1979 TECHNIC 550 SPYDER

This Technic 550 Spyder is a marvellous tribute to Porsche’s renowned 1950s racing car, which is finished in a striking colour scheme and presented in smart overall condition. It is powered by a 1.5-litre Alfa Romeo flat-four, which drives the rear wheels via a manual transmission. The odometer displays 3,672 miles.

A distinctly more affordable alternative to a genuine Porsche 550 Spyder, Martin and Walker Technic replicas such as this were first conceived by Barrie Martin, with the first examples appearing in the late 1980s using old chassis.

In total, around 150 are believed to have been supplied in kit form or as turn-key builds, and are based on classic VW Beetle running gear with a tubular steel chassis and fibreglass body shell. While it is common for Technic’s 550 Spyder replicas to also make use of the Beetle’s engine and transmission, this example is fitted with the slightly more exotic 1.5-litre flat-four from an Alfa Romeo Alfasud.

The car was acquired by the seller in 2013, and it has since been brought out for warm summer drives around their local area; however, it is now reluctantly offered for sale as a result of its decreasing use since 2016.

Today, this Spyder’s fibreglass body presents in excellent, undamaged condition, and has recently been resprayed by Paint Shop Pros in a vibrant red hue with silver flashes. Overall, the finish is in great shape, though there are a few minor blemishes including chips, scratches and swirl marks. Stretching across the car’s haunches, the silver accents add an attractive touch, and the light lenses and twin grilles over the engine bay present well. It rides on an appropriate set of 15-inch wheels, which are finished in silver and are in good order, having been recently refurbished.

Moving inside, this kit-car’s cabin is spartan but functional. Both of the seats are clad in red leather and present well, with only minor creasing to the driver’s seat’s upholstery. Black carpet is fitted throughout and is described by the vendor as being in reasonable shape, though it would benefit from the addition of a finishing strip on the rear bulkhead. The transmission tunnel and inner sills are covered in chequer plate steel, while the gear knob is a fun miniature piston, and there is a smart wood-rimmed steering wheel installed. At present, the rev counter does not function, but all of the other buttons, switches and electrical items work as they should, and there are no warning lights displayed on the dashboard.

This 550 Spyder tribute’s most recent routine maintenance was carried out in 2019, when the spark plugs were replaced and the points were adjusted; and the same work was also carried out in 2015.

Its last MOT test was conducted on 23 July 2014 at an indicated 3,636 miles, which resulted in a clean, first-time pass. All four wheels are fitted with new Toyo 330 tyres in size 165/80 R15, which are in excellent condition.

This Spyder will be accompanied by its brochure sheets, hand-illustrated build drawings and typed build sheets.

Quick, agile and most importantly fun to drive, this Technic 550 Spyder is a charming tribute to the classic racer, and is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. While many collectors would jump at the chance to have an original 550 in their collection, this replica represents the opportunity to drive something which is nearly as beautiful, at a tiny fraction of the cost of the original, and without worrying about the odd blemish on its bodywork or paint.

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