Behold the 550 Spyder Replica: A Nod to James Dean’s Iconic Ride
If you’re a fan of vintage icons and the motoring legends of yore, this one’s for you. Enter the 550 Spyder replica—a rolling homage to James Dean’s infamous “Little Bastard.” Crafted with a fiberglass body perched on the trusty bones of a 1967 Volkswagen Beetle, this roadster channels the spirit of the mid-century maverick.
Under the sleek, silver exterior, a feisty air-cooled 1,915cc flat-four engine purrs contentedly, all hooked up to a smooth four-speed manual transaxle. Cloaked in sophisticated silver, complemented by rich black leather upholstery, this beauty rides on 15″ wide-five steel wheels, complete with four-wheel disc brakes for stopping power as serious as its looks.
Style and Spec Sheet
- Silver finish over black leather upholstery
- 15″ wide-five steel wheels
- Four-wheel disc brakes
- Dual carburetors
- Fender-mounted side mirror
- Black soft top
- Banjo-style steering wheel
Originally picked up by its current guardian in 2025, this replica comes with a fresh service record and a squeaky-clean Florida title, calling it a 1967 Volkswagen. Talk about a blast from the past!
Body and Soul
Now, let’s talk bodywork. Dipped in silver with cheeky red fender darts and ominous black racing numbers, it’s a scene straight out of a classic film. Like its muse, James Dean’s “Little Bastard,” it flaunts a fender-mounted mirror, a removable black soft top, and twin engine grilles, not to mention the gold Porsche and Spyder badging that seals the deal.
For the meticulous types, there’s even a narrated video detailing every little paint blemish and exterior condition quirk you might want to know about. Because if you’re going vintage, you want the full picture, right?
Wheels and Stopping
Rolling in on 15-inch wide-five steel wheels, this vehicle is paired with 165/80 Classic All Season tires. Don’t worry about halting this dynamo abruptly—it’s equipped with trusty four-wheel disc brakes.
Inside the Cabin
Slide into the cockpit and get cozy in black leather bucket seats. But it’s not just a seductive seating arrangement; the interior flaunts a windshield-mounted rearview mirror, chic black carpeting, and interior panels that match the body color. It’s a vintage dream manifest in modern comfort.
Ah, and the pièce de résistance—a banjo-style steering wheel standing before a 200-km/h speedometer and a 6k-rpm tachometer, with additional gauges to keep tabs on oil temperature and fuel level. Interesting tidbit: The odometer reading shows roughly 11,000 kilometers—equating to around 7,000 miles, presumably the distance she’s traveled since her makeover.
Under the Hood
Under the hood, this replica’s robustness is attributed to the air-cooled 1,915cc flat-four engine. It got its beauty treatment in January 2025 with a brand-new ignition coil, points, along with a shiny new distributor cap and rotor. All those under-the-hood wonders assist in churning out power to those rear wheels through a trusty four-speed manual transaxle.
And if you’re curious about the condition beneath—rest assured, you can inspect additional shots of the underbelly for peace of mind.
Authenticity and Title
Equipped with the identity of a 1967 Volkswagen, this Spyder tips its hat to the analog days with VIN 117651488. Whether you’re perusing her data plate or eyeing a chassis stamping, it all checks out.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of James Dean or simply someone who appreciates the charm of a beautifully crafted roadster, this 550 Spyder replica is a charming trip down memory lane—a true testament to automotive nostalgia.