You know how smartphones have smaller models that are sometimes called “mini”? In the automotive world, cars also have mini versions. Though not common, they exist. One such example is the Hedley Studios x Porsche 550 J. The “J” stands for “Junior,” and yes, what a time to be alive for Richie Rich’s kids.
Hedley Studios—formerly The Little Car Company—is no stranger to pulling off “Honey, I shrunk the car” moments. It did so previously with Bugatti, Ferrari, Aston Martin, and even Tamiya. Yes. THE Tamiya.
The Hedley Studios x Porsche 550 J is an officially licensed reimagining of the Porsche 550 Spyder. It is exactly the Porsche 550 Spyder as fans remember it, but at 80% of the original’s size—and perhaps way shinier. It is also 100% electric.
The recreation goes beyond skin deep, though. The driving controls have been replicated, and the marque’s customary twin trailing-arm front suspension and swing-axle rear configuration have been scaled down and carried over, but with a modern twist. The handling now benefits from the involvement of Bilstein, Eibach, Brembo, and Continental.
It is powered by a mid-mounted 48-volt electric drivetrain that, in its base form, delivers 8 kW (11 hp) and reaches a top speed of up to 40 mph (65 km/h). It is paired with two compact 1.8 kWh lithium-ion batteries located behind the seats, offering up to 30 miles of range. It boasts functional lights, indicators, and gauges, Brembo disc brakes, and suspension developed with Bilstein and Eibach.
For the speed demons, there’s the RS Pack, which squeezes 16 kW (22 hp) out of the 48-volt motor, enabling it to reach a top speed of 50 mph (80 km/h). The RS Pack also benefits from two additional 1.8 kWh lithium-ion batteries, bringing the total to four and extending the range to up to 50 miles. This high-spec version further boasts drilled brake discs with sintered pads, painted Brembo calipers, adjustable Bilstein coilover dampers, and a Race-Tex-inspired interior.
At 80% scale, it measures a compact 2.9 m × 1.2 m × 0.8 m without looking like a kiddie ride. Just look at the finish and details, such as the bespoke chassis build plaque and coachbuilder badge, and you know the kiddo is getting into serious business from a young age—that’s if Dad isn’t already vying for the seat behind the wheel!
The car was developed using original archive drawings and scans of cars from the Porsche Corporate Archives in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. Handcrafted in the U.K., each model boasts over 1,300 meticulously crafted components and rocks a steel space-frame chassis and carbon-fiber body. Like a real car, it also offers extensive customization options.
The Porsche 550 Spyder’s mini-me is super lightweight, tipping the scales at just 330 kg for the base model and 350 kg for the one with the RS Pack. As for the price, I believe it is available on request.
Images: Porsche/Hedley Studios.
