HISTORY

Produced from 1983 to 1994 **note there is Gen 1 and Gen 2 overlap between 1988 and 1994 

Body and chassis produced in CA 

Estimated 90% sold as base body/chassis “kit” and completed by DIY.   Chuck only did hands on assembly for the first few years and then Randy Beck took over assembly while Chuck and Kevin (Hines) setup manufacturing and tooled the Gen 2 car in Brazil.  Randy estimates that he only build a dozen “turn key” Spyders during this time.  

Not many features were “standardized” and alot was left up to the end user 

Could be ordered with no holes cut or a pre-cut standard hole cutting package available. Overall there were 16 optional items available with your kit, from windshield, wheels, tires, lights, exhaust, to name a few.  

Distinguishing features of Gen 1 

-lift off front hood (no hinges) 

-universal marine flip style gas cap (available but not included) 

-early turn signal and taillights were motorcycle lenses with custom spun alloy bezels (available but not included) 

-door hinges were modified Ford Pinto hood hinges 

-door swings completely outside of the body and do not stay open 

-door latches were mounted to the inner face of the door, MGTD parts 

-flat rear firewall (behind seats) 

-battery box optional but located at the rearmost frame rail 

-engine mount VW style bellhouse cradle 

Produced from 1988-2015 first in Sao Paulo, Brazil, later in Jarinu, Brazil 

note: from 2010 to 2015 all paint and interior was moved to Indiana facility.  Assembly early was split between CA and TX facilities, later all moved to Indiana  

-chassis paint switched to epoxy (former powdercoat) 

-added front hood hinge and prop rod 

-new style gas filler cap (better but not accurate) 

-added top and side curtains 

-steering column changed to 924 spline 

-factory made (still primitive) wiring harness with glass fuses 

-recess behind seats for added leg room 

-vw interior door handle added for clamshell release, between seats 

-engine  mounts updated/stronger 

improved rod shifter (early) and then cable shifter (later) 

-modernized door hinges and added an A side door pocket, doors now open into the body cavity  

-added door check strap to hold door open 

(short run with hinges that had an internal spring in place of a check strap) 

-door latch and striker changed to VW box style 

-interior door pull cable added, later optional inner door handles available 

-taillights were a Brazilian sourced conical light, amber in front and red in rear.  original style lights were an added option in later years 

-standardized battery tray box in the rear passenger side near firewall 

-extruded aluminum windshield frame with top latch hardware 

-extruded and formed lower windshield track 

-turn signal switch update mid production to 3 arm with horn isolation, early had brass horn button on dash and single turn signal arm with dimmer button on end of stalk 

-VDO (Brazil) gauges standardized, KPH speedo.  VDO discontinued these in late Gen 2 production, various manufacturers used for a few years 

-ebrake was beetle handle deep between seats 

2015-present 

Manufactured fully in Indiana factory 

retains all of the Gen 2 features with the added changes/specs 

-front beam changed to Airkewld brand with improved Porsche 356 style adjusters and Delrin inserts 

-option added for factory Subaru prep 

-gas cap updated to original size and style 

-pedals updated to Wilwood standalone for brake and clutch, throttle pedal changed to early 911, hydraulic clutch standardized 

-cable shifter updated to PBS style unit with new style nosecone mount (best 550 shifter ever FYI) 

-e-brake elevated for ease of use, original style also available 

-4 wheel disc brakes standardized 

-master cylinder changed to US available version, pedal board moved rearward 3/8” to accommodate 

-wide five wheel/brake package standardized 

-original style oil cooler grill standardized 

-self holding rear prop rod standardized 

-chassis painting switched back to powdercoat 

-lower windshield track seal added 

-interior door cable discontinued and release mechanism improved, handle still available also 

-carpet improved to German Wool restoration  

-Cocomat floor mats standard 

-leather upgraded to Katzkin 

-original turn and taillights standard 

-revised clamshell shape with lower fender profile, defined wheel well profile, flat smile in rear.  original Beck tall fender clamshell still available on request 

-clamshell release changed to billet aluminum, same location 

-VDO gauges (India) standard again, digital odometer and GPS speedo.  also various symbols added to gauge face (batt, oil, park) as required by VDO