VEHICLE SPOTLIGHT | 1954 PORSCHE 550 SPYDER #006

1954 PORSCHE 550 SPYDER #006

ENGINE: 1.5-liter flat-4
TOP SPEED: 136 mph
HORSEPOWER: 110

The 550 Spyder was Porsche’s first model designed specifically for racing. With its mid-mounted 1.5-liter engine and light aluminum bodywork, it quickly became an icon on racetracks worldwide, especially in America. This example, chassis number 06, was built as a show car. After touring auto shows in Europe and the United States, it was sold to California distributor John von Neumann whose race team would pilot it to numerous victories around Southern California. Betty Shutes bought the car in 1957 and drove it in 31 races, winning 13, including victories in nine of ten contests in 1959.

COURTESY OF THE WEBSTER COLLECTION