The Porsche 550 was the brand’s first production racing car, designed to be both street legal and track-ready, allowing drivers to race and then drive it home. A unique engine, developed by Ernst Fuhrmann, powered the 550. This flat DOHC engine had four overhead camshafts, similar to the Porsche Type 360 Formula 1 design.
Despite having only four cylinders, it was highly complex and time-consuming to build. Unlike the standard 1500 cc engine in the 356, the Fuhrmann 1500 had no shared components and produced twice the power of the single-cam engine derived from pre-war Volkswagen designs.
In 1954, the 550 Spyder was upgraded with the Type 547 quad-cam engine, which was later used in the 550A and the 718 RSK Spyder. The 1.5-liter engine produced around 110 bhp, an impressive output for the time. The 550 Spyder’s aluminum body, welded to the ladder frame, added structural rigidity. It featured independent front suspension, rear swing-axle suspension, and drum brakes.
Weighing between 550 and 590 kg, it could reach speeds of 200 km/h (138 mph) and accelerate from 0-60 mph in 10 seconds. Dominating events like the Carrera Panamericana, Le Mans, Mille Miglia, and Targa Florio, the 550 Spyder became a legendary race car, and today is one of the most sought-after sports racers of its era.
Chassis number ‘0082’ is one of the last Porsche 550 RS Spyders produced, out of a total of 90. Ordered by Porsche’s Belgian distributor, D’Ieteren Frères, it was completed in March 1956 and delivered to Belgium’s national racing team, Équipe Nationale Belge, in their iconic yellow livery with a black interior.
In 1956, ‘0082’ competed in six races, securing multiple podium finishes, including 3rd place in its class at the 12 Hours of Reims and a class win at the 1,000 km of Paris. In 1957, it raced at notable events such as the Nürburgring 1,000 km and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of only ten 550 Spyders to compete in the prestigious race.
After its racing career, the car underwent several transformations, including being re-bodied as a coupé and fitted with a 2.0-litre Porsche Carrera engine. In the 1980s, the car was restored to its original Spyder configuration, with a new aluminum body and a correct Führmann-type engine. Now restored and well-documented, it is eligible for prestigious events like the Le Mans Classic and Mille Miglia Storica.
This 1956 Porsche 550 RS Spyder is going to hit the auction block at Bonhams Cars’ Zoute Sale next month. Expect to pay somewhere between $3,672,000 – $4,212,000 if you want to add this historic Porsche sports racer in your collection.
Source: Bonhams Cars
