I think I just pooped my pants!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsche-550-LeMans-1956-Porsche-550-LeMans-Coupe-Historic-Recreation_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6058QQihZ017QQitemZ270201074174QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

It's BEAUTIFUL.....Just don't think I can fold my old bod into or out of it....

Yeah, that car is a killer. It was built as I understand it by Russ Rodriguez of Fibersteel. He can build complete cars but also offers many of the parts you see on this car. And yes getting in and out of it is nearly impossible unless you are an active member of Cirque du Soleil. Spyders are really bad for us old *$%^'s to get in and out of, make that really really bad. And that is without the top. When I first got conventional Spyder I ended up in the gym for some time just so I could effectively get in and out of my car....guess that is not all bad...I cannot even imagine getting in and out of this one gracefully....

But in any event, this car has been the subject of a lot of discussion on the "other" Spyder board. It has been for sale before and it is believed that AL wants something north of $80k for it.

But, what a car!

Super looking car !!! I thought my Spyder was the greatest thing since sliced bread ... when it was being backed out of the truck on delivery. Then I got into it! Wow, you don't get in and out you 'put it on and take it off'. Fun car but difficult to use for much other than parked at a show. Much like riding a go-cart but much, much faster. Now with a hard top on it ?? I would have to get a surgeon to remove 3 vertebrae! That is why it is now owned by someone else.

Happy Trails,
Dusty and the very amused Miss Sharon

Cory -

I know you've been jonesing for a one-off coupe like that 550. I've seen it at a couple of local events, most recently an all-Porsche swap meet in Costa Mesa, SoCal. I believe his reserve is >85K.

Just for another visual reference, here's a pic of that 550 at that event as well as another car I think you might like...

Jim....Would you know if the Abarth is original or repro.?

Jim, that other car is one of those Abarth cars that TC used to marvel about, yes? I like them, too. Kind of a 904 treatment to the nose, or maybe a little ancestral connection for the Cayman to reach back to. The back of the car screams cheese grater to me, but the rest of the lines are nice; Italian design touches, I'm pretty sure.
Either way, if Theron catches you putting up pictures like that, you'll be banned for posting porn. That being said, post as many as you can before he catches on!

Like Cory says, the new hardtop Cayman (which is gorgeous by the way) looks a lot like it. Automotive Legends really have their shit together on Spyder 550's.

Leon -

I didn't inspect the Abarth close enough to tell if it was 'real' or 'repro'. I did see that it did have a 4-cam carrera engine (and it sounded awesome when he pulled in the lot). A 4-cam in a repro would be a pretty pricey mod, kinda like a house that has been overbuilt/over-remodeled for the neighborhood.

Here's a few of my other favs from that Porsche gathering (also previously posted, but what the hell?).

Carumba/...what a ride!

Ooooo, I forgot all about the Martini racing colors. Hey Cory, look at Jim's suggestion!

Can't see it. But hey, lose the silly stripes over the top ...

A friend of mine raced a Fiat Abarth in SCCA events back in the 60's and 70's. I autocrossed it with him at Ft. Devens in Massachusetts in the early 70's, and got to drive it at Lime Rock in a qualifying event (that was enough for me!! Those small displacement class drivers are NUTS!)

Not only did the Abarths look fabulous, they went like the Hammers of Hell!! The Fiats were only 1500's, as I recall, but they just lit up and pulled away from everything in their class.

Great little cars........

While we are on the subject of 356's and Abarth Fiats...

Paul.....What did that Fiat have for an engine....I rebuilt an Aberth 747cc "600" , not 600D, based sedan, and it was pretty stout for 45 ci. But it probably never have run that good...I noticed the driver was having a good time keeping it in a straight line, I did too.

Thanks for the vidieo...

Both of the Abarths look familiar. I think the yellow one has run many times at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) at the last couple Gold Cup races, the white on also and at the Pittsburgh Vintage Gran Prix. Both are real agressive class act drivers that give a good show.

Dusty - "Much like riding a go-cart but much, much faster."

I beg to differ Dusty - my kart would kick that things ass up to 110mph!!!! Then it's got me.

Mickey - How's come you kart guys always wear snow mobile suits when you are racing? Does it have something to do with "Pooping in your pants" like Cory said in his opening thread?

Dave there are days I can fill my suit in 2-3 laps depending on how tight the field is!

Size XL is for endurance races then?

I luv the 550 look I think that would be the best choise for a gullwing concept that would help with gettin in and out of it.

Its also my first choise for a practical electric car conversion.. Small light and a 2 seater perfict for working commutes and erand runner.

I just wonder how long its' going to take before some one relizes the potenceil of it?

Barry -- funny you should ask. Check out:

http://www.renewables.com/ElectricSpyder.htm
and
http://www.ohler.com/ev/spyder/index.html

Electric conversion works pretty well with the 550 due to the space available in it and the weight.