Engine: 1.5-liter DOHC horizontally opposed four
Horsepower: 137
0-60 mph: 8.2 seconds
Top speed: 122 miles per hour with acceleration gearing; up to 147 miles per hour with endurance-race gear ratios
Price New: $6,800
Value Now: $800,000-$1,200,000
The Porsche 550 Spyder was the last car James Dean ever drove -- it was a Spyder that the Hollywood icon piloted into the infamous "Dead Man's Curve." The Spyder was plainly a racecar, yet street drivable if one kept the revs up to protect the roller connecting rod and crankshaft bearings. Porsche took the novel approach of swapping 'round the Volkswagen transmission for a mid-engine configuration. Despite the peaky race-tuned engine, drivers found it easy to drive in competition and surprisingly well-balanced -- especially for a Porsche. All the power could be used, and used well. Hans Hermann won class and sixth overall in the 550's first race, the 1954 Mille Miglia. Later that year, Hermann placed third in the Carrera Panamericana, ahead of 73 cars all with larger engines. That's why Porsche uses "Carrera" to this day.
Behind the Wheel:
There were only eight prototypes, 12-plus factory race and 78 production series made. Auto Sport Designs in New York has a 1954 Porsche 550/1500 RS Spyder for sale. Another way to get in is to buy one of the several Spyder replicas. Our favorite is the Beck Spyder, at www.beckspyder.com.
Photo courtesy of Porsche
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