Equipment
Carrera engine, dual Solex carbs, Dunlop Racing tires, Nardi woodrim steering wheel, comes with a 5-speed gearbox believed to be original to this car (period 4-speed installed.)
Condition
#3 Good
Runs and drives well. Flaws not noticeable to passersby. Most common condition.
One of 40 improved 550As. Factory entry owned and driven by Carel de Beaufort that won its class at the Nurburgring 1000km in 1958, 2nd in class and fifth overall at Le Mans also in 1958. Driven since in the Mille Miglia numerous times. Two small dents, one with a crack, in the tip of the nose. Paint is mostly excellent. Upholstery and frame and most of the cockpit has its fair share of wear and tear from competition. Chips on the hinges of he engine cover. Long scratch on the tail. Engine rebuilt in 2012. Not completely original, but never fully restored. Certainly in good enough condition to keep racing, but most of the value here is in the historical significance.
Market commentary
It would be worth most if not all of the high bid here if it hadn't scored the 550A's best finish at Le Mans and it is surprising with Gooding's reputation for achieving record results with Porsche Spyders that it didn't find more interest.