1957 Porsche 550A Spyder
Weighing just over 1,200 pounds (about 545 kg), this diminutive racer earned the nickname “Giant Killer” for its ability to outperform much larger competitors on race tracks worldwide.
The 550A represented Porsche’s evolution from the original 550 Spyder, debuting in late 1956 with significant improvements.
The sleek aluminum body was hand-beaten by Karosserie Wendler, featuring distinctive louvered access panels behind the doors that distinguished it from its predecessor. Small air intake ducts punctuated the nose, while most examples included a molded windshield and headrest fairing.
A full tube spaceframe replaced the heavier welded steel structure of the original 550, while a new low-pivot rear suspension made handling far more predictable.
Dr. Ernst Fuhrmann’s complex 1.5-liter four-cam boxer engine produced approximately 135 horsepower at 7,200 rpm, propelling the featherweight racer to nearly 150 mph.
Success came immediately with a class victory at the 1956 Nürburgring 1000 KM and Umberto Maglioli’s overall win at the 1956 Targa Florio. Only 40 examples were constructed by the German manufacturer. This particular example most recently sold for $4.9 million.
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