Porsches from the Petersen: 1956 Porsche 550/1500 RS Spyder
Vintage Porsche Spyder is a motorsport highlight at the Petersen.
Rennlist recently visited The Petersen Auto Museum in Los Angeles to take in the remarkable vehicles on display. The Petersen has arguably one of the world’s finest collections of Porsches on display. Fans of Porsche and motorsports alike will find themselves awestruck by the cars that represent every era of the automaker’s storied history.
One car we had to spotlight was this very clean and sexy 1956 Porsche 550/1500 RS Spyder.
Making its debut in 1953, the 550 Spyder was created by the team at Porsche Werks for racetrack dominion, with great success. From 1953-1956, only 90 were produced, and this model, number 550-0090, is one of only a handful left standing. This particular model never hit the track, which explains its immaculate condition. The 550 Spyders reigned supreme on the track, taking win after win on some of the most challenging tracks and races.
Powered by a 1.5-liter, flat 4, the mid-engined 550/1500 RS Spyder produced 110 hp and reached top speeds of 140 mph. Lightweight and versatile with beautiful curves, the sharp Spyder was not only in demand as racer, but also as a sports car.
Perhaps one of the most famous (or infamous) of the 550 Spyders was the custom-built “Little Bastard,” owned by Hollywood icon James Dean. Dean tragically passed away after crashing his Spyder in California in 1955. Despite the tragedy, both Dean and the 550 Spyder rightly remain icons, both embodying a one-of-kind charisma and everlasting appeal.
To see this and many other feats of Porsche perfection, check out the Petersen Automotive Museum.
Photos for Rennlist by David Ciminelli
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