Who is considering a Beck 904?

[ljd-924SC]

I apologize for the OT question, but I would like to know how many air-cooled 911 owners/lovers are seriously considering the Beck 904 replica.

Keep in mind, these replicas will be powered by Porsche flat-6's, rather than the VW engines in the Beck Spyder. And for those of you who are not yet familiar with the car:



- it will be sold complete, sans engine and transmission
- curb weight under 1750 lb.
- fiberglass body ~ no rust!
- reinforced chassis
- 'modernized' suspension and brakes
- 8" front / 10" rear tires
- optional A/C
- target price ~ $50,000


More pics:904 Prototype Spy Shots

This prototype (also featured in 'Excellence' magazine) used a hot 3.2 (275 hp) mated to a 901 with LSD, yielding a weight/power ratio of 6.3 lb/hp!

It will be interesting to see how many 911 purists who are unhappy with the direction of new porsches and the M96 engine will buy this 'new' car that offers all the power and beauty of a 911, but in a mid-engine layout.

PS - I hear financing will be available.

[kach22i]

When they come out with a Spyder 904 or custom targa version I'd be drooling.

Will these cars have heat and A/C? The originals were hot boxes in the summer and had headers only I hear.

[jluetjen]

Put the suspension and drivetrain in a 906 body and I'll start saving my pennies and reconsidering my 911 race car project.

[TRE Cup]

the beck is on my wish list- having driven the prototype pictured above, i can tell you it will be one of the stable in the future. I can't say that i am unhappy with the new cars, but the beautiful lines of the 904 in street form at "everyday" pricing is exciting

btw- there will be room for a/c compressor/ system and heat

[dd74]

I've seen either this car or one very similar to it in action on a TRE New Year's Day Run about two years ago. It looked great in person. The craftsmanship was very nice. It's a no bs machine. At the time, it had a 3.6, and could absolutely cook! Overly agressive starts did make it a little squirly...

[Waz356]

Definately. Still one of the cleanest shape cars ever made. Any updates as to when they might be available?

[bell]

if you dropped a 6 liter in it it'd be a 906

[pwd72s]

At 6'3", and fat...I doubt I could fit. Decades ago, when I was a skinny 180, I tried to fit in a real 904...couldn't close the door, my knee was in the way. You're saying $50K for a kit car WITHOUT engine or transaxle? Hmmmm, that's getting kind of steep to pay for "image". I know that Beck makes top quality kit cars, but they are still kit cars. So, I wouldn't sell my real 911S in order to buy one....

[duffster]

most defiantly want one... after I'm bored of the RS Clone, ...if my spousal unit hasn't killed me and upholstered the couch with my hide by that point.

[no substitute]

I agree, kinda steep for a vehicle w/o engine and transmission. Totally cool though, one of the best shapes ever produced by FAPIII, or anyone else for that matter. Considering, yes? But a 993 or Boxster S is more likely.

[jpnovak]

I would love to have one but its out of my price range.

[Fishcop]

Will there be a right hand drive option?

[Waz356]

Will there be a right hand drive option?

We can only hope!! Otherwise there will have to be cheating to get a "new" car registered as LHD. I know of a Beck Spyder registered in Adelaide as a 1966 VW. Where there's a will there's a way.

[klaucke]

http://www.thunderranch.com/904.html

The Beck looks nice, way out of my price range though. 50k for a "kit" does seem expensive, although obviously a deal compared to a real 904. And if the build quality was high enough (i.e., doesn't look or feel like a "kit" car, instead has good fit and finish, not so spartan), I could see where it is worth it. I'd rather have a nice 904 w/ an aircooled flat-6 powerplant than a new Boxster (and I like Boxsters). It is quite a bit heavier than the original though.

I have to agree with John, though, a 906 would really get me drooling and counting change...

[hkspwrsche]

"When they come out with a Spyder 904 or custom targa version I'd be drooling" you need an elise- infact why is this kit car so much..?

[Waz356]

Another point to consider is a company in Melbourne, Australia are currently developing both 910 and 917 replicas. The company, Roaring Fourties, already make an excellent GT40 which they export to the US. Not sure what the price range is likley to be at this stage. Food for thought though. There is also another mob called Kraftwerk already making 917's in Australia.

[dd74]

If it's true the car doesn't come with an engine or transmission, $50K is a bit hard to accept. With an engine and transmission, it's a good deal.

Oh well...spend $15K more and get a real car: the Z06.

[rlh930]

Oh, NO, not another Z06 vs. Porsche thread Who will quit the forum THIS time?

[Fishcop]

Originally posted by Waz356
Another point to consider is a company in Melbourne, Australia are currently developing both 910 and 917 replicas. The company, Roaring Fourties, already make an excellent GT40 which they export to the US. Not sure what the price range is likley to be at this stage. Food for thought though. There is also another mob called Kraftwerk already making 917's in Australia.

Got any links for Kraftwerk? I tried the Roaring Forties website, but it's dedicated to their GT40.

Cheers

[ljd-924SC]

The cost concerns are valid. But consider the fact that the 904 was the last 'race' car that Porsche sold as a street car. Then, $50,000 isn't outrageous, especially considering the cost of a cup car or even a radical (neither of which you can enjoy on the street).

If this car is the track performer that Beck intends it to be, I think we'll see a lot of guys getting out of more expensive track toys and into 904's.

As an added bonus, the low weight of this car minimizes the wear and tear seen by heavier street cars at the track.

More importantly, there is a guy in town who owns one of the prototypes and is allowing me to come check it out later this week. if the owner allows, I'll post pictures for us all to drool over.