By the time you option out a new one you're right around 30k. Beck, Intermeccanica and another California company make nice ones. You can find a nice, used Beck 550 in the $20-$25 range.

If i had to choose between those 2 replica cars....I'd choose a 1967 Shelby Eleanor replica from the newer Gone in 60 sec.

Hi,

Here is maybe the ultimate 550 Replica (For Sale): http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2441426

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

well that's what they were made fore eh? I mean who's going to drive a $1Million dollar rarity more than 50 feet?

So yeah if an enthusiast saw you sitting at a red light he'd figure you were either a insane billionaire or you were driving a replicar.

If I'm going that route I would go with the Ford the smaller one not the 427. Unless they make a speedster that doesn't sound like sputtering VW beetle.

theres nothing wrong with driving a replica

Intermeccanica 356 Replicas
 

I had an Intermeccanica 356 Convertible "D" Roadster replica for years. I recently sold it to my brother-in-law. Intermeccanica also makes a Speedster replica. They are, in my opinion, the best examples of any kind of replica out there, by far. The build quality is unbelievable. They are virtually indistinguishable from the real things unless you really know what to look for. And, they are faster, handle better, and much easier maintained than the originals. Even the various Porsche 356 Clubs are recognizing that the replicas have their place and are now being welcomed. I also built a Factory Five Cobra replica. Scary fast but definitely a kit car. I felt vulnerable in it like a motorcycle.

Here is some good info about a particular 550 Speedster:

Here is the car:

From the back:

Hi,

Great car! But it is one of the Factory (or Werks) Race cars with the 4-cam engine (100hp), the Racing windscreen and front-mounted Oil Cooler and Grille, not representative of all the spyders.

The road version was a 2-cam and produced 65hp. This is the type my friend owns, which is smack in the middle of the production run - #47 of 97.

Still, I'd prefer one of the factory cars, but I'd settle for either one... ;)

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

This car looks great:

Hi,

I love the Bathtubs! My Dad had a '55 Pre-A when I was little (sold it when I was 9). And, they're just staring to soar. Now's the time to invest in one.

If you did, I bet in 5 years you will have outperformed the Stock Market. But hurry, it may already be too late with a 356A going for $135k at Barrett-Jackson this past spring. But, you can still find good examples in the $35-$45k range and they'll rise with the tide. Kinda like all the Corvettes did a decade ago...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99