Porsche Vision Spyder respects its ancestry

Porsche continues to unveil its never-before-seen concept vehicles made and forgotten decades ago. Next in the line is the Vision Spyder, which harks back to the 550-1500 RS Spyder model that debuted at the 1953 Paris Motor Show.

The license plate that reads “Little Rebel” is a reference to the “Little Bastard” plate of James Dean’s 550 Spyder. Similarities with that car include the small windshield, the grille above the engine bay and the frugal interior design. Where the design study differs is the headlights: they are rectangular, while the 550-1500 RS has round ones. It also boasts purpose-built, unique wheels and anti-roll bar.

The car is essentially a life-sized mockup that the company finished a year ago. It remains speculative whether it has any kind of functional powertrain, but Porsche says it might be inclined to reuse some of its parts in future production cars.