builders choice I guess :-). But truth is the builder was hoping to move to New Zealand and take this car with him. He never did. I will tell you it’s a blast to drive right hand and easy.
Quick question, I own and drive prosche due to I fit which I cant say for many sport cars. With this build what size is the driver space, the sizes of a 914 due to its front section or has it been reduce? I see in the photo you behine the wheel you seem to fit at the right height (head at the correct level of the roll bar) how tall are you? BTW -- GREAT garage and car selcetions.
Very cool build! Why is it right hand drive though if it was built in the US?
Hey everyone! Thanks for looking at this beautiful one of a kind Porsche. It’s amazing in every way, from the looks to the drive and not another one like it in the world. It’s hard for me to let go but time to swap out some of the collection. Feel free to ask any questions you have and I will answer them quickly and to the best of my ability.