1972 Beck Chamonix 550 – Auction Car of the Week

Car & Classic really does run the gamut when it comes to the sheer breadth of vehicles that pass through the classifieds and auction listings. It’s one of the many facets that make us Europe’s No 1 classic and specialist vehicle website. Case in point is our latest pick for Auction Car of the Week: this 1972 Beck Chamonix 550. A replica it may be but this isn’t a Toyota MR2 masquerading as a Ferrari 355 that John has bolted together in his shed because he was bored during a global pandemic. Oh no. This bad boy is on the absolute opposite end of the imitation spectrum, on a whole other level, in a different league and on another planet. We think you get the idea. It’s special, to be more succinct.

For those that don’t know, acting legend and motorsport enthusiast James Dean very famously owned a Porsche 550 Spyder having traded in his previous 356 for something with a little more grunt that he could continue to race with. After his tragic death in 1955 at the wheel of said car the 550 Spyder (nicknamed ‘Little Bastard’) was instantly catapulted into the spotlight, gaining a notoriety and cult status that still pervades today and this accurate recreation of that iconic model retains everything that made it so special. And we’re not just talking about how the thing looks either. The way the car made people (including Dean) feel, the emotions it evoked upon its release have also been preserved with this faithful, modern facsimile.

Built by Beck – who specialise in authentid’50s Porsche replicas – this particular Chamonix started life in 2009, although it is registered as a ’72 model and therefore tax and MOT exempt. After the base car was passionately produced it was subsequently fully kitted out with pretty much every option available from American classic Porsche specialists Fibersteel, further adding to its appeal and authenticity. Fibersteel is renowned for developing and manufacturing after market parts for reproduction 550 Spyder, 356 Coupe and Speedster models and as such the car has been in good hands from the outset.

Looking at the pictures it’s difficult to take everything in in just one sitting. The attention to detail is staggering. From the racing colour scheme and period Porsche badges on the outside to the 550 style seats and switches and 356 gauges on the inside nothing has been overlooked here and the results speak for themselves. This is a truly breathtaking and authentic realisation of a classic 550 Spyder.

It’s the same story under the bonnet too. The fully rebuilt, four-cylinder engine has been increased in capacity to 1,915cc, flawlessly developing around 130bhp with a truly gorgeous exhaust note for company. The mechanical attention to detail is a thing to behold as well, with correct decals adorning all of the various parts and the mix of custom upgrades and period features make for a faithful but reliable example. Having been driven to its spiritual home in Le Mans without incident and waved into the pits whilst there is clear proof of this statement. With less than 5,000 miles on the clock and hardly any use since the rebuild this Beck Chamonix 550 is practically a brand new car.

We won’t go into full detail here, think of this as a teaser, an amuse bouche, if you will. For the full story head on over to the auction and have a read of the listing (as is to be expected it is brilliantly written) before bidding on this beautiful recreation of an iconic legend, because let’s face it, who doesn’t want to be as cool as Jimmy D thrashing around in a 550 Spyder? And at a fraction of the price of an original example to boot what’s stopping you?