Spyder 550 550A

[Type550]

Steve always said - 'show me the glove box of 550-05 when it was in Europe' and he would believe me. Well, here is the photo with Auguste Veuillet and 550-05 with Sonauto plates on the car in Europe with the glove box, after it came back from South America.

The pendulum swings again...

[356]

Oh my god Andrew what a photo of vindication this one is. It is too bad that Steve isn't here to see it and respond as I would love to have heard his thoughts on this. Yet another great example of sleuthing on your part. Wonderful job!
~Vance

[JG]

[Type550]

Thanks Vance,

It is good to get a confirmed outcome which has bugged me for years. I never really thought it was 550-07 for the European races as there wasn't enough evidence. Now with 550-05 found and ready to be restored, at least it now has its correct provenance

[Type550]

Here is 550-05 after an accident. Still trying to confirm which race but believe it happened during practice. You can also see that it has a pushrod engine, not the original quadcam. It also shows the Sonauto licence plate.

[Phil Planck]

From Sept. 2016 Road & Track. Was torn where to post this(tools?), as was surprised to see them actually using the what I assume is stock tool kit. Hope R&T doesn't get mad.





Phil

[356]

Try it again, seems to be working now.
~Vance

[Phil Planck]

Finally got the picture up. Think it was too big. Scroll up 2 posts.
Phil

[356]

[roy mawbey]

Phil,

The tool bag looks 100% original standard, but the mix of tools are not standard. Probably the mechanic just filled the bag with some of his own kit.

Roy

[55Speedster]

Watkins Glen

[Type550]

You have outdone yourself Chad - 4 magnificent photos which I have never seen before - BIG THANK YOU!

#146 is Art Bunker driving 550-0020 at Watkins Glen in 1955. Previously I have only had this very soft photo which looks like the car is a shade of yellow - this confirms it was painted white from its original blue. I know the current owner very well, who is currently restoring the car - he will be wrapped to see this photo!



#67 is 550-0023 but the only listing I have of this car is Norm Scott driving it at Eagle Mountain in 1956 (are you sure it is Watkins Glen?)

This is the same car (see the ducts in the nose)



The 3rd photo is Jack McAfee in 550-0047, but he never raced at Watkins Glen, but I can't make out the race # on the back.

#62 is Phil Forno on 550A-0103 in 1959, more likely to be at Bridgehampton

thanks again Andrew

[55Speedster]

Mcafee is a race in Pennsylvania


Cuba?





Cuba race

[55Speedster]

Watkins Glen #103

[Type550]

More great photos!

It is coincidental with #103 as I recently posted a photo on facebook with the same car without numbers. At Watkins Glen in 1955 Bill Weldon raced it and came first, but it was the only time he drove it, so I doubt he owned it. I still don't know what the chassis number is, as the race listing isn't in the Carrera book.