550 Spyder vs Boxster

[BrianF1960]

Hi Greg -

I had a Beck 550 Spyder for six months back in 2000. Just like yours, it had the tube frame, spartan interior with speedster type buckets, and a Jake Raby type IV in the tail - a 2270cc engine that made 153BHP at the rear wheels on the dyno and 150lb/ft of torque, and pushed the Spyder like a rocket! The car was very basic and fun to drive. The skinny tires really made it a handful at times, but the balanced chassis and four wheel discs did their best to keep the car on the road. I sold it after six months due to two factors - 1) it was a car suited to warmer weather and a longer driving season than we have in New England, and 2) I was just too tall for long comfortable drives - at 6'5" I could only get so comfortable by adjusting the seat and pedals as the cabin is only so big. The car cost me $22K new and I sold it for the same with just over 3000 miles after six months of driving fun. I bought a 98 Boxster to replace it and really enjoyed the Boxster more. I didn't miss the Spyder. It was a phase I went through. I bought a tube frame Speedster replica off eBay in March 2001 that was a bit more workable than the Spyder with a top and side curtains, but it still was a bit small for a guy my size. In 2003 I sold the Boxster and the Speedster and realized my dream of owning a 911 by purchasing a 2003 C2 Cab. The dream ended kind of quick as I traded it for a 2004 Audi A4 and a 2003 Boxster S in early fall 2003. What car do I miss the most? I miss the 98 Boxster. As much as the 2003 S is a better car in a lot of ways, it doesn't hold the place in my heart that the first Boxster did. I drove 38K miles - most with the top down and really loved the experience. So much so that the recent Boxster S purchase was a homecoming of sorts.

Good luck with your Boxster - I think it will find a place in your heart as you drive it more and get to know it better.

Brian