1955 Porsche Spyder - Classic Restored | Tomasz Wagner | Vancouver's Wedding, Commercial, Travel Photographer

1955 Porsche Spyder – Classic Restored

13.11.2008

1955 Spyder

Lets roll back a couple weeks because I can’t help but make an exclusive about this car. It took a years to restore, but the owner said most of this time was spent trying to e-baying all the original parts.

The car was parked in his garage, covered in a silk liner that only shadowed the shape of the car. When the cover flew off, all I saw was a reflection of myself. The lines of the car were a little hard to read at first, but as I walked around it, I couldn’t believe how it’s small curvy figure had won me over.

Would you believe me if I told you the car had the power to weight ratio of a Porsche Carrera GT? The body was constructed of aluminum and weighed less than 1000 pounds. Fitted with Subaru’s 2L, the car was pushing 300hp. The drive was a different story! Sitting just inches from the pavement, the Spyder cut through each turn with it’s go-cart reflexes and when the throttle dropped, I was velcroed to the seats.

The first couple pictures were taken at the owners house, but I soon found out I needed something more grand. A bigger drive way, better light distribution, and maybe something to resemble the 50-60′s more.

I found myself shooting the car from different positions because the curves were much different then what I usually shoot. The cars weight distribution is uneven because it needs to compensate for the driver. This made it extremely difficult to shoot a perfect 3/4′s without the car dipping across it’s wheel base.

Editing was also different then what I’m usually used to. Figured if I’m going to shoot a classic, I’ll need to set a mood.
I was going to have to change my style and blend aged b/w film grain with new age technology.

I like Porsche for sticking with their roots, because their cars still look phenomenal!! Now if only they were cheaper, I’d live off mac&cheese for a couple years for a mid 80′s 911 Turbo *drool*