Porsche 550 Spyder (1954–1957)
One of the few surviving original examples was auctioned by Bonhams for GBP 4.6 million—almost €5.5 million.
No other manufacturer achieved the same level of success as Porsche with its race-spec road car. At the start of production in 1954, the Porsche 550 Spyder cost 24,600 DM; today, it is worth several million. It was designed as a mid-engined roadster by VW dealer W. Glöckler and his operations manager, H. Ramelow. The Type 550 became famous and was the preferred marque of James Dean and Steve McQueen, as well as legendary racing driver Hans Herrmann, who competed in successful races such as the Carrera Panamericana, the Mille Miglia, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It featured the Fuhrmann Type 547 engine (an air-cooled, four-cylinder boxer engine with a vertical shaft drive), delivering 110 hp and a top speed of 240 km/h. Today, a Fuhrmann engine alone costs around €360,000.
The vehicle shown is visually identical to the original. It is a replica built by Chamonix (associated with the VW plant in Brazil). Both originals and replicas were primarily built for the US market; this particular 550 Spyder also originated in America. Non-original Chamonix components have been replaced with genuine Porsche parts sourced from the USA. The vehicle's underbody—featuring a full-surface frame—and parts of the interior are made of aluminum. The engine mounts were reinforced to accommodate the installed 1984 Porsche racing engine (No. 2002). An oil cooler and additional intake fans were fitted, along with a fire-resistant engine bulkhead. Technical specifications: 145 hp, displacement 1,925 cc, max. engine speed 5,800 rpm, continuous engine speed 3,800 rpm. Carburetors: 44 IDF; camshaft: 3-point, 320 degrees; bore: 91 mm; stroke: 74 mm; compression ratio: 9.8:1; fuel: Super Plus (98–102 octane). Multigrade oil 20W-50 or 15W-40 (no fully synthetic oil). Oil filter: Golf 1 or 2. Brakes: front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Tires: 195/60 R15.
Exhaust system: matches original 550 4-into-2-into-1 configuration. Ignition system equipped with a rev limiter. Both doors reinforced with side-impact protection. Aluminum underbody paneling features air vents.Interior Aluminum and genuine leather. Silver metallic color. Weight 580 kg. Length 3.70 m – width 1.61 m – height 1.19 m.
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