Vehicle Details
- Year: 1992
- Make: ASBE
- Model: Spyder
- VIN: CA589990
- Mileage: 6,157
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Silver Metallic
- Seller: DCSebald
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Gardnerville, NV 89410
- Lot #: V-0007045
Up for auction is this professionally built Beck 550 Spyder replica. After selling his genuine 1956 Porsche 550 Rennsport Spyder, renowned Porsche technician Fred Sebald set out to create this faithful reproduction of his beloved 550RS in 1991. Built using a fiberglass Beck body, this replica is powered by a genuine air-cooled 1600cc engine sourced from a Porsche 356C. With over $4k in recent service to bring the car up to excellent driving standards, this remarkable 550 Spyder replica is now being offered out of the original owner’s estate in Nevada.
Finished in Silver Metallic upon its initial build in 1991, the paint on this Spyder is said to be in excellent condition with only minor road-going wear (detailed images are provided in the photo gallery). The fiberglass bodywork is noted to be in great shape and the front air dam insert has been cut-out for improved cooling. This 550 rides on period-style wheels with older tires, although an extra set of chrome wheels will accompany the sale as well. Competition headlight covers are also included along with a retractable soft top and removable plexiglass side curtains.
The cabin is noted to be in good overall condition with all gauges and accessories remaining fully functional, although the seller has reported intermittent issues with the speedometer. Floormats have been added along with a cassette radio and speakers which are currently mounted loosely in the footwells. Highlights include period-correct instrumentation, a wood-rimmed Porsche steering wheel, and vintage-style bucket seats in beige leather. The seller reports that some genuine 550 Spyder parts may have been installed under Fred Sebald's ownership.
This 550 is equipped with a 1600cc air-cooled engine sourced from a 1964 Porsche 356C. The rear wheels are driven by way of a Volkswagen 4-speed manual transmission. Dual Zenith NDIX carburetors have been installed along with a custom-fabricated exhaust, and the seller reports that the cam has been likely upgraded as well. Images of the drivetrain stampings are provided in the photo gallery. Over $4k was recently invested in this 550 which included the restoration of the gas tank, fuel system, the rebuilding of the carburetors, rebuilt braking system, and a rebuilt master cylinder. Service invoices are included and this Spyder is said to be in strong running order.
This sale will include an extra set of chrome wheels, Competition headlight covers, documentation from Beck, historical records, a cloth top with plexiglass side windows, 1 key, and a car cover. If you have always admired Porsche's iconic 550 Spyder, this professionally built replica is not to be missed.
Auction Results
- Highest Bid: $34,500
- Auction End: Nov 19, 2020 08:45:21PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 27
Comments (49)
Bid in the amount of $34,500
Bid in the amount of $34,250
Bid in the amount of $33,750
Bid in the amount of $33,500
Bid in the amount of $32,500
Bid in the amount of $32,000
Bid in the amount of $31,000
Bid in the amount of $30,550
Bid in the amount of $30,250
Bid in the amount of $29,250
Bid in the amount of $28,550
Bid in the amount of $27,550
Bid in the amount of $27,000
Bid in the amount of $26,000
Just a reminder that this car has a REAL Porsche 356 engine. No other Beck’s replica in recent selling history has one! This car is special!
Bid in the amount of $25,550
Bid in the amount of $24,000
Bid in the amount of $23,000
Hi, It’s the final hours of bidding! Want to clarify a few facts. The Make on the Nevada title -1992 ASVE Spyder. Nevada Registration -1992 PORS Spyder. The original title was California, registered and licensed in California 1992-2004. Then registered and licensed in Nevada 2004-.
Thanks for your interest and appreciation! Keep bidding!
Bid in the amount of $21,000
Bid in the amount of $20,000
Bid in the amount of $18,000
Bid in the amount of $15,000
Bid in the amount of $11,000
Bid in the amount of $10,500
@DCSebald Sounds like he was in the thick of the West Coast Sports Car scene. Chuck Porter ran a modfied 1955 Mecedes-Benz 300 SLS. Porsche dealer Jack Mcaffe and Ferrar dealer/racer John von Neumann were in that area, as was Dean Jeffries and George Barris. I think Ken Miles was from around there too.
@VintageRennsport You may enjoy reading the June 1971 Road and Track article mentioned in the link below Bonham’s Auctions - https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/23595/lot/140/.
@VintageRennsport Fred specialized in Aluminum Body and Fender repair and Painting. He started in the early
1950’s working for Chuck Porter and his race team. He worked in the pits in those early days to keep the race cars on the track. Opened a shop on Hollywood Blvd, then moved to Brand Blvd in Glendale. Ferrari, Maserati, Mercedes, Porsche dealerships counted on Fred to prep their
cars for premier shows. A true craftsman.
It says that Mr. Sebald was a Porsche Technician. Did he have a shop?
@VintageRennsport Yes. I have the paperwork from the instrument co that serviced these 356 gauges before they were installed. Odometer was set to zero.
@VintageRennsport Gardnerville is in Northern Nevada, south of Carson City and east of Lake Tahoe.
The car only has 6157 miles on it? Is that true?
Bid in the amount of $10,000
Bid in the amount of $8,500
@Robschumacher Hi! Keep watching! Keep bidding!
@Magnumsilva Hi, Thanks for your question!
The Nevada Registration states -1992 PORS SPYDER
The Nevada Title states- 1992 ASVE SPYDER
I submitted a bid so I could follow the car. Understand the reserve is much higher.
Bid in the amount of $8,000
Can you add a picture of the title? Than you. Rob schumacher
Hi,
Could you please comment on how the car is registered? Is it named as a Porsche, kit car?
Reason I ask is that I am interested on bidding but I Live in Toronto and Canadian Customs can get picky about a car that is registered as a kit car etc. Thank you.
Where is Gardnerville, NV? Is it near Las Vegas?
@VintageRennsport yes it was!
Is this the one that sold at the Bonham's auction for 6 million? https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/23595/lot/140/
@SCale Fred was the third owner of the #90. Sold it. Eventually it was sold in 2016 at Goodwood Revival sale in Sussex. #90 is now back in the states. Fred missed that car so much, he built this Vintage Becks 550 tribute car!
@VintageRennsport this is my grandpa’s car. He owned #90. It was shown at Peterson’s museum in LA last year. https://rennlist.com/articles/porsches-from-the-petersen-1956-porsche-550-1500-rs-spyder/ Here’s a look at his old RS 550. Still has the license plates he got and everything!
It says your father owned a real 550 RS. Which one was it and what happened to it?
Let's get this party started, shall we?
Bid in the amount of $7,500
Hi, I’m Debra and I’m selling my Vintage Becks 550 Spyder #214. My Dad built it with great affection for Porsche cars. I welcome your conversation and questions about the car this week. Should be exciting for all!