1955 Porsche 550 RS Spyder

This 1955 Porsche 550 RS Spyder, chassis no. 550-0041, was originally finished in silver with red “darts” and purchased on May 5, 1955, by German racing driver Richard Trenkel. Just three days later, Mr. Trenkel raced in the Hockenheim Rhein Pokal-Rennen (Rhine Cup Race) and finished 4th overall. As evidenced by its significant racing history, 550-0041 was extensively raced in period by several drivers, achieving considerable success.

However, 550-0041’s racing career didn’t end in the 1950s. Owner and driver Bill Perrone raced this 550 RS Spyder for many years at Laguna Seca Raceway during the Monterey Historic Automobile Races. In 2009, he won the Group 3A race (1948-1955 Sports Racing & GT Cars Under 1500cc). The following day, 550-0041 and Mr. Perrone took home the Road & Track Trophy at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

The No. 27 livery pays homage to the many races it participated in as No. 27, including the Le Mans 24 Hour race in 1956.

Car Highlights 

• Significant race history in period

• Finished 4th overall in its first race at Hockenheim

• Raced at the 1956 Le Mans 24 Hours

• Competed at the Nürburgring in 1955, 1956, 1957

• Driven by the charismatic Dutch aristocrat and privateer Carel Godin de Beaufort

• Extensively vintage raced during Bill Perrone's ownership

• 2009 Monterey Historic Automobile Races Group 3A winner

• Awarded the 2009 Road & Track Trophy at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

• Street Legal

• Ownership history: Richard Trenkel (May 5, 1955), Wolfgang Seidel (1955), Carel Godin de Beaufort (May 1956), Joe Playan (~1957), Bill Eichler (~1960), Gary Cooper (June 3,1962), Bill Perrone (1984), Current Owner (2013)

Technical Specs

• Four cam engine upgraded to RSK specifications

• 1700 cc displacement

• *Please note that the original engine case is not currently in the car, but included

• Type 718 four-speed Porsche gearbox with synchromesh

• ZF limited slip differential