Vintech's stunning modern-day Porsche 550

Modern-day versions of classic Porsches have been done before, but pictured alongside is one of the most tantalising creations we’ve laid eyes on.

You’re looking at the Vintech P550 Tribute, which as the name suggests, is a contemporary take on the Porsche 550 that James Dean helped immortalise by tragically losing his life in one (a silver Spyder variant nicknamed “Little Bastard”).

Due to be unveiled as part of this week’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the French-built retro masterpiece is cloaked in a full carbonfibre body, beneath which lurks a modern chassis and a 3.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine.

The engine reportedly puts out between 190 and 200kW, channelled to the rear wheels by a five-speed manual transmission. Although the power output might sound modest by today’s standards, it assumes greater significance when you factor in a kerb weight below the 1000kg mark.

The accompanying images suggest the P550 Tribute has remained relatively true to the spirit of the original (built from 1953-56), although there are some notable departures – such as the Mercedes 300SL-style gullwing doors.

Based on what we see here, we’re giving the P550 Tribute the thumbs-up, even though there’s as yet no word on build volumes or pricing for the retro coupe. In fact, for now there’s not even confirmation that this is anything more than a show car, so we’ll await more details from the August 17 unveiling.

As for who the creators are, it’s a French concern known as Group 3D, which specialises in 3D modelling and automotive design.

The project was driven by the shareholders’ love for the 1953 Porsche 550, leading to the creation of “a coherent stylistic reinterpretation, realised with the best materials and the best technology of the 21st century”.

According to the company: “Obviously, we did not intend to simply fabricate a replica of the original Porsche 550 coupe design.

“What we wanted to do was to keep as much of the character of the original vehicle while accepting to make the indispensable compromises in order to fabricate a completely functional vehicle that could be used according to more modern standards.”

At face value, it looks like they’ve succeeded...

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