Key Details
- Erwin Komenda and Wilhelm Hild designed the 550A Prototype Coupe under the guidance of Ferry Porsche.
- The 550A Prototype Coupe features a lightweight spaceframe chassis, a fully independent suspension, and a five-speed transaxle.
- A 1.5-litre flat-four engine that produces 110 horsepower powers the 550A Prototype Coupe.
- The Prototype Coupe won its class at the 1956 24 Hours of Le Mans.
- The 550A Prototype Coupe is the sole surviving example of the 550A Prototype Coupe that won at Le Mans.
- The car is expected to fetch between $5,500,000 and $7,500,000 at auction.
1956 Porsche 550A Prototype Le Mans Werks Coupe
The 1956 Porsche 550A Prototype Le Mans Werks Coupe, chassis #550A-0104, is a remarkable racing car with an illustrious history. Designed under the guidance of Ferry Porsche by Erwin Komenda and Wilhelm Hild. The Porsche 550/550A was a groundbreaking sports racing car that introduced innovative features that would later become standard in high-level competition vehicles.
Upon its debut, the Porsche 550A immediately demonstrated its capabilities by clinching a first-place victory, foreshadowing its subsequent triumphs in prestigious races such as the Targa Florio, the Carrera Panamericana, the 12 Hours of Sebring, the 24 Hours of Daytona, and the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Chassis#550A-0104
Chassis #550A-0104 played a pivotal role in its racing career, securing a notable class victory (5th overall) at the renowned 1956 24 Hours of Le Mans. This achievement was made possible by the skilful driving of Richard von Frankenberg and Wolfgang Graf Berghe von Trips, as they piloted the car as an official Porsche Werks factory entry.
Following its retirement from the racing circuit, the car changed hands several times before finding its way to collector Julio Palmaz in 2004. Palmaz, a prominent collector of early Porsche competition prototypes, spared no expense in meticulously restoring the vehicle to its original Le Mans-winning appearance and specifications.
Auction
This extraordinary 1956 Porsche 550A Prototype ‘Le Mans’ Werks Coupe, chassis #550A-0104, is scheduled to be auctioned at RM Sotheby’s 2023 Monterey Sale, commencing on August 17th. The estimated auction price for this historical piece is set between $5,500,000 and $7,500,000, highlighting its exceptional value and significance in the world of automotive history.
Conclusion
In summary, the 1956 Porsche 550A Prototype Le Mans Werks Coupe, with its impressive racing pedigree and meticulous restoration, stands as a testament to Porsche’s early achievements and innovation, solidifying its position as a prominent and influential player in the global automotive arena.
