By Dean Larson

Photos: Seller, Craigslist

The pool of Porsche replicas on the market today is large and diverse with offerings to suit most any Porsche persuasion. One of the most unique and standout models however, comes from a familiar name — Beck.

You’re unlikely to see an original 904 Carrera GTS in most any setting thanks to its small 100-car production run to satisfy homologation requirements for the FIA’s Group 3 GT category. These cars surface rarely at the world’s most prestigious auctions and sell for more than $1.5 million dollars.

Those drawn to the Carrera’s sleek shape and mechanical excellence can find a bit of solace in the replica market, but the 904 is still no easy catch. In addition to some early offerings for an Toyota MR-2 donor, Thunder Ranch had been offering a solid 904 replica for a while, but we haven’t seen one surface anytime recently. Building on a reputation for excellence in 356 and 550 replicas, Beck debuted it’s much anticipated 904 model years back. Talk to the firm’s owner Chuck Beck, and he’ll tell you it’s his favorite Porsche design, and it’s not hard to see why.

Like the originals, Beck’s 904 is built on a semi-monocoque chassis with a lightweight fiberglass body. Under the rear hatch, Beck’s 904 utilizes an air-cooled, 3.6-liter flat-six pulled from a 911. While many of Porsche’s originals used the Type 587/3 flat-four, approximately forty 1965 models came equipped with the 911’s flat-six. Beck’s 904 produces around 250 hp compared to the original 904/6’s 164 hp.

The finished Beck 904 boasts some impressive static and performance numbers. With improvements to the chassis, suspension and brakes, the car comes in 300 pounds heavier at 1,720 pounds (curb weight), still a bona fide lightweight by today’s standards. An independent tester recorded a 0-to-60 mph time of just 3.6 seconds, which hang with super cars several times the cost.

While most Porsche race cars (and likely all 904 replicas for that matter) were painted silver, Germany’s national racing color, this Beck 904 is finished in a striking Basalt Black Metallic making it quite unique.

See the seller’s ad here on Craigslist.