Porsche 550 RS Spyder

The Porsche 550 was a racing/sports car produced by Porsche from 1953-1956. The first three hand built prototypes came in a coupé with a removable hardtop. The first raced as a roadster at the Nurburgring Eifel Race in May 1953 winning its maiden race.

90 mid-engined Porsche 550s were produced, and it quickly established dominance in the 1.1 and 1.5 liter classes.

In its first version it made 108 hp at 6200 rpm and a maximum torque of 89 lb⋅ft at 5000 rpm.

The Type 550/550 A is powered by an all aluminium 1,498 cc (1.5 L; 91.4 cu in) naturally aspirated air-cooled 4 cylinder boxer engine known as the "Fuhrmann Engine." It uses double overhead camshafts on each cylinder bank, driven by vertical shafts, actuating 2 valves per cylinder. The engine is equipped with twin 2-barrel Solex PJJ Carburetors and dual ignition with two separate ignition manifolds and two ignition coils.

Perhaps the most famous Porsche 550 was James Dean's "Little Bastard", numbered 130 (VIN 550-0055). This photo was taken hours before Dean was killed in the car.

Of the 90 examples, 43 were built as non-race, customer cars. The first 550 had a fully synchronized 4-speed gearbox. Starting in 1956, a five-speed gearbox was used. The Porsche team raced the 550 with outstanding success. The car was known as the 'Giant Killer' for a reason. It took down the greats like Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar.

The 550 is among the most frequently reproduced classic automobiles.

In 2012 a 1955 Porsche 550/1500 RS Spyder sold for $3.685m at Amelia Island setting a new record price. Advertised as "one of the most genuine 550s in existence" at least two bidders agreed. Pre-auction estimate for the 550 Spyder was $2.2-$2.6m.

In Feb 2019 a 1956 Porsche 550 RS Spyder made €3 at RM Sotheby's