The Wingho Spexter: The Real Flying Bullet
Serena Aburahma
· 4 min read
Some
luxury cars
were beloved from their first releases, and that includes several retro Porsche models. Everyone remembers the sporty Carrera 911 RS as one of the best cars the 90s had to offer. Even the newest models, like the all-electric Taycan, are already well on their way to legendary status.Back in the 80s, the automaker even inspired many aspiring engineers to make their own Porsche-inspired creations. One of these was the Wingho Spexter, a car that could easily be mistaken for a flashy Porsche 911. What's the history behind this interesting car, and what made it so special?
The history of the Wingho Spexter
Hagerty
says that the Wingho Spexter first made its public appearance on a 1988 issue of Motor Trend magazine. The headline suggested that the car may have been made by Porsche, leading many to believe it was the next-gen 911. In reality, the Wingho Spexter was actually a one-off car commissioned by Clyde Kwok.Kwok got the idea after he saw the Elf, a body kit designed to look like the Honda Accord with some roadster elements. This kit was made by Spex Design, founded by Kell Warshaw and Paul Deutschman. Kwok told Deutschman that he wanted a modern version of the 356 Speedster, only with a tubular body style and no roof.
Deutschman got to work, drawing out a body concept that was inspired by the Porsche 911 Targa. The Wingho Spexter got the same tinted headlight covers and rounded front fenders. Deutschman blended simplistic elements from the 356 Speedster, going as far as removing the A-pillars completely.
The small interior is also free from cosmetic trappings, and it can only seat two passengers. All it has is three switches, a shifter, and the same gauge cluster layout as the Speedster. Kwok owned a business called Wingho Auto Classique, so the finished product was known as the Wingho Spexter.
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How much power does it have?
MORE: The Best Convertible Supercars: A Ride Unlike Any Other
The Wingho Spexter has the same engine as the Porsche 911 Carrera Targa. It's a 3.2-liter flat-six unit capable of 207 horsepower, with an advertised 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds. That was already impressive in the late 80s, but real-world testing from
Car and Driver
proved that it was much quicker.It's paired with a five-speed manual transmission. The engine is activated with a push-button start, making it even more advanced for the time. No door handles mar the exterior of this speeding bullet, so you get in by using a solenoid-controlled latch.
Did Porsche copy the Wingo Spexter?
MORE: The Classic 1965 Porsche 911: A Car Enthusiast's Dream
Only months after Kwok commissioned the Wingho Spexter, Porsche would reveal a new 911 Speedster concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Upon a visit to Porsche's design studio after the Spexter was built, Deutschman claimed that Porsche had definitely taken notice. Porsche would go on to reveal the Boxster five years later, a namesake eerily similar to the Spexter.
While the Boxster concept had some fundamental design differences, it had the same color and basic shape as the Spexter. We can't really call Porsche a copycat, especially when the Spexter was based on two Porsche models. Plus, there are no hard feelings: Deutschman was honored by the possible connection between the Spexster and the next game-changing Porsche car.
Can you get auto insurance for one-off cars?
No matter how limited a vehicle might be, it needs insurance if you want to drive it on the road! However, classic cars often need specific coverage plans due to their considerable value. The Wingho Spexter would probably also be considered a luxury car due to its Porsche-like nature.
You might associate those distinctions with higher insurance rates, but that's definitely not always the case! Sign up with
Jerry
to see how easy (and affordable!) it is to find the best auto insurance for the rarest cars.
