Vintage Spyder Reviews

Hi everyone, I'm looking for a magazine test or other review on Vintage Spyder's 550. I've read the Motor Trend and Car and Driver tests on the Beck 550, but have seen nothing on the Vintage. Can anyone direct me to a review? Thank you!

Tom,

Kit Car Mag. did a drive test on a Vintage in July 2004 (not sure which issue it came out in), and was referred to in the May 2006 Issue (p.45) in comparison to Thunder Ranch's RSK.

Overall though, realize that, like the original Spyders, each replica is very unique. . . performance numbers for one will have little correlation to another (even within the same manufacturer). Differences in powerplant, tranny, suspension, etc. will all impact performance of each and Vintage is known for its quality one-off's and custom builds.

The benefits and limitations of these machines are their light weight (it doesn't take much for them to get goin, but if they get goin too fast, they will fly. . . literally). Also, due to their small size, it is challenging and sometimes impossible to get larger displacement engines in them (which isn't an issue since these larger engines actually detract from their performance).

Hope this helps.

Thank you Lance,
Your point that the cars are custom built, and performance will vary considerably from car to car is well taken. I'm trying to get a feel for the build quality and handling characteristics of the two cars: the ladder frame verses the spaceframe, and rear suspension configurations in particular. -Tom

And my Suby powered from vintage is for sale!

Generally speaking, the Vintage with the coil/over swing arm tends to handle a little better than a Beck/TR with VW torsion bars. The coil over shocks can be tuned to your driving style and tend not to go into positive camber as easy as a torsion bar car. Both can be make to handle well but you're still dealing with 50+ year old engineering. As far as fit and finish, the Vintage beats Beck. A properly built TR by Tom, has equal fit and finish as a Vintage.

The Vintage frame seems to be a bit more rigid and this is a good thing for handling.

I've driven both cars, owned a Beck and without a doubt, stock vs stock, the Vintage rides and handles better than a Beck.

I hope this helps!!!!

by the way, either car is fun to drive