Porsche Spyder type 550/1500RS '55

aspiration

NA (Naturally Aspirated)

Group

Gr.X

Displacement

1,498 cc

DriveTrain

MR

Height

1,015 mm

Length

3,600 mm

Weight

590 kg

Width

1,550 mm

Max Power

108 BHP / 6,500 rpm

Max Torque

12.5 kgfm / 5,000 rpm

Performance Point

PP 435.18

Manufacturer

Porsche

The Legendary Porsche 550/1500 RS Spyder '55: Racing Heritage and Iconic Design

The Porsche 550/1500 RS Spyder, commonly referred to simply as the 'Porsche 550 Spyder,' holds an esteemed place in automotive history. Produced between 1953 and 1956, the 550 Spyder was Porsche's first purpose-built race car, designed specifically for motorsport success. The '55 model, sometimes denoted as the 550/1500 RS '55, stands out as an engineering marvel for its time—lightweight, agile, and impressively quick thanks to its mid-engine layout and a potent 1.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine.

A star of both racetrack and silver screen, the 550 Spyder quickly gained legendary status. It is perhaps most famously associated with Hollywood actor James Dean, whose 'Little Bastard' 550 was involved in his fatal accident. Yet, it is the car's prowess on the racing scene that truly cements its legacy. Victorious in its class in the 1954 and 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Targa Florio, and various Mille Miglia races, the Porsche 550/1500 RS played a pivotal role in establishing Porsche's reputation as a creator of world-class sports cars.

The success of the Porsche 550/1500 RS ‘55 in both prestigious international races and hillclimb events made it a sought-after machine for privateers as well as factory-backed teams. Its lightweight aluminum body, weighing just around 550 kilograms (1210 lbs), allowed drivers to exploit its performance and handling to the fullest. Only approximately 90 units of the 550 Spyder were built, making it a rare collectible today, celebrated for its distinctive design, race-proven engineering, and its foundational role in the Porsche racing dynasty.

In retrospect, the Porsche 550/1500 RS '55 is not just an iconic sports racer but a symbol of Porsche's enduring philosophy: blending cutting-edge engineering with functional, beautiful design to create unparalleled driving machines. Its spirit continues to influence both classic car enthusiasts and contemporary Porsche models, ensuring its legacy endures on the roads and racetracks around the globe.