Car No. 316
2/2019
Motor: -
The Porsche 550 is a rare sportscar produced by Porsche during the years 1953 – 1956. It is rare because only 90 pcs. were produced. It is a mid-engined car with an air-cooled 4-cylinder 1498 CC called type 547 or known as the Fuhrmann engine. It was especially characterised by having 2 valves per cylinder, and it used dual overhead camshafts on each cylinder bank. The engine was equipped with 2-barrel Solex PJJ carburettors and with dual ignition. This engine construction produced 110 hp and 6.200 rpm, which really was a lot for such a small and light sports car. The engine was mounted as a mid-engined and as such it gave a more balanced weight distribution than the 356 model, where the engine was in the rear end. It was supplied with a 4-speed fully synchronised gearbox from the beginning, but in the 1956 models a new developed 5-speed gearbox was used
History
With the light weight of a body in aluminium and tubular chassis frame and a powerful engine this rare Spyder achieved great racing history with remarkable results. The Spyder model that was produced in a small quantity became legendary when the famous young actor James Dean bought the car in September 1955. After just nine days ownership of the car, he decided to go to the racing track, but unfortunately on his way there, on September 30th, 1955, he had a severe car accident resulting in his death – and a written-off Spyder.
Due to its fabulous construction and its famous history, it has become a very valuable Porsche. Very few 100% original are put up for sale and when they are prices are around 4-5 m USD in 2023.
In spite of its almost inestimable high value the 550 is among the most frequently reproduced classic automobiles worldwide. Most of the replica 550 Spyders are made in fibre glass panels on a simple rare tubular chassis frame.
