Porsche 550

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The Porsche 550 was Porsche's first production racing car. The car was completely street legal, so it could be driven to the races and back home. A really special engine was developed for it, engineered by Ernst Fuhrmann. It was a flat DOHC engine, meaning it had 4 overhead camshafts like the Porsche type 360 design for Formula 1. Although with just 4 cylinders, the engine was really complicated and took a lot of time to build. Compared to the "regular" 1500 cc engine in the 356, the Fuhrmann 1500 didn't have anything in common with it. The 4-cam Porsche engine developed twice the power compared to the single-cam unit based on the pre-war Volkswagen design (which was also a Porsche design). In all, 90 Porsche 550 cars were built, including 15 prototypes. The 1956 version of the Porsche 550 was known as the 550A. It had a lighter and more rigid spaceframe chassis, and gave Porsche its first overall win in a major sports car racing event, the 1956 Targa Florio. 40 units were made.

Porsche 550 Spyder Basics

Manufacturer: Porsche AG / Production Years: 1953-1956 / Production: 90 units (550), 40 units (550A) / Assembly: Germany: Stuttgart, Zuffenhausen / Body style: 2-door coupe, 2-door roadster (Spyder) / Layout: Mid-engine, rear-drive / Engine: 1.5L (1,498 cc) DOHC Flat four engine / Power output: 110 hp to 135 hp / Transmission: 4-speed and 5-speed manual / Dimensions: Wheelbase: 2,100 mm (82.7 in), Length: 3,700 mm (145.7 in), Width: 1,610 mm (63.4 in), Height: 980 mm (38.6 in), Kerb weight: 550 kg (1,212 lbs)

Porsche 550 Spyder - The Story

The history, updates and story behind the Porsche 550.

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Porsche 550 Variant Guides

We take a look at the specific 550 variants in depth.

Porsche 550A RS Spyder (1956 – 1957)

The 550A was based on Porsche’s first purpose-built racing car, the mid-engined RS 550 Spyder. Appearing at the end of 1956, the 550A differed from its predecessor by use of a full tube spaceframe with several rear supportive cross-members, rather than the heavier welded-up sheet steel internal structure of the 550. The rear swing axles of the 550 were replaced by a new low-pivot arrangement that made handling much more predictable.

Porsche 550 RS Spyder (1954 – 1956)

The Porsche 550 Spyder was introduced at the 1953 Paris Auto Show. It was simple, small and packed a real punch. It was Porsche's first production racing car. The car was completely street legal, so it could be driven to the races and back home. A really special engine was developed for it, engineered by Ernst Fuhrmann. It was a flat DOHC engine, meaning it had 4 overhead camshafts like the Porsche type 360 design for Formula 1.

Porsche 550 Prototype Spyder (1953)

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 15 prototypes were made until regular production began in 1954 of the Porsche RS Spyder.

Porsche 550 Prototype Coupé (1953)

One year before Porsche started production of the legendary RS Spyder, they experimented several unique 550 Prototypes. Two of these were fitted with removable hardtops that transformed the diminutive roadster into a sleek coupe. These were quite successful on faster circuits, but the roadster was later preferred as a more saleable car. The Coupes were retained by the factory to contest the Carrera Panamericana race.

Porsche 550 Data & Research

We dig into some of the data surrounding the Porsche 550, including production numbers, specifications, chassis numbers and much more.

Porsche 550 Prototype Coupe – Specifications & Performance

Porsche 550 RS Spyder – Specifications & Performance

Porsche 550 Prototype Spyder – Specifications & Performance

Porsche 550 Spyder Production Numbers

Porsche 550 Spyder Chassis Numbers & History

Porsche 550A RS Spyder – Specifications & Performance

Porsche 550 Pictures, Galleries & Wallpapers

Call us biased, but we think the Porsche 550 is one of the sexiest cars of all times and these picture galleries and wallpapers prove it. Simply stunning.

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Porsche 550 Videos

Experience the Porsche 550 in these engaging and fun 550 Spyder videos.

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Porsche 550

The Ultimate Model Guide

Porsche 550 Spyder Basics

Porsche 550 Spyder - The Story

Porsche 550 Variant Guides

Porsche 550 Data & Research

Porsche 550 Pictures, Galleries & Wallpapers

Porsche 550 Videos

Porsche 550 News & Updates

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