Back in January, we estimated that the 1958 Porsche 550A Spyder up for auction from Bonhams would “fetch over seven figures.” It went for $5.17 million, a record for the model.
This August, another 550A Spyder — this time bearing serial number 0141 — will hit the block and … it’s even better. Subjectively, at least.
While January’s lot has it bested in podium spots (leading to the record-breaking sale price), the 550A-0141 wins out in sheer good looks. The potentially blinding mirrored body is just one product of the vehicle’s 30-year restoration, put into action by current caretaker Steve Terrien after he came across the car in a warehouse back in 1984, as Mecum notes in the auction brochure.
Terrien found another 550A (serial number 0135), which he used to corroborate details and have a wooden buck (or reference model for shaping) created. Kimmins Custom Fabrication out of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, crafted the polished bare aluminum body.
As for the innards, a 1500cc DOHC Flat 4 Carrera engine and Porsche five-speed manual transmission provide the power. And in terms of authenticity, the VDM wood-rimmed steering wheel still sits in the one-seater, as do all five original wheels.
But this little number was no slouch on the racetrack either. It racked up multiple wins in its debut year driven by Ernst Vogel, a composer and concert pianist. They didn’t call the 39 original 550As “giant killers” for nothing.
If you’re swooning at the sight, register here to bid.
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