Today, the story goes about the car, standing at the very beginning of the glory of sport "Porsche". About the machine before which a "Porsche" was practically nothing. About the machine that was just beginning - 1955 Porsche Spyder.
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Porsche 550 Spyder 1955 was the first model of Porsche, made specifically for racing. Prior to his racing versions were created based on a single model in the range - 356, and a serious threat to competitors is not represented.
The premiere was held at the new Paris Motor Show back in 1953. The car was a small double spider (instead of the windshield was installed a small cone), which was hiding under the hood boxer four-cylinder engine of 1.5L.
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| Erwin Komenda |
Design.
Blame the 1955 Porsche Spyder body design belongs to Walter glockerite (Walter Glöckler). Incidentally, he not only created the appearance Porsche 550 Spyder 1955, but it just did not win one race. He participated in the creation of the "Spider" and Erwin Komenda, which for over 30 years (from 1931 to 1966gg.) Was the chief designer of Porsche. In the world of automotive design's name is not the most well-known, but it Komenda developed at the time the design of one of the most popular cars of the 20th century - VW Beetle. Externally, the new model like a 356 - the same big round headlights, rounded sides and classic proportions. Pronounced rear wheel arches - probably one of the most original solutions.
The car itself has turned out quite small and very low. So low that during the Mille Miglia race in 1954, the German racer Hants Herman (Hans Herrmann) drove it through a closed railway crossing barrier under!
Technique.
One glance at the body of this Porsche is enough to understand that everything in it is subordinated to one goal - to reduce weight and improve aerodynamics. Yet at the stage of the engineers were tasked to create the fastest car in the class. To do this, special attention was paid not only creating a powerful engine, but also reduce body weight and giving it the optimum aerodynamic shape.
550 Spyder had a completely original aluminum body, which was hidden under a spatial tubular frame. This decision has created not only fairly lightweight (594kg), but at the same time a strong body. Technical stuffing has absorbed all the best developments that have been in the arsenal of the German company at the time. Engine - 1.5-liter Type 547, capacity 112l.s. - Has been developed specifically for this model, although it was an extensively modified engine from the Porsche 356. In addition to the boxer location, it is also interesting that the engine block was made of aluminum, and two camshafts driven by vertical steel shafts. Of non-standard solutions should also note the oil tank, the volume of 8 l, and the presence of 2 candles on each cylinder.
Engine power was eventually 112l.s., which was enough for a light "Spider." So, despite the modest exterior, 550 RS was well armed and ready for battle on the racetrack!
Careers.
The powerful engine coupled with a light body making "Spider" very fast, so the tracks he just was not equal. The first victory was not long in coming.
In 1954, the two were leading the 550 Spyder in the famous race «Carrera Panamericana», at least the wheel of both cars were amateur riders who have bought cars on their own.
In the same year in circuit racing in Nurburgring unbeatable 550 Spyder «occupied» first 4 places.
In the season of 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder was first debuted at the "24 Hours of Le Mans." Viewers saw another convincing victory "Porsche", which left the competition far behind.
June 10, 1956 Porsche 550 Spyder wins the race Targa Florio, is considered one of the toughest in the world. It was a beautiful victory - Italian driver Umberto Maloli driving "Spider" finished 15 minutes ahead of closest pursuer! After this victory, which drew a Porsche (the then little-known brand) increased media attention about the company talked about as a top manufacturer of sports cars.
On the progress made in the "Porsche" decided not to stop and already by 1956 has been prepared by the new (as we would say - "charged") version of "Spider" - 550A RS Spyder. Externally, it differs little from the previous model, although under its body was a lot of changes. First of all, has been redesigned and the whole superstructure of steel reinforced body shell. This was done to improve the rigidity of the body (which in the Spyder was not very good), and to improve vehicle safety. The latter was especially important, because under the hood came a more powerful engine. It was the same as Type 547, but the new version of its capacity was raised to 135HP In addition to the more powerful engine the car has received a new 5-speed gearbox and rear suspension. How did all these changes in vehicle dynamics are uncertain, but according to some maximum speed increased to 235km / h!
Road version of 550RS Spyder.
For a whole year after the debut of the racing version of the company were deciding whether to issue "Spider" on public roads. After all, originally created for the car and sports hardly has been adapted to daily use. But under the weight of mail from all over the world, it was decided yet to release limited edition copies of road. The first "Spider" appeared in showrooms by the end of 1954. In the same year a version with a soft top. Salons "civilian" versions of the 550 differed little from the sport versions. Finish was very austere, in the spirit of sport minimalism. The materials were also the most expensive - interior doors, in particular, was made from a sheet of cardboard, covered with imitation leather.
Practice has shown that the consumer was not prepared to accept such a car. Controllability "Spider" was not very good, the car was too complicated for ordinary drivers. Perhaps this is why most sold "Spider" was smashed.
Summary.
Results from 1953 to 1957 were produced 78 cars 550 RS Spyder. Many of them were broken at the race tracks (after all, these cars are bought not for everyday trips), and most lived up to our days are in private collections. Collectors are very appreciate this car, so finding the original 1955 Porsche Spyder on the market - a rare and very good luck. But do not despair - there are plenty of companies willing to produce for you high-quality replica of the Porsche 550 Spyder. Copies are made at the manufacturers' drawings and externally virtually indistinguishable from the original. Engines and transmission will naturally be quite different (one of the most popular options - a platform Subaru). Cost replica - from 20-30 thousand euros, depending on individual characteristics and customer requirements.
Porsche 550 Spyder 1955 was at the very beginning of sporting glory Porsche. His victory demonstrated to the world the huge technical potential of a small German company.
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