A 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder by Wendler, one of the most iconic and celebrated sports cars of its era, will be a major highlight at RM Sotheby’s Monterey Auction in August 2024. With an estimated value between $3,750,000 and $4,250,000 USD, this particular Spyder, chassis number 550-0089, is steeped in automotive history and boasts a remarkable provenance, making it a highly sought-after collector’s piece.
A Legendary Racing Pedigree
The Porsche 550 Spyder was Porsche’s first purpose-built racing car, designed to dominate in the under-1500cc class. With its lightweight aluminum body and advanced engineering, including a 1,500-cubic-centimeter four-cam Carrera engine, the 550 Spyder quickly established itself as a formidable competitor on the global racing stage. Victories at prestigious events like Le Mans, the Mille Miglia, and the Carrera Panamericana solidified its reputation as a giant-slayer in motorsport.
Chassis 550-0089 holds a special place in the 550 Spyder lineage as the second-to-last example produced. This car was specifically built for John von Neumann, a key figure in the post-war American sports car scene and a pivotal player in introducing Porsche and Ferrari to the West Coast. Von Neumann’s Competition Motors in Los Angeles was a hub for racing legends such as Ken Miles, Phil Hill, Jack McAfee, and Richie Ginther, all of whom drove his cars to numerous victories.
Unique Design and Competition History
This Spyder was delivered with several distinctive features, including reinforced high-side chassis bracing for added rigidity and enhanced cooling elements, such as a large oval chrome grille at the rear, scoop-style vents atop the engine bay, and louvered rear fenders. These modifications not only set it apart aesthetically but also improved its performance on the track.
Richie Ginther, a highly skilled driver, first campaigned 550-0089 at Pomona in October 1956. Although a minor accident forced an early retirement, the car quickly bounced back, finishing third overall at Palm Springs two weeks later. Ginther and the Spyder continued to compete, achieving notable results across various races, including a fourth-place finish at the Cotati Rose Festival in 1957.
After von Neumann sold the car in 1957, it passed through the hands of several prominent racers, including Jack West and Katherie “Sunnie” Baker, who also scored victories with the car. Over the decades, the 550 Spyder continued to change hands, eventually making its way to Europe, where it underwent a meticulous bare-metal restoration in the early 2000s under the ownership of Albert Westerman, a notable Dutch Porsche collector.
A Pristine Example
Today, chassis 550-0089 is presented in its original silver with red fender “darts” color scheme, meticulously restored to reflect its appearance during its racing heyday. The car retains its matching-numbers gearbox, and the engine currently fitted is a correct Type 547 Carrera 1500, rebuilt to factory specifications. Its restoration has been further enhanced by Road Scholars of Durham, North Carolina, ensuring the car is in excellent running condition and ready for both exhibition and competitive driving.
This 550 Spyder is not just a beautifully restored piece of automotive history; it is also a veteran of prestigious events such as the Mille Miglia Storica and the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. It remains eligible for numerous high-profile driving events and concours d’elegance worldwide, making it an irresistible acquisition for any serious collector.
A Piece of Porsche History
The 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder by Wendler, with its rich history, distinguished ownership, and competition pedigree, stands as one of the most significant examples of this legendary model. Its upcoming appearance at RM Sotheby’s Monterey Auction offers a rare opportunity to acquire a car that not only represents the pinnacle of 1950s sports car engineering but also carries with it the legacy of some of the most influential figures in motorsport.
THE ANNUAL RETURN TO MONTEREY CAR WEEK, WHERE EXEMPLARY, REMARKABLE, AND RARE ARE THE RULE WITHOUT EXCEPTIONS
Fewer collaborations or duos as notable as, say, Laurel and Hardy, Schumacher and Ferrari, or even Mercedes-Benz and AMG grace our paths. But one dynamic duo continues its annual return to California’s Monterey Peninsula for its 27th year: Monterey Car Week and RM Sotheby’s Monterey Auction held on August 15-17.
2023’s auction brought the much-storied Lost and Found Collection, the ultimate barn find of 20 Ferraris lost to time, including the 1954 Ferrari Mondial Spider Series I by Pinin Farina, which as the second Mondial ever made, even in its stripped-down and fire-stricken condition, made waves in the automotive circles and press when it earned 1.875 million at auction.
Over the course of the 2023 Monterey Car Week, RM Sotheby’s sold five of the top 10 selling cars of the week– more than any other auction house on the peninsula. It further solidifies our commitment to bringing to market pristine and exemplary automobiles as the world’s leading auction house, during a week dedicated to showcasing the very best of the best. Find us again at the Monterey Conference Center for another year of exceptional offerings crossing the block.
AUCTION LOCATION
Monterey Conference Center
1 Portola Plaza
Monterey, CA 93940
PUBLIC PREVIEW
Admission to Public Preview is $60 per person for the weekend. Passes can be purchased onsite at the entrance to the plaza.
Admission to Public Preview is free for onsite bidders, consignors, and qualified media.
Elizabeth Puckett