Aircooled VW South Africa

Hey guys
I was given this trophy this weekend. It is the 1 st place trophy that was given to Arthur Pillman, Team manager after they won the 9 Hour race in 1960. This was the last year that the 9 Hour was held at Grand Central, before moving to Kyalami in 1961. Dawie Gous and John Love won both these years in the Porsche 550 Spyder.
I am currently doing a story on this Porsche, especially on the fatal accident in 1966. I've been told that this 550 Spyder was the most successful Porsche ever raced.
I do not know how to post pictures on the forum and will appreciate it if someone can post the picture. You can view it on http://www.aircooledwonders.com
Hope you enjoy this piece of South African history.
Wernher

Thanks Paul.

we lived down the road from the Old Grand Central raceway, With John Love being the local Hero (even if he was from up north)

The hi light was always watching old Big Van (Sarel Van De Merwe's Dad) getting into the old DKW Junior, and giving the others a lesson in driving. He won race after race.

There was a legend in his own right. Yet few guys know about him.

We should have a car Mag. do a write up about those days before they all gone.........That would be sad...

Herman

Herman
That is what I'm doing at Aircooledwonders. I want to capture not only the racing history, but also the people behind it. We have many legends here in SA that's still alive, but getting older. I welcome any ideas you have . Did you read Supervan & I ? Sarel talks about his old man and early racing days.
Wernher

Fantastic piece of Porsche Africana

It's been a long time since I updated anything to do with the 550 Spyder that raced in SA. Finally I've got some exciting news. Aircooledwonders together with film maker Frank Pretorius are doing a documentary on this very special car. Please support us by liking Unearthing The Giant Killer on facebook or checking out our website http://giantkiller.co.za/
We have some very stylish designer t-shirts for sale. All profits go towards the documentary. There are plans to tour the Country soon to do some final interviews.

It would be great to have you guys on board for this epic story.

Wernher

I heard of a 550 for sale in CPT over the weekend.
What are the odds of this being correct?

Tony. The chances are slim to none. It is probably a replica. I heard last year that Johan Rupert bought one and was thinking of bringing it to SA. Not sure if this is true.
The best way to see if it is a replica or not is to look at the price. Genuine ones go for approximately R 45 million ($4 mill.)at the moment.

I did think it a little slim, but the price tag is/was R5mil
A bit steep for a replica I think

Tony Z wrote:I did think it a little slim, but the price tag is/was R5mil
A bit steep for a replica I think

But way to little for the real deal. I would buy it at that price without any questions asked if it is a factory 550. I assume it is a replica, but probably has a 4 cam engine and made out of aluminium. Where do you see it advertised Tony ?

word of mouth from a up market car salesman
If I get the chance, I'll try to visit the shop I think its at on friday

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Whats going on Wernher/ I thought it was YOU doing the movie?

Alan. Rest assured that my 550 project and research will continue. Thanks for all the support so far. Watch the Aircooledwonders space.

Wernher