The Porsche Spyder 550, dubbed the “giant killer,” debuted at the 1953 Paris Motor Show, soon making waves with its low-slung design—perfect for dodging railway gates and giants alike. By 1956, the 550A version claimed Porsche’s first major victory at Targa Florio. James Dean’s infamous “Little Bastard” Spyder fueled both his rebellious legend and unfortunate demise. With a 1498 CCM flat-4 engine, this classic car remains a popular choice for replicas, keeping its legacy alive and kicking.
Posts Tagged: Paris
The “Hotchkiss Drive Suspension,” that old American classic, was the life of the party from the 1930s to the ’70s. Picture this: a couple of leaf springs hanging on for dear life, U-bolted to a live axle, making handling as smooth as a rollercoaster. While modern cars flaunt their fancy independent suspensions, this system remains the grandparent at a family reunion—everyone loves it but no one’s sure why. Just remember, a smooth ride isn’t always what it springs for!
