THE PORSCHE TYPE 550

The 550 Spyder was Porsche’s first genuine racing car design. But when launched at the 1953 Paris Salon, the model had much about it than being a mere weapons-grade on-track warrior. As a June 1971 Road & Track article emphasized: “The 550 had full road equipment, with lights and so forth, and a top, and enough stamina and ground clearance to compete in rallies – which it did. The bodywork and weather gear qualified the 550 for international sports car races – and Hans Herrmann took first in class and sixth overall in the 550’s first race, the 1954 Mille Miglia. Herrmann was third overall in that year’s Carrera PanAmericana.