Should I buy a 1997 Beck or a 2002 Vintage?

1.I will be buying a 550 spyder this week. Based on all your professional opinions, which "turn key" car looks more like an original 550"?(inside and out); and which make is better built and a better value?

2. Is a 1997 built Beck 550 spyder better than a 2003 built Beck 550 Spyder? (Since in 1997, the Beck spyders were all built in California and now they are built in South America)

I'd see what's in them and the respective prices. You'll probably what to end up doing something different to both so maybe choose the best combination of motor and fewest parts to replace.

Probably overall there's not too much difference.

For quite some time, Beck has been built in South America, nothing has changed. If you want a US built Beck, get a Thunder Ranch 550, actually Thunder Ranch is the only manufacturer that is US built, others are either partially or fully built outside the US.

As far as which one best resembles an original, it would be the Beck.

The Vintage has unique advantages that the Beck does not have and so does Thunder Ranch. I believe a prospective buyer should check out all (3) manufacturers check what they have to offer and then make your decision.

No matter which one you buy, I'm sure that you will put your own emphasis on the car, therefore making it "one of a kind."

Guido -
John McNulty writes that

Well excuse me Joe, I really didn't realize that Vintage now molds their own bodies, last time I saw a bunch coming from Mexico, (not too long ago), they were headed for Vintage. I did realize that Greg finally had the frames made in USA rather than Ensenada, Mexico BC, unlike the ones on (our) Vintages. So with Vintage Joe's revelation, we now know that TR and Vintage(Frames and Bodies) are US Built. But like I said before, the Beck resembles the original more that the Vintage does due to the rear suspension and frame. All Beck TR and Vintage are good vehicles, like recommended, check out all three, you won't be sorry.

I thought from Guido's posted question that he was asking about buying a used 550 replica, either a 1997 Beck or a 2002 Vintage. The answers given seemed to be if he were ordering a new car from Beck or Vintage.

Actually John the Vintage frames use to be built in Arizona, USA not Ensenada, Mexico BC. If you knew half as must as you claim to know you would realize that for at least the last two years Vintage has manufactured their frames in house. But then again why let facts get in your way John, you have always taken every opportunity bash Vintage under your own name or any number of aliases, like everyone

The facts are Joe, I truly love my Vintage. I don't take every opportunity to "bash" Vintage. There must be some part of your (small) mind that makes you think this way.
When I purchased my Vintage, Greg Leach, the person who owns (Vintage Spyders) explained to me that the frames and bodies were made in Mexico. I do know that the frames have been made by Greg for some time now and not made in BC, quite possibly the frames were made in Arizona prior to being made in Greg's shop, actually who cares. Since firerglass bodies of Spyders and Speedsters are seen on Hwy 5 heading
North to the LA area, it doesn't take much imagination to figure out where they are going. Actually Joe, your attitude on these posts only only detract a prospectilve buyer from dealing with Greg and Vintage.

That

Joe, your turning full circle. My first post in this thread stated that Beck was Brazil made, TR is US made and the other(Vintage)was a combination. Anybody with a little grey matter between their ears(except you Joe) knows that gages, and accessories are foreign made, after all we are dealing with mostly VW items.
Anyway Joe, thanks for the small credit you gave me, however, I still can't give you credit for your lack of grammar/spelling skills since you never seem to improve.

Ok, stop! "ding-ding back to your corners"
I'm not sure why it matters but, the Made in USA standard is well documented.

www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/madeusa.htm
According the FTC standard, it is clear, if the bodies are made in Mexico or Brazil, the cars can only be label "Assembled in USA". The bodies make up a significant portion of the car.

If the cars perhaps only have guages made in another country then they could be called Made in USA under the following guideline.

=SNIP=
"What is the standard for a product to be called Made in USA without qualification?

For a product to be called Made in USA, or claimed to be of domestic origin without qualifications or limits on the claim, the product must be "all or virtually all" made in the U.S.

What does "all or virtually all" mean?

"All or virtually all" means that all significant parts and processing that go into the product must be of U.S. origin. That is, the product should contain no

Sorry Theron!

I think one answer to the original question is YES - buy either one and you will be happy.

Mike

Hi Guys. I bought a Vintage 1957 Porsche 550 Spyder (built by Vintage in 2002)from Classic Showcase. The car is being shipped to me this week. What a great Christmas gift for myself. Thankyou all for your opinions. Having checked out both Vintage and Beck Spyders, I preferred the Vintage. I will post pictures of my new Spyder soon and register myself as a new owner. Thanks for all your input!!!!!

Hey Old#3, I'm sure glad that you remember my name, don't get me wrong, we all enjoy your "Expert Opinions" as they are always entertaining.

Theron

Guido,

Welcome aboard! I'm sure you will love your new toy. I own a 2003 Beck and still can't wipe the silly grin off my face when cruising!

Aloha,
Ken

Thanks KFG. Good luck with your Spyder too. Hawaii is a beautiful place to have one of these incredible cars.

Hi Ken. These are the pictures of my Vintage 550 spyder.