1955 Porsche 550 Spyder From the sign: In the mid-1950s, in races from Sebring to Le Mans, Torrey Pines to Watkins Glen, the 550 Spyder was the car of choice among professionals and wealthy amateur drivers for winning the 1500 cc sports car class. Many of the greatest drivers of the 1960s posted their early successes in 550 spyders. About 90 cars were built before the 550 was replaced by the 550A in 1956, which had a lighter, stiffer tubulor space frame and altered rear suspension. An Additional 39 550As were built through 1957 Chassis number 041 was sold to Richard Trenkel of Germany on May 5, 1955, with 44 km on the odomter. It appears that at some point the car was sold to Toine Hezemans of Eindhoven, Holland. Hezemans was a good friend of both Trenkel and the Dutch count Carel Godin de Beaufort. 1956 Nurburgring 1000 km race (May27): second place in 1500 cc production sports car class, 24th overall, driven by de Beaufort/Hezemans; car #45. 1956 Solitude Grand Prix (July 22), driven by de Beaufort, fifth in 1500 cc production sports car class, car #22. 1956 Le Mans 24 Hours (July 28-29): entered by Wolfgang Seidel (also a friend of the first owner, Trenkel) and again driven by the Dutch team of de Beaufort and Hezemans. The car ran as high as 25th place. After seven hours, car #27 was the first Porsche to drop out of the race, with suspension problems. Engine: Type 547/1, horizontally opposed air-cooled four-cylinder, two spark plugs per cylinger, for shaft-driven overhead camshafts, roller bearing crankshaft.... 1498 cc. 110 HP at 6200 rpm. 1300 lbs. |
