This pristine 1955 550 RS Spyder spent a better part of its life in the Blackhawk Museum in Danville, California under curator and collector Don Williams. Yes, this car is that unique and that nice.
You may ask what makes this recreation so special. Is it the attention to detail? The custom built Wendler style frame? All period correct Porsche components down to the wicker bill? These are great qualities that on their own make this 550 RS Spyder stand apart from any other replica out there, but what makes this car truly special is it’s heart.
From our research, we found that the power plant is a carry over 1961 1600 S Type 616/2 T5 that was originally built for a 1962 Porsche 356B and we believe was never installed. The research also shows that it is 20 from the last of these engines built in 1961. We believe that means this engine was still new when installed into the 550 RS Spyder during its inception in 1996 and it only has around 600 original miles.
1961 Porsche 356B (1600 S) Stock Engine Specs:
A turn key 356B engine sells for around $15,000.
We believe this engine was never in a car from the factory as it is only 20 digits from the last engine produced in 1961. Source www.356a.com
Porsche Chassis.
Custom built Karosserie Wendler Reutlingen inspired chassis.
Porsche commissioned Wendler, the coach builder in Reutlingen, to build 69 cars for private customers. 33 of these cars were shipped to the US market. Source: type550.com
Porsche Suspension.
The suspension and wheels are all period correct Porsche components.
