1953 Porsche 550 Prototype Spyder
In 1953 Porsche created a series of 550 prototypes and 550-03 became the most important car in Porsche history by winning the 1954 Carrera Panamerica with Hans Herrmann at the wheel. This singular victory lent the Carrera nameplate to future models and also marked the first international victory of a mid-engine car.
Only 12 prototypes were made until regular production began in 1954 of the Porsche RS Spyder. Of these, Porsche historian Steve Heinrichs believes nine cars currently survive.
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Racing Car |
| built at | Stuttgart, Germany |
| engineers | Ernst Fuhrmann |
| production | 12 |
| engine | Air-Cooled, Type 547 Flat-4 w/Dry Sump Lubrication |
| position | Mid, Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| valvetrain | DOHC, 2 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | Twin Solex PJJ Carburetors |
| displacement | 1498 cc / 91.4 in³ |
| bore | 85 mm / 3.35 in |
| stroke | 66 mm / 2.6 in |
| compression | 9.5:1 |
| power | 82.0 kw / 110 bhp @ 6200 rpm |
| specific output | 73.43 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 200.0 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 120 nm / 88.5 ft lbs @ 5000 rpm |
| body / frame | Aluminum Body over Steel Ladder-Type Frame |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| front brakes | Drums |
| rear brakes | Drums |
| steering | Worm & Nut |
| f suspension | Twin Paralel Arms w/Transverse Torsion Bars |
| r suspension | Swing Axles w/Torsion Bars, Telescopic Shock Aborbers |
| curb weight | 550 kg / 1213 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2101 mm / 82.7 in |
| front track | 1290 mm / 50.8 in |
| rear track | 1250 mm / 49.2 in |
| length | 3600 mm / 141.7 in |
| width | 1540 mm / 60.6 in |
| height | 1050 mm / 41.3 in |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| top speed | ~220.5 kph / 137 mph |
| designers | Erwin Komenda |
Auction Sales History
1954 Porsche 550/1500RS Prototype ‘RDO 29’ 550-0010 – sold for $1,034,000 1954 Factory Le Mans car and 1954 Nurburgring-winning. Completely restored. Auction Source: 2005 Monterey Events
