Hedley Studios Launches 80% Scale Electric Porsche 550 J

The 550 J measures 2.9 meters long and 1.2 meters wide. It replaces the original car's 1.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with a 48-volt electric powertrain that produces 8 kW (11 hp) in standard form; the optional RS Pack raises output to 16 kW (21 hp). TechRadar said the standard car reaches a top speed of 40 mph, while RS Pack cars reach 50 mph.

Hedley Studios, formerly the Little Car Company, says it hand-builds electrified replicas of classic cars. For the 550 J, Porsche gave the team full access to its archives, allowing engineers to study original technical drawings and take a 3D scan of an original 550A when designing the chassis. The car uses carbon-fiber bodywork over a steel spaceframe, Brembo brakes borrowed from a Ducati Diavel motorcycle, bespoke 13-inch wheels, adjustable Bilstein coilover dampers and Continental tires also used by the Renault Twizy.

Inside, the 550 J uses a bespoke three-spoke, wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel and a period-correct three-dial instrument panel. Customers can trim the interior in materials of their choice, including tan or red leather, navy finishes and Pepita-inspired upholstery; the RS Pack switches to Alcantara. The steering wheel is removable, a small key doubles as the driving mode selector, and drivers can choose Normal, Sport and Sport+ modes. The reverse, neutral and drive toggle comes from a modern electric Porsche, while organ stops operate the lights and a race-inspired fly-off hydraulic handbrake prevents the car from rolling away.

TechRadar said the 550 J feels like a very small mid-engined sports car, with speed building swiftly to a reasonable 40 mph and no wild EV acceleration. The car's tight cabin encourages left-foot braking, and RS Pack cars can gently slide their rear end in tighter, faster turns. Ben Hedley told TechRadar that most owners of the original multimillion-dollar Porsche 550 Spyders had already been in contact to personalize their miniature cars, and that many of the company's creations are never driven, instead serving as display pieces beside art and collectible classic cars. He also said many customers have asked to have speed restrictions lifted.

The original 550 Spyder took a class win at Le Mans, dominated Italy's Targa Florio and became the last car James Dean drove. The 550 J is limited to 250 units and costs more than many adult-size Porsches, TechRadar reported.