1955 Porsche 550 Spyder (by Wendler) – Sold for $4mil+
The 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder was Porsche’s first purpose-built racing car design, unveiled at the 1953 Paris Salon. Despite its racing pedigree, this small sports car came with full road equipment including lights, a top, and sufficient durability for rally competition.
At its heart was the Type 547 engine, designed by Ernst Fuhrmann. This 1,498cc flat-four featured four overhead camshafts, twin-plug ignition, and produced 110bhp at 7,800rpm. The car’s ladder frame was constructed from welded steel tubes, strengthened by its aluminum body panels which created a semi-monocoque structure.
Weighing just 1,213-1,301lbs (550-590kg), the 550 Spyder achieved remarkable performance; 0-60mph in under 10 seconds and a top speed around 137mph, extraordinary figures for a 1.5-liter engine in the early 1950s. Its independent suspension and precise handling earned praise from drivers like Richie Ginther who noted: “When you went into a corner, you’d predict an arc, and the car would carry through on the arc you predicted.”
The 550 Spyder built Porsche’s competition reputation with class victories at Le Mans, the Mille Miglia, and the Carrera PanAmericana.
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