Porsche mulls update of James Dean's 550 Spyder
German luxury carmaker Porsche is mulling a reissue of the iconic 550 Spyder model owned by US actor James Dean, boss Matthias Müller told the business daily Handelsblatt on Thursday.
"I can well imagine that a modern version of James Dean's famous Porsche would please our clients," Müller said. "I am fascinated by the idea of reviving this technical legend."
The 550 Spyder was built between 1953 and 1957 and was the car Dean was driving at the time of his fatal crash in September 1955.
A remake, which Müller said could be the 551 Spyder might "not be a retro car, but a two-seater convertible would suit us nicely." But it would have to be priced to attract new customers, he added.
The least expensive Porsche at present, the Boxster, has a minimum price of €50,000 ($71,000) according to the company's website.
Long an exclusive auto for wealthy clients, Porsche is targeting annual sales of 200,000 vehicles by 2018, double the forecast for this year.
Müller said the automaker's budget for research and development would grow by 50 percent meanwhile, as Porsche sought to offer a total of seven models, compared with four at present.
AFP/mry
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"I can well imagine that a modern version of James Dean's famous Porsche would please our clients," Müller said. "I am fascinated by the idea of reviving this technical legend."
The 550 Spyder was built between 1953 and 1957 and was the car Dean was driving at the time of his fatal crash in September 1955.
A remake, which Müller said could be the 551 Spyder might "not be a retro car, but a two-seater convertible would suit us nicely." But it would have to be priced to attract new customers, he added.
The least expensive Porsche at present, the Boxster, has a minimum price of €50,000 ($71,000) according to the company's website.
Long an exclusive auto for wealthy clients, Porsche is targeting annual sales of 200,000 vehicles by 2018, double the forecast for this year.
Müller said the automaker's budget for research and development would grow by 50 percent meanwhile, as Porsche sought to offer a total of seven models, compared with four at present.
AFP/mry
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