Mallya Collection RS 550 From the placard on car, "The 550 RS Spyder was Porsches first genuine race car and came to be known as the Giant Killer, winning the first race. The car was released at the 1953 Paris Motor Show. 90 cars were built, ending in 1956 with this car." "In 1954 Hans Hermann finished 1st in class , 6th outright in the Mille Miglia, and in the Carrera Panamericana he won his class and was 3rd outright. The other 75 cars had larger engines, but Hermann beat 73 of them." "The 550 Spyders had good ground clearance and were supplied in full road trim, so many were entered in rallies or used as road cars. Actor James Dean was killed at the wheel of his 550 Spyder. Richie Ginther, Phil Hill, Dan Gurney and Mario Andretti all drove 550s early in their careers. If they had a smash, the cars would be repaired by Fred Sebald. Fred knew the cars well, and purchased this car whit it was offered for sale. This car is the most original and complete 550 known." "In June 1971, Road & Track wrote an article about the car, which was seen by Mr. George Rielly who set out to buy the car, which he did in 1972. He found the car to be totally original, complete with all the original equipment supplied with the car when new." "The car was purchase for the Mallya Collection in 1999." |
