9 replies to this topic

[ERIKZ]

Which Porsche 550 Spyders are associated with Jean Behra and what are the chassis numbers?

Edited by ERIKZ, 09 July 2018 - 19:13.

[Jager]

According to Racingsportscars.com, he only ever drove one 550 which was at the 1958 1000kms of Buenos Aires. No chassis number is listed :

 

http://www.racingspo...an-Behra-F.html

[ERIKZ]

Thanks Jager....

 

Does anyone have any more information on the Stirling Moss/Jean Behra Porsche 550?  Was it a Porsche Factory "Works" race car or was it a private entry?  It would seem that it was a Porsche "Works" entry due to the increased engine displacement from the normal 1.5 litres to the listed 1.6 litres?  What's the history on that particular Porsche, did it end up being sent back to the Porsche Factory or did it end up in the USA (1958) since Sebring was just around the corner?

Edited by ERIKZ, 10 July 2018 - 07:16.

[Jager]

Erikz, you'll find a picture of the 1958 Buenos Aires 550 here :

 

http://www.jmfangio....958baires1k.htm

 

I'd suggest you spend some time on the RSC website looking at races from the relevant era and geography for more clues. For example, here's the list of Sebring entries for 1958 :

 

http://www.racingspo...1958-03-22.html

 

The works Porsche team entered two 718 RSK's (#41 and #42) and a 356 Carrera (#43).

 

There were five 550's present, all privately entered with the 1500cc engine, suggesting the Buenos Aires car did not go to Sebring :

 

#44 (entered by Art's Sports Motors)

#45 (entered by Jean-Pierre Kunstle)

#46 (entered by Marshall Motors (USA))

#74 (entered by Norman J. Scott Jr.)

#75 (reserve entry entered by Alfred Momo (USA))

[ERIKZ]

Thanks Jager...

 

#41-is actually a Porsche 550 (RSC has it mis-labeled as an 718 RSK) at the 1958 Sebring 12 Hours (this also happens to be the same car that was driven by Stirling Moss and Jean Behra earlier in the year at the Buenos Aires 1000km.  The registry plate is (S-DX 581)

 

http://library.revsi...ion=p17257coll1

 

http://library.revsi...ion=p17257coll1

 

http://library.revsi...ion=p17257coll1

 

The last photo link just happens to have a photo of Jean Behra sitting on the Porsche, but just by coincidence since he ended up driving the "Works" #42 Porsche RSK for the race.  The RSC site also has the #41 Porsche 550 listed and finishing in the S2.0 class, which should mean that it was still running the larger 1.6 litre engine from the Buenos Aires race earlier in the year.

Edited by ERIKZ, 10 July 2018 - 08:46.

[Henk Vasmel]

I have the '58 Buenos Aires car as actually a 550A RS. Chassis number 550A-0136. Works Entry with license plate S-DX581. Start number (48). Grid: 14, Result: 3, Engine F4-1587, number 90120 (not sure of that one), winner of the 2-litre class. Co-Driver Stirling Moss, also entered Fritz Huschke von Hanstein (DNS).

 

Oh, and the Behra-Porsche was based on 550-0032 of course.

Edited by Henk Vasmel, 10 July 2018 - 18:20.

[JoBo]

I have the '58 Buenos Aires car as actually a 550A RS. Chassis number 550A-0136. Works Entry with license plate S-DX581. Start number (48). Grid: 14, Result: 3, Engine F4-1587, number 90120 (not sure of that one), winner of the 2-litre class. Co-Driver Stirling Moss, also entered Fritz Huschke von Hanstein (DNS).

 

Oh, and the Behra-Porsche was based on 550-0032 of course.

 

What was the VIN of Behra`s fatal RSK in Berlin 1959? Is the car still around?

 

JoBo

[raceannouncer2003]

What was the VIN of Behra`s fatal RSK in Berlin 1959? Is the car still around?

 

JoBo

 

Apparently 718-016...and was restored.  It was listed as being at the 2011 Rennsport Reunion at Laguna Seca...I must have seen it...but didn't get a photo.  

 

Vince H.

[Henk Vasmel]

Apparently 718-016...and was restored.  It was listed as being at the 2011 Rennsport Reunion at Laguna Seca...I must have seen it...but didn't get a photo.  

 

Vince H.

 

That one is in my database too, with the possibility that it might have been 718-030. That is the one used in Clermont-Ferrand two weeks before, and the car entered for Kannonloppet in Sweden, one week later. 

718-030 has been used in 1960 by Starrabba, while 718-016 has been mentioned for Chuck Cassel at the end of the year Bahama races, but with a question mark.

718-016 is also listed as the car entered for Le Mans 1959 by José Behra (DNA). No entrant is available for the AVUS race, so my guess now is that 718-016 is correct.

[ERIKZ]

Thanks Henk....

 

Is 550A-0136 still around and did it stay in the USA after the 1958 Sebring 12 Hours?  There doesn't seem to be any current day photos of 0136 out there?