Vehicle Details
- Year: 1955
- Make: Porsche
- Model: 550 Spyder Replica
- VIN: 002
- Mileage Shown: 400mi (TMU)
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Aluminum
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Hinsdale, IL 60521
- Lot #: V-0030125
Expertly crafted with inspiration drawn from the 550 Spyder and Walter Glöckler’s iconic Porsche specials, this Badel 480 Spyder was hand built by master artisan and metal worker Juan Badel in the Colombian countryside. Using traditional fabrication methods, this is one of very few built in total. In addition to the bare aluminum bodywork, it showcases several features including a 356GT mirror, Volkswagen headlights, 944 15” wheels, a quick-release steering wheel, and much more. This one-of-a-kind Badel Spyder is now being offered for auction by its seller out of Illinois.
The hand-molded body wears a bare aluminum finish and is mounted onto a tubular steel frame. The entire process takes place in-house using the same tools and machinery available to craftsmen of the 1950s. Details include a 550-style plastic windscreen, a 356GT-style rear view mirror, Volkswagen headlights, Porsche rear twin ventilation grilles, and 550-style taillights. A set of Porsche 944 15” unpainted space-saver wheels are wrapped in Toyo vintage-look high-profile tires. Detailed images are provided in the gallery.
Interior surfaces remain in bare aluminum, including formed seats that are equipped with a five-point harness for the driver and a four-point belt for the passenger. Controls include a wood-rimmed quick-release steering wheel, cable-operated remote shifter, and driver-side handbrake. The Motogadget tachometer includes speedometer and odometer functions as well as readouts for oil pressure, oil temperature, and voltage. The seller adds that custom leather seat inserts and Woodward adjustable pedals were recently installed by Design G Racing.
A mid-mounted Volkswagen 1,912cc dual-port flat-four engine sends power to the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual transaxle. The seller adds that the engine was rebuilt in April 2018 with new EMPI carburetors, an MSD ignition system, a remote oil filter, a fresh starter motor, and a custom two-into-one exhaust, and the transmission was refurbished by the previous owner to new short driveshafts with custom axle tubes. Additionally, the steel tubular frame uses the front axle beam from a 1954 Volkswagen Beetle and a rear floating system from a Formula Vee with a single adjustable Penske remote reservoir shock, and rack and pinion steering is featured along with a hydraulic clutch and brake pedal assembly. Stopping power is provided by discs up front and drums mounted on short axle tubes out back. Recent service is said to include a chassis alignment, along with items carried out by Design G Racing including fluids filled, bolts checked, a brake balance adjustment, stainless steel brake lines installed, and a dual master brake cylinder installed.
The seller would like you to know: “Rare opportunity to own a mechanically fresh and perfect condition Badel Spyder from a private and prominent collector. Driven 100 miles since complete refresh, stored in a climate-controlled environment since built. The car is completely stock with over $12k in recent improvements.”
Auction Results
- Sold for: $31,480
- Auction End: Jun 02, 2023 07:50:09PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 16
Comments (57)
Sold for $31,480
@wonk That’s it? 🙁
Bid in the amount of $31,480
Bid in the amount of $31,000
Bid in the amount of $30,480
Yawn.
Bid in the amount of $30,000
Bid in the amount of $29,480
Bid in the amount of $29,000
Bid in the amount of $28,480
Bid in the amount of $27,000
Bid in the amount of $26,480
Bid in the amount of $25,000
Bid in the amount of $24,480
Bid in the amount of $23,000
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
Bid in the amount of $22,730
Good morning PC Community - looking forward to an exciting finish to the auction and the car going to a new home. To answer some of the questions about driver height. PCM should be posting the pictures I submitted that show me (6'1") as reference for driver position and reach to the pedals. The pedals could be adjusted and while the seat is fixed - it too could be re-positioned. Either are good options.
@Doc18015 ... Thanks for the feedback. The seams could be removed but most who see the car like them as it adds to the patina and overall character and authenticity. Adding doors and a frunk are possible but not something that the owner or Juan (builder) would like to see done to the car. It is a special build that deliberately doesn’t have the feel of a fiberglass kit car but rather a hand built historic racer.
I have been following this as I believe the concept is great and spot on. The final product requires finishing to be of the significance that it should be. The welds are rough as are the corners, folds, etc. The lack of the front "frunk" , operating doors need to be cut in, up dated suspension, etc. This is my opinion if I were to purchase this auto....as is , it is useful and can be fun but cannot meet expectations of a really fine built replica. The seller can double the price seen here by some of these suggestions.... or more! Certainly, much more desirable than the fiberglass replicas and may also be quite difficult to make perfect or aluminum construction does show many small dents, etc.)
@ AirCooledLover / 6’4” is confirmed
What height driver will this accomodate?
#58 is one of several female end fasteners for a passenger side cover that is depicted in this picture … https://www.dropbox.com/s/1pq0afu3smrmzki/IMG_0138.JPG?dl=0
@Kjbcars is that a keyhole in image 58 that locks the rear section down to the front section?
Down to the last few hours … happy to answer any and all questions. The owner is looking forward to this rare Badel being passed on to the next care taker and enthusiastically owned as well. @jcgoodlett2 I uploaded over 20 photos as referenced below to PCM. Look for those to be posted soon. Nose to cockpit is 58” / 27” cockpit / 47” remaining to back. Gas tank is approx front to back 16” / width 14” / depth at driver 6” to front at 8”. Pictures not possible of the mounting screws of the mirror as they reside above the gas tank. Thanks.
Hello @jcgoodlett2 - love the passion. Happy to help with your questions. I've enlisted a friend to join me and help take the pictures.
1. Will provide pictures.
2. No
3. As with the mirror, I will capture the closeups of the mounting above and underneath.
4. Electric
5. Approximately 8 gallons.
6. Will provide pictures
7. I won't be able to remove the front clip tonight, however, pictures 111 - 115, 119, 120, 123, 124, 129 and 130 are excellent pictures representing the front half of the car with the shell removed.
Thanks and I'll be back on tonight with further answers.
Do so appreciate your replies @kjbcars and so you know this is from someone seriously considering this car against 2 other 550 replicas, you can check my IG (@jcgoodlett2) to see what I have in the stable and what i do with it...in kind, several more questions and requests:
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1.) this may seem an odd request, but we are planning a replica 550/Spyder/Specials rally event next year in the Appalachians and I need to understand driving position and how the ergometrics are in car if it is to be driven great distances at pace...thus can I also ask that you upload a foto or three shot from the right side of car, showing your 6'1" frame sitting in drivers seat, left hand on wheel at 9 oclock, right hand on gear shift at 1st and 3rd gears? Also need to understand how extended the legs are in normal driving mode?
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2.) Do the seats move forward or back?
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3.) Under the assumption I am going to replace the fly spec windshield with one closer to that of a 550 plexiglass windshield, can you tell me how the existing one is mounted?
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4.) Mechanical or electric fuel pump?
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5.) How many gallons does the fuel tank hold?
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6.) What are the dimensions of the fuel tank?
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7.) Having a hard time wrapping my head around the layout in the front half of the car under the shell...can you post a pic that shows from the fuel tank to the front of the car with shell off or hood open so I can have my mechanic understand who all of that is configured?
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Thanks for the further consideration in advance!
Hello @jcgoodlett2 - great questions...
1. Yes. This question was asked of the builder (Juan) and confirmed that the chassis was designed with this swap in mind.
2. I will get detailed pictures tonight and report back.
3. I'll take further measurements tonight and try to research against available 550 dimensions.
4. Stickers
5. I will take mounting pictures tonight.
6. 5 x 130mm. They are OE wheels as depicted in picture 46. Porsche OE number 951.362.131 that is also known as a 944 Turbo spare wheel.
7. I will take mounting pictures tonight.
Thanks for your patience on the to do items above.
@KJBcars several questions if I may
1.) If i rip that motor out, can I bolt up a 356C motor to it? Will carbs of a 356 fit under that tail section?
2.) How are those 4pt harness attached for the shoulder straps?
3.) Is the delta on length between this and the 550, from 9" taken out of the tail, or is the cockpit smaller front to back?
4.) Is that number painted or sticker?
5.) How is that center mirror stalks connected to the body?
6.) What are the wheel bolt spacings?
7.) How are those headlights anchored in place?
Thanks in advance!
The history of the car has it registered in the UK which requires MOT Certification and is an extensive process. This Badel passed the inspection and received MOT approval. Information on the MOT test can be found here ... https://www.gov.uk/getting-an-mot/the-mot-test
And the approval and certification of this Badel Spyder is here ... https://www.dropbox.com/s/u8s3ny98rx4yzw8/MOT%20Test%20Certificate%20a.jpg?dl=0
This is a far more involved undertaking that even California, USA requires.
Good Morning PCM- Here are the approximate measurements of the Badel...
Length = 132" (Porsche 550 = 141.7")
Width F/R = 60" (Porsche 550 = 65.4")
Height at highest point just behind the driver = 34" / 37" top of windscreen (Porsche 550 = 51.2")
Steering wheel bottom to back of seat = 17" / Top to back of seat = 20"
Brake pedal to back of seat = 48"
Opening for driver / passenger = 39" wide / 27" deep.
I am the driver in the videos and my height is 6'1". Thanks for everyones questions and enthusiasm about this rare and unique Badel Spyder.
@Manpot
The Michigan title is clear and in the owner's name as a 1954 Volkswagen. Model is blank and the body style is listed as Station Wagon.
How is this beauty registered? Very important if it ends up in California ( where it belongs!)
Correction... (the below link is not working)
This article is further information about the builder and includes details about this Badel being auctioned. Tim was the first owner.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/xrqv4vkkx1l4fhw/BADEL%20SPYDER%20copy.pdf?dl=0
This article is further information about the builder and includes details about this Badel being auctioned. Tim was the first owner.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vzlii1r0423kbdt/BADEL%20SPYDER.docx?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/pnt03l9fl28kb7m/This%20Aluminum%20Artisan%20Is%20Perfecting%20His%20Craft%20In%20Colombia%20%E2%80%A2%20Petrolicious.pdf?dl=0
The above is a link to an article about the builder.
@Somer - the block was replaced not repaired. The receipt / picture 141 reflects the expense. Thanks.
Happy Memorial Day All - thanks for looking and the kind comments. @Somer - I am 6'1" and the owner is 6'3" and the adjustments were made to accommodate him. It's not an S-Class by any means, but I think it will accommodate 6'4". I will take overall measurements tonight or tomorrow and will include pedal and steering wheel to seat back. The steering wheel is quick release to allow for easier entry / exit.
How tall is the driver ? I'm 6'4". I noticed some mods had been made to allow for more leg room. Also the cracked block was later removed/exchanged?
Beautiful car. I had no idea anyone was reproducing a vintage Porsche spyder in light alloy bodywork.
Bid in the amount of $22,480
Bid in the amount of $1,480
@chrissaari ah, I see in photos 1954 VW
I see the VIN 002, is it registered as a 1955 model year?
Thanks @Cbmcrudy for the question. I’m away from the car for the long weekend but will get overall measurements and report back.
How big is it compared to the real one?
Why buy a replicar when you can have this original beauty..love it ..
Bid in the amount of $480
Hello PCM Community - welcome to Badel Spyder. I'm excited to bring this unique and rare Spyder to market and am here to answer any questions or supply further pictures, details or videos of the car. Thanks for looking and enjoy the holiday weekend.
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.