1969 TECHNIC 550 SPYDER

This Technic 550 Spyder is a wonderful tribute to the stunning and successful 1950s Porsche racing car, and is presented in sound mechanical condition with great provenance. It is powered by a 1.6-litre air-cooled flat-four engine, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates 9,774 miles, which it is believed to be the accurate figure since its conversion.

While a genuine Porsche 550 Spyder is a coveted collector car with a price tag well into the millions of pounds, this kit car is a charming and affordable evocation that is great fun to drive. The replica was conceived by Barrie Martin - now of Martin and Walker in Hampshire - and first appeared in the late 1980s. Around 150 examples are believed to have been supplied as kits or built as turn-key cars.

Based on air-cooled VW Beetle running gear, it has a tubular steel chassis and a fibreglass body shell. This particular example is believed to have been constructed in 1990, when a colour change was recorded from the original red colour of its 1969 Beetle donor to the current silver hue. There are four previous registered keepers on the log book, and for most of the last 20 years it has been in the family of Mark Sumpter of Paragon Porsche. Having spent most of the last decade in storage, the car was acquired by the seller last year, it has since been recommissioned and is now driving very well.

While the fibreglass bodywork means the shell is free of rust, the paint is described by the seller as being in poor condition - though many would say it has fantastic patina as a result. The silver finish has faded all around the body to produce a natural and weathered appearance. There are stress cracks in the paint on the rear section, scuffs in the paint over both rear arches, and some grazes on the lower half of the nose.

This is a faithful tribute with impressive attention to detail, including gold-coloured badges, twin grilles over the engine bay, single rear tail lights, and brown leather straps as additional fastenings for the rear clamshell. It rides on lightweight 15-inch wheels in the correct Spyder style, which have been refurbished and are in superb condition.

The interior is described as being in fair condition, though the black vinyl upholstery on the period-style bucket seats presents well. There are scuffs and marks on the chassis tubing and around the foot wells, and worn and missing carpeting in places. The seller notes that the door releases would benefit from some attention to ensure they are operating smoothly. Ahead of the driver is a smart wood-rimmed Mota-Lita steering wheel.

After being removed from storage in 2019, this 550 Spyder was put through a recommissioning process at McGurk Performance Cars in Warwick, which comprised replacement of the fuel tank, new fuel lines, an overhaul of the brakes, and a full engine service. The chassis was also given a rust protection treatment.

It was subsequently put through an MOT on 8 August 2019 at 9,765 miles, resulting in a clean pass with no advisories. The wheels are fitted with Continental CT22 tyres in size 165/80 R15 all round, which were fitted last year and remain in as-new condition.

This Technic 550 Spyder is a quick car with an impressive handling balance, which makes it great fun to drive. It is a faithful tribute to the famous historic racing cars, presented with natural patina, and is packed with character. Few other cars offer such pure, classic motoring, and this particular example is offered with a sensible reserve.