Highlights
- Dimensionally accurate Banham 550 Spyder evocation
- Partially finished project with Skoda Estelle 120 running gear
- Interesting project where most of the work is already done
- Will require recommissioning and some mechanical work
The Appeal
Before James Dean immortalised his ‘Little B*****d’ 550 in 1955, the diminutive giant-slayer had already run rings around its rivals across the globe at the Nurburgring, Sebring, Le Mans, Carrera Panamerica and Targa Florio.
The tiny, 70bhp Spyder proved Ferdinand Porsche’s belief that to go faster you didn’t add power, you took away weight. Just 90 550 Spyders were factory built between 1953 and 1956 but their legend looms considerably larger than their production numbers.
One firm to capitalise on the legend was Banham, purveyors of convertible Ferraris and Aston Martins. Their dimensionally accurate kit used humble Skoda Estelle mechanicals, which provided a similar rear-engined and much the same performance.
This is one of those Banham kits, built on a 1988 Skoda 120 Estelle and in partially complete condition. It looks like most of the hard work has been done, offering the buyer the chance of an interesting project with a gorgeous sports car at the end of it.
The History and Paperwork
- Skoda Estelle donor vehicle first registered on 19th April 1988
- Eight owners from new
- Current owner since 25th January 2022
- DVLA records indicate a colour change on 8th July 1999 which may be when the kit work was done
- No MOT history which indicates it has been off the road for some time
- The vendor advises that it will require total recommissioning
- Starts and runs but we are told the mechanicals are worn
The Condition
- Well regarded Banham 550 kit finished in white
- Uses lightly modified Estelle semi-monocoque platform
- Built from unstressed fibreglass
- Paintwork in poor condition and will likely require a respray
- Appears to be mostly complete with some exterior trim missing
- Removable rear cover containing engine and luggage area
- Dashboard retains Skoda dials but otherwise is incomplete
- Single black bucket seat in poor condition
- Skoda alloys show tarnishing
- Three spoke wood-rimmed Porsche-bossed steering wheel
The Mechanics
- Uses the 1988 Skoda Estelle 120 running gear
- 1,174cc Skoda Estelle rear-mounted engine delivering 54bhp
- This is fairly close to the factory car’s 70bhp
- 5spd manual gearbox
- We are told that it starts and drives but runs poorly
- The vendor advises that the mechanicals appear worn
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