who is who?

Does anyone know exactly who runs Vintage Spyders? I own a VS Speedster and Kirk made it very clear that Vintage Spyders was not affiliated with him. Also, who is in charge of Beck Spyders? Who did Chuck sell out to, and are they still the same quality?
I absolutley love my Speedster and am itching to build a spyder now, I just want to get my companies straight. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank's -Wil
2002 VS Speedster

Not sure about Beck, but I can give you some background on Vintage Spyders. Vintage Spyders is run by a chap named Greg. Many years ago Greg worked for Kirk (Vintage Speedsters). Kirk sold Vintage Spyders to Greg and has had nothing to do with it since. The confusion comes not only from the name, but up until this summer both operations were side by side in a conjoined building. Kirk has no affiliation, say, ownership etc. of Vintage Spyders and Vice-Versa. As far as I know Kirk has no interest in building Spyders and Greg has no interest in building speedsters. The two cars are very different in driving, performance and usability.

-=theron

Being that I've just entered the market Importing the McRae Spyder from New Zealand, I have done considerable research into who's who and how is in charge so to speak. Theron covered the Vintage question very well and accurately.

Lets see how well I do The Beck Spyder. Chuck Beck Motorsports or a nice chap Glen Garrette(SP?)of Hill Country Motorsports of Wimberly, Texas is marketing the Beck 550 Spyder. I'm not too sure what Chucks role is or will be, but I think he'll be there to help out when needed and it sounds like some new products will be in the line soon. The product quality should remain the same overall, it is still being made in Brazil.

You are correct about Glenn Garret owning the company. There still is some family ownership. Randy Beck still does the motor assembly and they are moving manufacturing back to California from Texas. They tried for a while in Texas, but since most of the parts come from out in CA they moved the production back to CA. The motors come from CB Performance a VW Buggy house, expansive catalog of components I might add. I've had a Beck on order and visited the new place in Baldwin Park, CA. I should get it in the next couple of weeks.
I believe they are still the "volume" manufacture of spyders and I agree that the tube frame is more true the the original, but does limit the engine type. They claim to put out about 9 units per month!
The Frame, body and seats come from Brazil. Everything else is installed by Beck Motor Sports.
I hope this helps. I will display pictures soon!
Rick