Completed in July 1953, 550-03 was also the first body fabricated by Weinsberg but with a more refined design in both looks and mechanical functionality than the two earlier builds thanks to Porsche’s in-house body engineer Erwin Komenda. Built as both a roadster and a hard top coupe, it was first tested as a roadster in August 1953 at the Nürburgring with Huschke von Hanstein behind the wheel. Designed for a range of races from short course and hill climbs through to long distance endurance races, the engine and longer trailing arm suspension set up was different on the purpose built frame also made by Weinsberg.

In October 1958, the car was shipped to the US along with 550-04 where it first raced at Sowega Turner Air Force Base. Although entered by Porsche, they needed to sell the car after the Carrera Panamericana race in Mexico a few weeks later, so both 550s were installed with Porsche 356 push-rod engines. Unfortunately the Mexican race finished prematurely with engine problems and the car was returned to the US where Porsche dealer Max Hoffman entered it into the 12 hour Sebring race piloted by Evens Hunt finishing 8th.

Chassis #550-03 has a documented race and ownership history that has been researched and verified through primary sources. Accurate provenance information for this car is available upon enquiry through the contact page.