The 550 Spyder
The Porsche 550 Spyder is recognized as Porsche’s first purpose-built competition model, a car that quickly became a legend in motorsport. With its simple yet effective tubular chassis, torsion-bar suspension, and a 1,500cc four-cam engine, later known as the Carrera, the 550 Spyder was built for speed and agility. The lightweight aluminum body contributed to its featherweight of just 550 kilograms (around 1,200 pounds), making it a force to be reckoned with in the under-1500cc class. By the end of 1954, the 550 Spyder had secured class victories at prestigious events such as Le Mans, the Mille Miglia, and the Carrera Panamericana, solidifying its reputation as one of the great sports cars of its era.
From 1953 to 1956, only 90 Wendler-bodied 550 Spyder customer cars were produced, each becoming a prized possession among enthusiasts and racing teams. One of the most notable early owners was John von Neumann, a pivotal figure in introducing Porsche to the West Coast of the United States.
Chassis Number 550-0089
Chassis 550-0089, the second-from-last production 550 Spyder, was specially built for John von Neumann with unique features such as a reinforced “high frame” chassis for added rigidity. This particular 550 Spyder also boasted additional cooling modifications, including a large oval chrome grille, scoop-style vents atop the engine bay, and louvered vents along the rear fenders.
Racing legend Richie Ginther first campaigned this car at Pomona in October 1956. Despite an early retirement due to a minor accident, the car returned to the track two weeks later, finishing 3rd overall at Palm Springs. Ginther continued to race the car, securing 4th in class at the Cotati Rose Festival in 1957. After von Neumann sold the car, it continued to achieve success under new ownership, including multiple class victories in various events.
Over the years, the car passed through several notable owners, including a complete restoration undertaken by Dutch Porsche collector Albert Westerman in the late 2000s. The restoration returned the car to its original racing configuration, including the distinctive bodywork and color scheme as raced by Ginther.
Today, this 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder, chassis 550-0089, retains its matching-numbers gearbox and a correct Type 547 Carrera 1500 engine rebuilt to original specifications. Documented with a FIVA Identity Card and a collection of historical references, it stands as a testament to Porsche’s early motorsport success and is eligible for high-profile events worldwide.
Price: $3,850,000 USD (Asking)
Source: rmsothebys.com
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