Does this Porsche actually exist?

[Pine]

Below a pic of a model of a sedan version of the Porsche 550 (also known as the infamous 'James Dean' car). Strictly speaking, I don't think one can call it a Spyder with a hard top? But did a car like this actually exist? Keep in mind that the Spyder had a mid-engine. So far, I couldn't find any historical reference to a sedan 550 - but why then the model?

[1964type1]

Google Porsche 550 coupe, There are a number of pictures on the web as well as a write up or two. Apparently only two were ever made and one was srial no 550-01 Must admit I had never even heard of the coupe versions before I read your post.

[Pine]

Thanks - found it, it will take some time getting used to the shape though! (Nothing on Wikipedia, btw)

One year before Porsche started production of the legendary RS Spyder, they experimented with a Coupe design. These were quite successful on faster circuits, but the roadster was later preferred as a more saleable car. It also became the first mid-engine car win a major endurance race.

Approaching 1953, Ferdinand Porsche senior had already designed a multitude of impressive cars including the Lohner-Porsche Hybrid, Mercedes-Benz SSK, Auto Union V16 and Volkswagen Beetle. The later of these would help his son develop the first Porsche which used many VW parts.

Eventually, less parts were sourced from VW and Porsche had an interest in developing their first purpose-built race car. Competition prepared 356s had already achieved moderate success at the top level of motor sports, so a new design was welcome.

Motivated by the Porsche-based Glöckler specials which used a reversed 356 engine, the Porsche engineers at Zuffenhausen realized that a mid-engine layout was key to future success. This led to Project 550, a new chassis program executed by Wilhelm Hild.

The goal was to prepare two cars for the 24 Hours of LeMans. The first protype used a 356 1500 Super engine that was positioned between the driver and rear axle. This was supported by a simple ladder-frame that had six cross members and a 356 suspension. Fitted with a roadster body, the first 550 debuted at the Nürburgring in the hands of Helm Glöckler and won it’s class.

For LeMans, the first 550 and a second car were fitted with a coupe body designed by Erwin Komenda. It was better suited to the high-speed straights at Lemans. Drivers Richard Frankenberg and Paul Frère finished 15th overall, just ahead of Helm Glöckler and Hans Herrmann in the second car. This gave the Coupes both first and second in class.

In late 1953, Porsche showcased a more definitive version of the 550 with a quad-cam engine and simple roadster body. Despite these upgrades, the Coupes were retained by the factory to contest the Carrera Panamericana race. Outfitted with sposors, they were raced by Jose Herrarte and Jaroslav Juhan to victory in the 1500cc class.

After their appearance at the Carrera, both Coupes were retired and little seen at pubic events. 550-01 was eventually discovered in the mid 2000s and restored by Cavaglieri Restorations for the Collier Collection. In its 1953 Carrera Panamericana specification 550-1 won a Best of Show award at the 2005 Amelia Island Concours.

[BARON]

Here is one

cheers
baron

[BARON]

So pine what is this "Beach Buggy Club.com"
Maybe a new site to come
baron

[Pine]

So pine what is this "Beach Buggy Club.com"
Maybe a new site to come
baron

No, it already exists - click on the link, and join up! (You'll find a few familliar faces there )

[Chris]

AC Cobra did the same thing with the Le Mans racer.They build a couple of Daytonas in the 60's to make it more streamlined and safer.

Interestingly,Hi Tech Automotive still builds the Daytona here in PE.

[Ron&Gill]

Doesn't have much in the way of frills, does it...

[ZeroAxe]

Body design has been revamped, too, with the result that the new model has a body a few inches lower then it's predecessor

Dont they know you can just put on some 14" or even 13" wheels on instead of those tractor wheels??? You will then end up with a pan-scraper. Perfect for aerodynamics and keeping air out from under the car!!!

[mahleu]

Nice but the spyder is prettier