1955 Porsche 550 Spyder
- Colour
- Metallic silver
Chassis 550-0072 is one of just 90 Porsche 550 Spyders built between 1953 and 1956, completed in late October 1955 and delivered new to the United States. Campaigned extensively in SCCA competition by its first owner through 1959, the car subsequently passed through several American owners before a comprehensive restoration in the late 1980s retained the original Wendler bodywork. Notably, the car retains its matching-numbers engine and gearbox, a numbered ignition key consistent with factory build records, and the original VDO fuel sender.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold €3,464,375 (≈ $3.81M)
- 1955 → 1959Factory deliveryJack F. Mantingfull documentation
Based in Big Rapids, Michigan; raced the car extensively in SCCA events from 1956 through 1959, previously campaigning a Porsche 356.
- 1959 → 1962Private saleGilbert Hortonpartial documentation
North Dakota-based owner; acquired the car from Manting at the close of the 1959 season.
- 1962 → 1986Private saleArchie Walkerpartial documentation
The car stayed within the Walker family for over two decades and was repainted yellow during this period.
- 1986 → 1992Private saleUnidentified owner who commissioned restorationpartial documentation
Undertook a full restoration aimed at preserving the original Wendler coachwork; had the car refinished in metallic silver and the entire drivetrain rebuilt; work was likely finished by the late 1980s.
- 1992 →Private saleDieter Aumannfull documentation
Held the car for approximately 30 years; in early 2015 invested significantly in an engine-out service including a full rebuild, and also had the braking system overhauled.
Competition
- 1956-03-10SCCASCCA National WaterlooDriver: Jack F. Manting9th overall, 2nd in class
Served as the debut outing for the newly acquired 550 Spyder.
- 1956-09-01SCCASCCA Four Hour Road AmericaDriver: Jack F. Manting3rd in class
Co-driven with Mike Ward at Elkhart Lake.
- 1956-09-01SCCASCCA Six Hour Road AmericaDriver: Jack F. Manting3rd in class
Co-driven with Mike Ward at Elkhart Lake.
- 1957SCCASCCA National Road AmericaDriver: Jack F. Manting7th in class
- 1957SCCA500 Mile Road AmericaDriver: Jack F. MantingDNF
First of three attempts by Manting at this event.
- 1957-05-19SCCASCCA National CumberlandDriver: Jack F. Manting8th in class
- 1958SCCATraverse City S1.5Driver: Jack F. Manting2nd
- 1958SCCA500 Mile Road AmericaDriver: Jack F. MantingDNF
Second attempt by Manting at this endurance event.
- 1958-08-01SCCASCCA National MilwaukeeDriver: Jack F. Manting3rd in class
- 1959SCCA500 Mile Road AmericaDriver: Jack F. Manting18th overall, 4th in class
Co-driven with Mike Ward; the entry competed alongside notable drivers including Briggs Cunningham, Robert Penske, and William Sturgis, completing 106 laps of the Elkhart Lake circuit.
- 1959-06-21SCCASCCA National Road AmericaDriver: Jack F. Manting9th in class
Maintenance & restoration
- 2015Engine rebuild
Engine removed, fully stripped, inspected, and reassembled; braking system also overhauled at the same time.
Total expenditure was €21,000.
- —Bodywork
Car was repainted yellow at some point while in the Walker family's ownership.
Exact date unknown; occurred during the more than 20 years the car remained with the Walkers.
- —Restoration
Comprehensive restoration carried out with the aim of preserving as much original Wendler coachwork and period components as possible; car was refinished in metallic silver and the complete drivetrain was rebuilt.
Commissioned by the fourth owner following acquisition from the Walker family in 1986; work was likely completed by the late 1980s. Restoration photographs are included in the history file.
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