550-08 was a Weinsberg body and frame Porsche 550 and was completed in April 1954 painted in German silver with red darts along its high rear tail fins. This 550 was the first of the new race cars to be configured with the hinged rear clamshell to enable easy access to the engine bay.

550-08 was entered into the May 1954 Mille Miglia, which was a 1000 mile race around the towns of Italy. Porsche was not sure if their new car was ready for such an endurance race with little time to prepare, so team manager, Huschke von Hanstein had entered the car privately into the event and kept everything very low key before the race.

The car performed exceedingly well and after 12 hours, 35 minutes and 44 seconds on 990 miles of Italian roads they passed the finish line sixth overall and first in the 1500cc class. This was only achievable by taking risks such as the 90 mph dash under the closed boom gate at the railway crossing with the impending train within sight.

Chassis #550-08 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.