HISTORY

The Evolution of the BECK® Spyder (1983 – Present)

Since its inception in 1983, the BECK® Spyder has undergone significant transformations, improving in design, engineering, and manufacturing techniques. Below is a breakdown of the Spyder’s production history across three generations.

Generation 1 (1983 – 1994)

Note: Overlap with Generation 2 from 1988 to 1994

• Manufactured in California, with approximately 90% sold as base body/chassis kits for DIY assembly.
• Early assembly was done by Chuck Beck before Randy Beck took over, allowing Chuck and Kevin Hines to establish manufacturing for the Gen 2 model in Brazil.
• Only about a dozen “turn-key” Spyders were assembled during this period.
• Features were highly customizable, with 16 optional items such as windshields, wheels, tires, lights, and exhaust systems.

Distinguishing Features of Generation 1:

• Lift-off front hood (no hinges)
• Universal marine flip-style gas cap (optional)
• Motorcycle-style turn signal and taillight lenses with custom alloy bezels (optional)
• Door hinges repurposed from Ford Pinto hood hinges
• Doors swung completely outside the body and did not stay open
• MGTD-style door latches mounted on the inner face of the door
• Flat rear firewall behind seats
• Optional battery box located at the rearmost frame rail
• VW-style bellhouse cradle engine mount

Generation 2 (1988 – 2015)

Manufactured initially in São Paulo, Brazil, and later in Jarinu, Brazil. In 2010, all paint and interior work transitioned to the Indiana-based factory while assembly was split between California and Texas facilities. By 2015, all paint, interior work, and assembly were completed in Indiana.

Key Improvements in Generation 2:

• Chassis paint upgraded to epoxy (previously powder-coated)
• Front hood hinge and prop rod added
• New gas filler cap design
• Optional top and side curtains introduced
• Steering column updated to Porsche 924 spline
• Factory-made wiring harness with glass fuses
• Rear seat recess added for improved legroom
• VW interior door handle added for clamshell release
• Stronger engine mounts
• Early models featured improved rod shifters; later models introduced cable shifters
• Modernized door hinges and integrated side door pockets
• Door check strap added to keep doors open (short run of hinges with internal springs instead)
• VW box-style door latch and striker added
• Interior door pull cable introduced (later replaced with optional inner door handles)
• Brazilian-sourced conical taillights with amber front and red rear (original-style lights became an option in later years)
• Standardized battery tray box near the rear passenger-side firewall
• Extruded aluminum windshield frame with top latch hardware
• Turn signal switch updated mid-production (early models had brass horn button on dash and single-arm turn signal with dimmer button on stalk)
• VDO (Brazil) gauges standardized with KPH speedometer (later discontinued, leading to multiple gauge manufacturers in late Gen 2 production)
• Emergency brake located deep between seats with Beetle-style handle

Generation 3 (2015 – Present) 

Manufactured entirely in Indiana, Generation 3 retains all the refinements of Generation 2 while incorporating modern enhancements.

Key Enhancements in Generation 3:

• Front beam upgraded to Airkewld brand with Porsche 356-style adjusters and Delrin inserts
• Factory Subaru prep option added
• Gas cap updated to original size and style
• Pedals upgraded to Wilwood standalone brake and clutch, throttle pedal changed to early 911 style, and hydraulic clutch standardized
• Cable shifter upgraded to PBS style unit with a redesigned nosecone mount (best Spyder shifter to date)
• Elevated e-brake for easier use, with the original style still available
• Standardized four-wheel disc brakes
• Master cylinder switched to a U.S.-available version, with the pedal board moved rearward 3/8″ for better ergonomics
• Standardized wide-five wheel/brake package
• Original-style oil cooler grill included
• Self-holding rear prop rod added
• Chassis painting switched back to powder-coating
• Lower windshield track seal introduced
• Interior door cable removed, with an improved release mechanism (optional handle still available)
• German wool restoration-grade carpet
• Standardized Cocomat floor mats
• Leather upgraded to Katzkin
• Original-style turn signals and taillights made standard
• Revised clamshell shape with a lower fender profile, refined wheel well shape, and flat rear smile (original Beck tall-fender clamshell still available upon request)
• Clamshell release upgraded to billet aluminum while maintaining the same location
• VDO (India) gauges standardized again, featuring a digital odometer and GPS speedometer, with additional indicator symbols (battery, oil, park) per VDO requirements