The pedigree of Porsche as car designers was brilliantly affirmed by its creation of the 550 Spyder competition roadster. See the 550 Spyder in all its variations, from its origins in experimental Porsche models to the amazing and finely crafted one-off specials of Walter Glockler. With its superb four-cam flat-four engine, designed by Ernst Fuhrmann, the 550 became known as a giant-killer for its racing successes on tracks all over the world. As tough as it was handsome, the 550 was winning races years after its official launch at the Paris Salon in 1953. Exclusive photography of the 550 in the Ludvigsen Library shows its engineering, its evolution and in action in races in Europe and North America. This book is must reading for all Porsche enthusiasts.About The Author: Karl Ludvigsen has a distinguished record of accomplishment at senior levels throughout the worldwide motor industry. He has received wide recognition for his work as an editor, journalist, historian and author. Not only has he been employed at senior levels with Ford of Europe, Fiat North America, and General Motors, but he has also been involved in editorial roles with Motor Trend magazine, Auto Age, and Sports Car Illustrated and Car and Driver. Ludvigsen is in demand from the press of North America and Europe as a source of information on industry trends, and he is a frequent speaker at conferences. Currently, Ludvigsen acts as Chairman of Ludvigsen Associates Limited (a consulting company), Managing Director of Euromotor Reports Limited and Director of Ludvigsen Library Limited.