Ultra-Rare $4 Million 1956 Porsche 550RS Spyder to Hit Auction Block – Art Market Updates
On October 6, automotive enthusiasts and collectors will turn their attention to the Bonhams|Cars Zoute Sale in Knokke-Heist, Belgium, where a true gem of racing history will be up for auction: the ex-‘ECURIE NATIONALE BELGE’ 1956 Porsche 550RS Spyder, Chassis 550-0082, just like the one that once belonged to Hollywood legend James Dean.
While this iconic vehicle has no direct connection to the American actor, it is still expected to fetch between €3,500,000 and €4,000,000, reaffirming its status as one of the most expensive classic sports cars in the world.
Chassis no. 550-0082, completed in March 1956, was ordered by Porsche’s Belgian distributor and delivered in Belgium’s racing color, yellow, to the Ecurie Nationale Belge. This team was born from the merger of two prominent names in the racing world.
The car’s racing pedigree is impressive, securing multiple podium finishes in the 1956 season and participating in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans the following year. Now offered in fully restored condition, the car comes with an extensive history file, making it a collector’s item and a piece of racing history.
The Porsche 550RS Spyder is associated with James Dean, who tragically lost his life in a similar model in 1955. Dean’s Porsche 550 Spyder, nicknamed “Little Bastard,” became an integral part of his rebellious image, adding an eerie quality to both his legacy and the car itself.
While the car at auction is not Dean’s vehicle, the connection adds an extra layer of fascination for collectors and enthusiasts. The Bonhams|Cars Zoute Sale promises to be a significant event, where this rare and historic Porsche 550RS Spyder will undoubtedly be one of the most sought-after lots.
Philip Kantor, International Chairman of Bonhams Cars, expressed his excitement about the auction, highlighting the significance of bringing Belgian racing heritage to the public eye.
The Porsche 550RS Spyder holds not just racing history but a broader cultural consciousness, making it a valuable piece for automotive enthusiasts and collectors.
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Matteo Fiorelli is an alumnus of the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze in Italy, where he earned his degree in Painting and Visual Arts. His vibrant, abstract works draw inspiration from the Renaissance and modern street art, merging classical techniques with urban influences. Matteo has exhibited his paintings in galleries throughout Italy and France.