Chassis Number: 5500036
Offered directly from 50 years of devoted custodianship by a renowned Porsche collector and enthusiast, this 550 Spyder, chassis no. 5500036, benefits from an exciting period racing career at major European outings, and fastidiously well-documented history and provenance. According to copies of the original factory build sheet and letters between Porsche in Stuttgart and the current owner, 550 Spyder no. 5500036 was completed at the Porsche Works during the latter part of April 1955. It was finished in white, with blue accents treated to the top of the fenders, and was fitted with type 547 4-cam engine number 90035 and transaxle number 10027. The first owner was Mr. Theo Helfrich of Frankfurt, Germany, an accomplished racing driver with several triumphs to his name, including a 2nd overall finish at the 1952 Le Mans 24 Hours, Formula 2 Champion of 1953, and three impressive seasons in Formula One. According to various period race records on file, Helfrich, along with teammate Mr. Peter Nöcker, would campaign 5500036 right out of the gate in 1955, competing at major racing events that year. Ludwig Fisher is recorded as having purchased 5500036 in 1957 and would continue campaigning the lithe and powerful Porsche Spyder at various races throughout Europe, including the 1958 Nürburgring GP in Germany, where he finished 11th. By 1958, 5500036 was acquired by an American military man stationed in Germany and brought with him to the U.S. in 1960. The 550 was sold to a North Carolina resident in 1964 and later went through two owners in Florida, until it was purchased there by the current owner in 1972. Many photos are available of 5500036 when acquired by the current owner, showing a largely complete car retaining original bodywork, suspension and transaxle, but missing its engine. Through his many Porsche connections and enthusiast friends, a correct Type 547 4-cam engine was found. This engine, no. 90034, is just one single digit off the original engine for the car (no. 90035) and has been rebuilt by legendary 4-cam engine builder Billy Doyle. The original transaxle (no. 10027) remains in the car and has never been separated from 5500036. A slowly started restoration occurred during the 1980s. A more comprehensive restoration was started in 1998 and finished in 2003, by the Porsche experts at Willison Werkstatt of Lake Park, FL. Once the fastidious restoration was completed, 5500036 made its debut and last large public appearance at the 2003 Rennsport Reunion and has since been tucked away in a climate-controlled facility.
