Overview

The Porsche 550 was a racing legend made from 1953-1956. The 550 dominated the Nürburgring in May of 1953, and then quickly prepared to race again at Le Mans a month later, where it claimed 1st and 2nd in the class. The 1,500 CC Type 547 engine was designed by Dr Ernst Fuhrmann. The engine utilised a pair of twin-choke downdraft carburettors alongside dry-sump lubrication and twin ignition created 110bhp. Weighing 550kg, this Porsche was put on the podium at races all over the world.

In 1955, the 550 RS Spyder’s were available for customers to buy, with only 90 produced. The competitive nature of this car, alongside it’s great looks made it a very popular little Porsche.

How to spot

• Very small, low down windscreen (without any chrome trimming – watch out for replicas)
• No roof
• No head rest
• “Porsche” & “Spyder” decals in Gold

Specification

Capacity: 1498cc

Maximum Power: 110 PS @ 6200rpm

Maximum Torque: 121Nm @ 5000rpm

Brakes: 60-mm brake discs

Wheels & Tyres: Steel 15″ x 4.5″ rims  5.00 – 16

Length: 3700mm

Width: 1610mm

Weight: 550kg

Did you know?

James Dean owned and sadly died in his 550 Spyder. A single part of his car, the 4-speed transaxle, sold for $382,000 alone.