Spyder 550 550A

[356]

[Type550]

There is always another photo taken!!

I would guess it is 550-04 with a new rear when it was owned by George van de Sande in the early 60s...

[Gearz]

[Carrera GT]

There is always another photo taken!!

I would guess it is 550-04 with a new rear when it was owned by George van de Sande in the early 60s...

Andrew,

If that is Jean Behra behind the wheel - this photo would not be from the 1960's!

Michael Doyle

[Type550]

Maybe someone needs to look up Steve's book

The location does look European and van de Sande raced in the US, but I don't have any listing of Behra driving a 550, only one with Moss in the 1000 km Buenos Aires.

My deduction (wild guess) is 1962. The Spyder #13 is owned by Werner Voegeli and raced in a number of events with George van de Sande. I would think it was either SCCA Regional Wilmot, SCCA National Road America or SCCA National Meadowdale...

[Carrera GT]

Maybe someone needs to look up Steve's book

The location does look European and van de Sande raced in the US, but I don't have any listing of Behra driving a 550, only one with Moss in the 1000 km Buenos Aires.

Andrew,

It looks like Jean Behra to me....and he died in a crash at Avus in 1958 or 1959. But, of course, it could be someone else at the wheel.

And yes, Steve's Book will be a very-very valuable long term resource.

Michael Doyle

[Steve Heinrichs]

550-04 could be Wilmont as noted 8-62.

Steve Heinrichs

[Carrera GT]

550-04 could be Wilmont as noted 8-62.

Steve Heinrichs

There's something about that 1950's style helmet and the driver's profile that reminds me of Jean Behra. Maybe Wilmont doing a Behra impersonation?

Cheers!

Michael Doyle

[Type550]

Interesting with the body change. 04 has gone from a hinged lid with 4 gills to the lift back with 3 gills...

[Steve Heinrichs]

There are a number of van de Sande races with 26 and a number where we do not know start number. Could be 126 as noted at Wilmont. Also, could be earlier as Haas drove 550-04 at least once with 126 at Lake Erie 1957.

Steve Heinrichs

[Carrera GT]

There are a number of van de Sande races with 26 and a number where we do not know start number. Could be 126 as noted at Wilmont. Also, could be earlier as Haas drove 550-04 at least once with 126 at Lake Erie 1957.

Steve Heinrichs

Steve,

As always - most interesting. Perhaps the crowd of spectators in the background could be identified...American or European? Others on this site are quite good at that. (I see some French caps on the men in the crowd - and Behra was French...I believe)

Is this car Black...or Dark Blue? Also, I see an unusual vertical post behind the drivers side rear cowl as well. Seems that could be a distinguishing feature. Thanks.

Michael Doyle

[Steve Heinrichs]

550-04 did not race in Europe.

Steve Heinrichs

[Type550]

I assume the vertical post would be a roll bar as the new rules would be in place at that time to have roll bars fitted

[Carrera GT]

550-04 did not race in Europe.

Steve Heinrichs

Are we sure this is 550-04? Looks like a 1950's European-French crowd in the background.

And check the front wheels - a drift position the car is about to go into...Geez - no barriers between the spectators!

Michael Doyle

[Carrera GT]

The location does look European and van de Sande raced in the US, but I don't have any listing of Behra driving a 550, only one with Moss in the 1000 km Buenos Aires.

Andrew,

You may be on to something - Buenos Aires "Argentina"..?

Michael Doyle