In 1953, Porsche needed a race car more powerful than the 356. So they created the 550. This was the first true competition car from Porsche. It was lightweight, it had two seats, aluminum body, tubular frame and an open top. They were racing only with Volkswagen. The initial pair of 550 dominated their class at Le Mans finishing one-two in the 1500cc division. Then, one of the two cars won its category in the famed Pan Americana Mexican road race.
Subsequent 550`s carried on what the initial 550`s had started. They were fitted with the four-cam Carrera flat four cylinders. They soon became dominant cars world wide. During races, it was fast and easily maneuvered so no other car stand a chance. But people loved it purchasing every one of these quick little cars they could find.
In 1956, Porsche started to produce the 550A, a slightly modified Spyder. It was a hit, shocking the entire world by winning in its first Appearance in Targa Florio, a brutal road race. It also humbled well-known and more powerful rivals such as Ferrari, Maseratti and Jaguar. In the next five years it won almost all the races in which it competed. It became a car that attracted more attention for its occasional losses than for the nearly non-stop victories.
The Porsche 550 Spyder’s legacy is one of lightweight engineering, incredible maneuverability, and an underdog spirit that took on and defeated much more powerful competition. It set the foundation for Porsche’s racing dominance and engineering philosophy—prioritizing balance, agility, and efficiency over sheer horsepower.
While the 928 was conceived with a vastly different mission, its DNA can be traced back to cars like the 550 Spyder. Just as the 550 proved that a well-engineered package could outperform brute force, the Porsche 928 showcased how a grand tourer could deliver both comfort and sports car performance through innovation. The 928’s near-perfect weight distribution, transaxle design, and advanced engineering echo Porsche’s tradition of pushing the boundaries of automotive design—just like the 550 Spyder did in its time.
Thank you for taking the time with me to learn more about what Mr. Done Right, the Porsche 928 whisperer, can do for you.
Sincerely,
Don Fenton
(AKA) Mr. Done Right
For more information on Porsche 928 maintenance, repair, or restoration in the greater Austin area (or beyond), please contact your premier 928 mechanic, Don Fenton, AKA Mr. Done Right – Porsche 928 repairs and restoration of Austin, because Don ensures any repairs get Done Right the first time!
📞 Call us now for a free estimate! (737) 900-8179
🌐 Visit us at www.928DoneRight.com
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