Seller's Description
Famously described by James Dean as ‘The Giant Killer’, Porsche’s 550A Spyder proved that a small engine in a lightweight car could achieve far more than just class wins. On the right circuits and in the right conditions these remarkable little cars could and did achieve outright success. Chassis 0145 is living proof of this fact, having achieved fifth place overall at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1958 under the racing number ‘32’; the best-ever result at Circuit de la Sarthe for a 550A Spyder.
One of 46 of these cars produced by Porsche, 0145 was a ‘Werks’ car that competed at four world championship events during the 1958 season. During this time it notably achieved two class wins, at the Nurburgring 1000km and the Goodwood Tourist Trophy. The car also holds the accolade of being the only 5550A to contest a Formula One race, competing at the Dutch Grand Prix held at Zandvort in the same year. Leading historic Porsche expert, Andy Prill of Maxted-Page & Prill, stated that this car, in respect of all 46 550A Spyders ever produced, ‘truly ranks in the top three cars with the racing heritage and history it has accomplished.’
As a progression from the 550 model, the 550A was improved by Porsche in a number of ways. A space frame was designed for the car, the first venture into this concept for the Stuttgart stable, along with an independent rear suspension system, which was also a new departure for the manufacturer. The spare tyre, which had been mounted at the rear of the 550 above the transmission, was moved to the front of the 550A for better weight distribution, resulting in a changed-shape fuel tank and more bulbous front body. The 550A was also fitted with a roll hoop behind the driver’s head due to updated FIA safety requirements in period.
Following its stint as a Werks car, 0145 passed into private ownership in Canada where it resided with Herb Hanna of Ontario for a number of years. In 1967 Bill Saddler of Bellmont, California, acquired the car and, despite having several other owners over the next 24 years, it remained in the Golden State for the entire period. In 1991 it was acquired by Berhardt von Schenk, who repatriated the car to Germany. It subsequently spent some time in Italy between 2002 and 2013 before being purchased by its current owner.
As a race car with a period racing history, the originality of 0145 as presented today is extraordinary, having a chassis and aluminum body with no signs of accident damage, its original number engine (P900127) as verified by Porsche and five-speed transaxle. Other rare and original parts include the correct voltage regulator, glass fuel pressure bowl, correct seats and seat material, original jack, correct oil filter assembly and original Spyder steel and alloy wheels (4.5” as used on the RS60s in period). The car is currently fitted with a period-correct four-speed transaxle, suitable for rally competition, although the original five-speed is included in the car’s sale.
The engine underwent a full rebuild in 2012 and has not been used in anger since. A new fuel cell has been installed within the original fuel tank for safety, whilst preserving the original tank.
Possessing a beautifully original patina and feel, 0145 is a very useable car, as is demonstrated by its appearance at roughly ten Mille Miglia events in its recent history. It offers that rare combination of an exceptional and successful period racing history with originality in both its mechanical components and appearance. In our opinion, this is a real treat of a car.
Contact dealer for more details via Classic Driver
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