<< Prev Page 2 of 3 Next >> In the meantime Ernst Fuhrmann's all-new engine was taking shape in the Zuffenhausen workshop. He was told to stay within the 1500 cc limit and to get the most out of the small displacement he felt overhead camshafts were the way to go. Compared to the OHV engine found in the 356 road cars the new 547 had a larger bore and shorter stroke to displace 1498 cc. Each set of two cylinders was equipped with two overhead camshafts, driven by shafts instead of the more traditional chains or belts. A similar design was used for the flat 12 engine Fuhrmann had previously designed for the Cisitalia Grand Prix engine.
A third 550 chassis was constructed with a more refined tubular frame, ready to accept the new engine. Erwin Komenda was commissioned to pen a new roadster body that vaguely reflected the original 550's body, but like the chassis it was much more refined. The complete package was first seen in public at the 1953 Hockenheim Grand Prix where Hans Herrmann put in some practice laps, but could not yet match the speeds of the 550 Coupe, which he drove to a victory in the race. A week later Hans Stuck drove the quad cam roadster to a third place in a hillclimb. At both events Porsche was reluctant to open the rear deck and reveal their all-new engine design.
A month later Porsche used the Paris Motorshow to not only showcase Fuhrmann's new engine, but also to announce the production of the 550 RS Spyder. It would be available in 1954 as a race-ready car for privateers. The show car was the fifth 550 constructed and featured various amenities like a full width windscreen complete with wipers, a lockable glove compartment, two seats and a convertible top. Before the 550 RS Spyder was actually deemed production ready, many more minor modifications to the engine and chassis were carried through. << Prev Page 2 of 3 Next >>
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In the meantime Ernst Fuhrmann's all-new engine was taking shape in the Zuffenhausen workshop. He was told to stay within the 1500 cc limit and to get the most out of the small displacement he felt overhead camshafts were the way to go. Compared to the OHV engine found in the 356 road cars the new 547 had a larger bore and shorter stroke to displace 1498 cc. Each set of two cylinders was equipped with two overhead camshafts, driven by shafts instead of the more traditional chains or belts. A similar design was used for the flat 12 engine Fuhrmann had previously designed for the Cisitalia Grand Prix engine.