Hedley Studios and Porsche launch 550 J, an 80% scale electrified replica of the Porsche 550 Spyder

A miniature electrified icon

Hedley Studios, formerly known as the Little Car Company, has unveiled the 550 J, an 80% scale electrified replica of the Porsche 550 Spyder. Developed in collaboration with Porsche, the vehicle is limited to 250 units and starts at £69,500. It is designed as a collectible rather than a practical, road-legal vehicle.

The 550 J measures 2.9 meters long and 1.2 meters wide. It features a 48-volt electric powertrain, delivering 8kW (11 hp) in its standard configuration and 16kW (21 hp) with the optional RS Pack. The replica is built with carbon-fiber bodywork, a steel spaceframe, and components sourced from automotive and motorcycle suppliers, including Brembo brakes from a Ducati Diavel and adjustable Bilstein coilover dampers.

Precision and personalization

Porsche granted Hedley Studios access to its archives, providing technical drawings and 3D scans of the original 550A to ensure accuracy. The replica’s interior can be customized with materials like Alcantara, leather, and Pepita-inspired upholstery, catering to collectors seeking bespoke details.

While the 550 J is not road-legal, Hedley Studios’ owner Ben Hedley noted interest from customers in lifting speed restrictions for potential one-make racing events. The vehicle is described as offering "healthy, analog driving fun," emphasizing its role as a homage to the original Porsche 550 Spyder’s racing heritage.

Hedley Studios’ niche in automotive replicas

Hedley Studios has built a reputation for creating high-end, electrified replicas of classic vehicles, including the Bentley Blower Junior and a miniature Aston Martin DB5 inspired by the James Bond films. These products target collectors and enthusiasts who value exclusivity and craftsmanship over practicality.

The collaboration with Porsche for the 550 J reflects a growing trend of partnerships between heritage automakers and niche manufacturers to revive iconic models in limited, collectible formats. Such ventures often leverage original design data and modern electric powertrains to bridge historical authenticity with contemporary technology.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

The launch of the 550 J underscores how heritage automakers are leveraging their archives and brand equity to attract niche markets. For founders, this signals opportunities in the luxury collectibles space—particularly for electric replicas—where exclusivity, personalization, and brand partnerships can command premium pricing. While the 550 J is not a mass-market product, its development highlights how startups can collaborate with established brands to create high-margin, low-volume offerings. The emphasis on electrification also aligns with broader industry shifts toward sustainable alternatives, even in segments traditionally dominated by combustion engines.

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