1955 Porsche 550 Spyder by Wendler

For automotive enthusiasts and collectors, few cars embody the spirit of mid-century motorsport like the Porsche 550 Spyder. RM Sotheby’s is now offering a rare opportunity to acquire one of the only 90 examples ever built of this iconic ultralightweight racecar. With a storied past and meticulous restoration, this particular 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder by Wendler (guide price £3,000,000 – £3,550,000) is a jewel in the crown of automotive history.

The 550 Spyder was Porsche’s first car designed specifically for racing, making its mark in some of the most prestigious motorsport events of the 1950s, including the Targa Florio, Mille Miglia, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and Carrera Panamericana. Known for its agility and performance, the 550 Spyder often outperformed larger and more powerful rivals from Ferrari and Maserati. Chassis 0038, one of the few surviving examples, continues to carry the legacy of this remarkable vehicle.

Completed on April 29, 1955, chassis 0038 was originally finished in white with burgundy accents. It was one of two cars shipped to Portugal, where it was first owned by Fernando Mascarenhas. Mascarenhas campaigned the 550 Spyder in various European races, achieving class podiums in its early outings at Barajas and Monsanto in 1955. Although its race at the Nürburgring 500 Kilometres was cut short by an accident, the car continued to compete under the ownership of Cypriano Flores and later his son, Caeser Flores.

In the 1980s, Caeser Flores sought a restoration for chassis 0038 but found it challenging to locate a company capable of sympathetically handling its complex engineering. The car was eventually returned to Porsche for a complete overhaul, with mechanical work performed at Zuffenhausen and the bodywork attended to by original coachbuilder Wendler. During the restoration from 1992 to 1994, the car’s colour was changed to silver, and the interior was updated from beige vinyl to black leather. Notably, modern pop-up rivets were used at the front and on the floor, a testament to the meticulous attention to detail.

This 550 Spyder retains its matching-numbers engine, four-speed gearbox, and mild steel chassis, all key elements that enhance its value and historical significance. The car has not been driven since its restoration, and its Type 547/1 engine, which has remained unturned since July 2010, still boasts its original roller bearing specification. As such, a full service is recommended before any future use.

For any discerning Porsche collector or enthusiast, chassis 0038 represents an extraordinary opportunity. Its rich racing history, combined with its impeccable restoration and preservation of original components, makes it an outstanding candidate for inclusion in prestigious collections and Concours d’Elegance events.

The 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder by Wendler, available now from RM Sotheby’s, is more than just a car; it is a living piece of motorsport history, a testament to Porsche’s enduring legacy, and a true collector’s gem.

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