The 550 Spyder

The Porsche 550 Spyder, also known as the "little silver Porsche," was a sports car produced by German automaker Porsche from 1953 to 1956. The development of the 550 Spyder began in the early 1950s, with the goal of creating a lightweight and agile sports car that could compete in endurance racing events such as the Mille Miglia and the Carrera Panamericana.

The design of the 550 Spyder was based on the Porsche 356, with a sleek and aerodynamic body made of aluminum and fiberglass panels. The car featured a mid-engine layout, with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing around 110 horsepower. The 550 Spyder also featured a fully independent suspension and disc brakes, which made it a competitive and capable racing car.

The 550 Spyder made its racing debut in 1953, and quickly gained a reputation for its high performance and handling. The car achieved several notable victories, including a class win at the 1954 Carrera Panamericana and a first-place finish in its class at the 1956 Targa Florio. The 550 Spyder also gained fame outside of racing circles when actor James Dean purchased one in 1955.

Production of the Porsche 550 Spyder was limited, with only around 90 units built during its three-year production run. The car was primarily sold to privateer racers and enthusiasts, and remains highly sought-after by collectors today. In addition to its racing success, the 550 Spyder also inspired the design of future Porsche models, such as the iconic 718 RSK and the modern-day Boxster.

Overall, the Porsche 550 Spyder is considered a significant milestone in the history of Porsche, showcasing the brand's commitment to performance and innovation in the world of motorsport. Its sleek design, advanced engineering, and racing success have cemented its place as a true classic among sports cars.

Only 90 550's were made by Porsche between 1953 and 1956.  It was intended as a race car and dominated its class.

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