VEHICLE SPOTLIGHT | 1956 COOPER-PORSCHE “POOPER”

1956 COOPER-PORSCHE “POOPER”

ENGINE: 1.5-liter flat-4
TOP SPEED: N/A
HORSEPOWER: 110

When the 550 was replaced with the much-improved 550A, John von Neumann had trouble procuring one of the in-demand new cars for his racing stable. So driver Ken Miles called upon his days building custom specials and had von Neumann order a light and nimble Cooper race car without a motor. After a Porsche 550 engine was installed and modifications were made with the help of fabricator Dick Troutman, the “Pooper” proved nearly unbeatable in its class. Porsche took notice and, dismayed that the homebuilt special was beating their factory cars, quickly delivered a 550A to von Neumann’s shop, putting an end to the Pooper’s reign.

COURTESY OF THE PALMAZ PORSCHE COLLECTION