Yep Ward, that's a Beck 550 Spyder, alright. The avatar is of one I saw done up in James Dean's No.130 "Little B*stard" livery a couple years ago. I had wanted a Spyder for years(a replica of course, as any of the 50 original 550s left in existence are pushin' a cool million bucks nowdays) and finally bought one a few months back. These cars are very close to the original Porsche specs, such as their mid-engine, tube chasis and body dimensions.
Though I really wanted one in a blue-silver color, I couldn't pass up this deal on this black one I got. Big ol' 2165cc CB VW motor sittin' right behind the cockpit puts out approx 160BHP at the rear wheels. This one also has 4 wheel disc brakes.
It's about as close to driving a "four-wheeled motorcycle" as you can get. It's a friggin' BLAST to drive!!!
Regarding your 2nd question, it's your choice in this matter, but the only reservation I've ever had regarding this is not some "heritage issue", but the idea that much of the "heavy industry" in the "First World" is being, or had already been outsourced to Second and Third World countries, which I believe is not looking "long term".
In Triumph's case, that least their main facility and their R&D Division is still where it's employing british subjects. I feel that's the silver lining here.
