Spyder 550 550A

[Porschinelle]

For a better understanding, what you call the "Optic 2000 Tour" is the French historical Tour Auto
Optic 2000 who are a spectacles manufacturer and distributor, sponsorize this event since many years

[Porschinelle]

[Type550]

I have seen this photo before, but have no race record or driver details. It would be driven in some kind of rally or hill climb through the mountains. It has the Porsche badge high on the front bonnet which is not the normal position. I have gone through other photos of 550As I have but have not found another with the same detail.

It is highly likely to be either 550A-0131 or 550A-0136

thanks Andrew

[356]

[Type550]

Ernst Vogel in 550-0040 at the Vienna-Hohenstraben (Mountain Pass) Race in March 1957

[Type550]

550-0016 at the 1955 LeMans - Porsche workshop...

[356]

Fantastic Andrew, What can you tell us about this one?
~Vance

[Type550]

I think I need to start to enter all the races for the 550As into my database! Looks like 39 nights worth!

I will need to look it up tonight, but with the scoops on the back, it is 550A-0101 - will let you know where and when...

[356]

Thanks Andrew,
I thought it was a 550 as it does not have the head faring and roll bar you've described for the 550A?? I can just make out the louvers though.
~Vance

[Type550]

There are always acceptions! 550A-0101 is one of them...

[Type550]

550A-0101 sold for $726,000 at auction in 2004 - probably seemed a lot back then, but as the first 550A, it has great provenance!

[Bill Brown]

In the pic of 550A nr 419, it looks like it has 718 finned 60mm front drums. When did the change to the standard 550 60mm drums occur?

[Type550]

Vance, the photo with the speedster is Solitude in July 1956. #9 is driven by Wolfgang von Trips who finished 2nd and #25 is Harald von Saucken who finished 16th

[Type550]

Bill, the Mille Miglia race was May 1956 - before the release of the 718...

[356]

As always Andrew, Thanks.
~Vance

One hell of a restoration job.