Video: The Porsche 550 Spyder is one of the coolest cars ever
Imagine building a new racing car and seeing it win at the first attempt – it would be the stuff of dreams, wouldn’t it? All of the hard work, the long hours, the headaches, the excitement and trepidation leading up to the race, then victory, the taste of champagne. Well, that’s exactly what happened with the Porsche 550 Spyder on 31st May 1953.
At the hands of German driver Helmut Glöckler, a 550 Spyder beat away the competition at the ‘Eifelrennen Nürburgring’, the first round of that year’s German sportscar championship. It was the first of many victories in various series around the world for the 550 Spyder, a car that is undoubtedly a Porsche motorsport icon.
At Goodwood, we’re fortunate enough to see these gorgeous, lightweight machines not infrequently, and ahead of the 79th Members’ Meeting it was Rainer Becker dancing around the Motor Circuit in his stunning blue example from 1955. With its dinky 1,498cc, four-cylinder engine it’s far from the loudest machine, but as it weighs just 550kg Becker is able to carry speed through the corners with ease, balancing gentle moments of under- and oversteer. The fastest car in the world? No, not at all, but it’s certainly one of the coolest.
Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Modified Ferrari 360 sounds absolutely insane
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