A superb and rare photo taken during the 1953 edition of
the Carrera PanAmericana road race. Shown in this great image is
the Porsche 550 Spyder of
the 1,600cc Sports Car Class winner Jose Herrarte. He
won the race in a total time of 23 hours and 43 minutes and
almost had to retire in
It is an absolutely gorgeous image which was taken
during the 4TH edition of one of the most famous roadraces ever:
the Carrera Pan Americana, which was ridden in
Interestingly,
in the 1953 edition of the Carrera PanAmericana there were 14 starters in the
1,600cc Sports Car Class. BUT, there were only two finishers: both with Porsche
’s! First was Jose Herrarte with a 550 Spyder, second was Fernando Segura with
a 365 Speedster. Herrarte was a Guatemalan road racer and coffee grower.
Fernando Segura was an Argentinean architect who lived in
The photographed Porsche 550 of winner
Jose Herrarte was very similar to the 550 that Porsche prepared for the
24 hour race of
Porsche had developed a special 550 version just for the long endurance races. Characteristic was the metal (aluminum) rooftop. Porsche was so very successful in the extremely heavy Carrera PanAmericana that they named quite a few of their cars after the famous race. The following Porsche’s have been called Carrera (which stands for “race” in the Spanish language): Porsche 356 , Porsche 904 , Porsche 911 (1963 - 1989) , Porsche 964 (1989 - 1993) , Porsche 993 (1993 - 1998) , Porsche 996 (1998 - 2004) , Porsche 997 (2004 - present) , Porsche 924 and off course the Porsche Carrera GT .
The Porsche 550
Spyder was inspired by the smaller Porsche 356 Spyder which was created
and raced by Walter Glöckler in 1951. The Porsche factory specifically designed
to build the 550 Spyder in car racing. The 550 was designed as a very low and
aerodynamically efficient car. It was so low that former German Formula One
racer Hans Herrmann drove it under closed railroad crossing gates during the
1954 Mille Miglia. The 550
became known as Spyder or RS,
and gave Porsche its first overall win in a major sports car racing event, the
1956 Targa Florio. Its successor from 1957 onwards, the Porsche 718, was even
more successful, scoring points in Formula One as late as
The Carrera PanAmericana was
raced from 1950 through 1954. It was held on open roads in
The first cars to run
the race had top speeds of around
Many people agree that the Carrera Pan Americana race was one of the most grueling road race ever conceived. The race was open to stock production vehicles. A few marque's took advantage of this difficult course to prove their vehicles stamina and toughness, Porsche was one of them!
This is a very nice and very rare non period photo that reflects a wonderful era of Porsche ‘s automotive history in a wonderful way. This is your rare chance to own this photo, therefore it is printed in a nice large format of ca. 8" x 9" (ca. 20 x 22 cm). It makes it perfectly suitable for framing.
Shipping costs will only be $ 7.00 regardless of how many photos you buy. For 5 or more photos, shipping is free!
(Note: A. Herl, Inc. does not appear on photo, for ebay purposes only)
No copyright expressed or implied. Sold as collectable item only. We are clearing out our archives that we have gathered from various sources.
All items always sent well protected in PVC clear files and board backed envelopes.
We have photographs that came from professional collections and/or were bought from the original photographer or press studio! They are all of professional and excellent quality.
After many decades of professionally collecting photographs and posters we are clearing out our archives. They make the perfect gift and are perfectly suited for framing. They will look gorgeous unframed and will be a true asset nicely framed with a border. They are a gorgeous and great asset in every home, workshop, workplace, restaurant, bar or club!
First come - first served. And you can always contact us for your requests. Please ask any questions before the auction ends.