Registration No: 555 OWY
Chassis No: TMB136000GK5140069
MOT: August 2021

• Acquired by the current owner in 2011 one year after it was built with just 28 miles on the odometer, and after 10 years now only shows 444 miles
• Banham Evocation fitted with Skoda 136 Rapid 1289cc engine
• In 2018 was subject to extensive improvement works totalling £4380 at Classic Workshop Ltd
• Offered with an MOT until August 2021 (Only 2 miles covered since), as well as racing hat and goggles
• The Porsche ‘Type 550’ rewrote motoring history, becoming known simply as the ‘Giant Killer’.

The 550 was created in 1953 to test and race against the goliaths of 50s motor racing including the D-Types and 300SLRs. The Spyder continued its racing accolades with famous drivers such as Stirming Moss, Hans Hermann, Richard von Frankenberg and Jack McAfee at the wheel. Now racing across both Europe and the US, the 550 spyder dominated at famous circuits of Goodwood, Nurburgring, Le Mans, Targa Florio, Berlin’s Avus and Buenos Aires. Today 550 Spyders are some of the most expensive models to change hands. Banham Conversions (Banmoco). The 550 spyder replicas by Banham have been considered a close replica and have become collectible since production ceased, with nods to the original vehicles also making use of Volkswagen parts, with the platform being that of a Skoda 136 Rapid with their 1289cc engine.

This particular 550 Spyder recreation is presented in the desirable silver exterior featuring leather clam-shell straps, white race number circles and the iconic pegasus logo featured on the quarter panel. For the interior, we can see a contrasting red leather, featuring period racing seats with Sparco harnesses, nardi steering wheel, custom made passenger footwell heater cover and novelty period tax disc. The 550 related registration 555 OWY, was purchased separately and is included in the sale. After its photographically documented build in 2010, '555 OWY' was purchased by its current custodian at one year old in 2011 with just 28 miles on the odometer. In these 10 years, the car has covered only 416 miles, with the current recorded mileage now only 444 and the car stored in a dry garage. In October 2018, '555 OWY' was taken to Classic Workshop LTD, where £4,380 was spent, with works including a new radiator being fitted, the heating system overhauled, carburettor overhauled using the best parts from both a replacement unit and existing unit. Replacement gaskets were made in house, seals replaced and both the choke cable and carb were adjusted, as well as the ignition being checked and the timing set.

The work didn’t stop here. The ride height was then calculated and adjusted to give ‘the best possible geometry’, with strengthening plates for the chassis/suspension mounted points fabricated and welded into place before the pickup points were seam welded to improve strength and replacement springs and shock absorbers were then fitted to suit. It was found that 555 OWY performed better with additional weight in the front (between 30-50kg). The engine was also raised with new engine points being fabricated and fitted so the driveshaft was at a more correct angle and the engine held in a more robust position. Because the engine position had moved, new mounts and hinges for the rear clamshell were fabricated, before panel stays for the rear clamshell, centre compartment and bonnet were fabricated and fitted, so they could be held in place when opened.

Additional work included the manifolds overhauled with a replacement exhaust bracket fabricated and refitted, the handbrake overhauled, a replacement battery, an aftermarket hazard switch sourced and replaced, adjustable brackets for the headlights fabricated and fitted and more fettling. '555 OWY' comes accompanied with the V5 document showing a 1989 Skoda Convertible with 6 former keepers, a small number of documents including photographic history of the build from Skoda to 550 Spyder and for good measure, racing hat and goggles are supplied. Overall, a very rare opportunity to acquire a Banham Evocation that has benefited from such attention.

Vendor Condition Ratings:

Bodywork: 'Excellent’
Engine: 'Very Good'
Electrical Equipment: 'Excellent'
Paintwork: ‘Excellent'
Gearbox: 'Excellent'
Interior Trim: 'Excellent'

For more information, please contact:
Andreas Hicks
andreas.hicks@handh.co.uk
07943584762