Back in January, we estimated that the 1958 Porsche 550A Spyder up for auction from Bonhams would “fetch over seven figures.” It went for $5.17 million, a record for the model.
This August, another 550A Spyder — this time bearing serial number 0141 — will hit the block and … it’s even better. Subjectively, at least.
While January’s lot has it bested in podium spots (leading to the record-breaking sale price), the 550A-0141 wins out in sheer good looks. The potentially blinding mirrored body is just one product of the vehicle’s 30-year restoration, put into action by current caretaker Steve Terrien after he came across the car in a warehouse back in 1984, as Mecum notes in the auction brochure.
Terrien found another 550A (serial number 0135), which he used to corroborate details and have a wooden buck (or reference model for shaping) created. Kimmins Custom Fabrication out of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, crafted the polished bare aluminum body.
Porsche Giant Killer (5 images)
As for the innards, a 1500cc DOHC Flat 4 Carrera engine and Porsche five-speed manual transmission provide the power. And in terms of authenticity, the VDM wood-rimmed steering wheel still sits in the one-seater, as do all five original wheels.
But this little number was no slouch on the racetrack either. It racked up multiple wins in its debut year driven by Ernst Vogel, a composer and concert pianist. They didn’t call the 39 original 550As “giant killers” for nothing.
If you’re swooning at the sight, register here to bid.
Photos via Mecum Auction, Inc.
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