James Deans Porsche

[vdubinit]

I was just curious about the story about his porsche that he wrecked

wasn't it fatal? I also have heard rumors of the car still being around somewere all smashed up is this true

Which highway was it that he wrecked on, was it highway 46 or highway 41 thanks for any feedback I was just really curious about this subject because I was watching a TV program about James Dean and they metioned something about his wrecked porsche but they really didnt go into depth about it but Im sure one of you would have the whole scoop on the matter.
_________________
**WANTED** ONE 4 1/2 EARLY FUCH

[vw (o\!/o) nut]

Here's a good start.

http://members.aol.com/jaydeebee1/memorial.html
_________________
"Curiosity killed the cat, but for a while I was a prime suspect."

[GeorgeL]

[53 0val]

The car everybody is looking for is his Speedster that he sold to buy the Spyder.
_________________
"What a fool believes he sees, no wise man has the power to reason away." Dobee, Dobee, Do

[DMNCLNR]

[coad]

[vdubinit]

[DMNCLNR]

[Simon uk]

wow that news article was great almost explained the whole sequence of events but what ever happened to the car

I mean it sounds like it was beyond repairable but iu wonder if they crushed it or maybe the tow truck driver stuff it in a barn just bexause it was james dean's porsche [/quote]

I thought there was a whole story about the car being jinxed, its the 550-055 chassis number thing! It was used as a mobile (on a trailer) advertising campaign until it fell on someone and broke their legs. Then it was on a train or a truck that had a fatal accident. No one knows where the wreck is now, but because it is stolen no one could suddenly present it to the world cause it would be confiscated.

Ok guys, if someone had it and parted it out, would you run any parts of it on your car knowing its reputation? I still think I would use the motor!

[Towel Rail]

[LHG]

I live in Paso Robles and we drove our 356 out to the dedication ceremony. Here are a few photos from the event.

This is our 57 Sunroof Coupe in Cholame at site of the James Dean memorial. The car happens to be for sale.

Here is a link to a bunch of photos from that day.

http://www.cc356c.com/id117.htm
_________________
Brian O'Kelly
Central Coast Chapter, CA - Vintage Volkswagen Club of America
www.centralcoastvwclub.com
www.facebook.com/groups/vintagevwclub/

[53 0val]

Tell me about those bumpers?
_________________
"What a fool believes he sees, no wise man has the power to reason away." Dobee, Dobee, Do

[LHG]

They are repro bumpers with GT style trim. The car is lowered a bit with polished brake drums. Looks pretty cool.

_________________
Brian O'Kelly
Central Coast Chapter, CA - Vintage Volkswagen Club of America
www.centralcoastvwclub.com
www.facebook.com/groups/vintagevwclub/

[53 0val]

I thought you might have changed out an engine and had a 4 Cam hiding in the garage.
_________________
"What a fool believes he sees, no wise man has the power to reason away." Dobee, Dobee, Do

[70 140]

[vdubinit]

[Nid]

Jame's Porsche. Only picture I've ever found of the aftermath. Haunting, IMO.

_________________
My, you've been naughty. How.....Delicious.
You're such an inspiration for the ways that I'll never ever choose to be
Oh so many ways for me to show you how your savior has abandoned you
Fuck your God, Your Lord and your Christ, he did this
Took all you had and left you this way
A Perfect Circle - Judith

[staceyz]

I read after the crash, the fellow that sold it to dean bought back the wreck, sold the engine right away as it was still fine, and sold the rear wheels to someone else. The wreck changed hands a few times and was stolen.
_________________
Wanted: Old Martin or Gibson Guitars

[2true]

The Curse of James Dean's Porsche

James Dean driving his new Porsche with his mechanic Rolf Wutherich on the day of his death.


James Dean's Porsche
Friends told James Dean that the car was trouble when they saw it - a rare Silver Porsche Spyder, one of only 90 in 1955. Nicknamed "The Little Bastard," the car carried the iconic screen rebel to his grave on September 30, 1955.

After the accident, many fans refused to believe Dean was dead. A story circulated that he was still alive although terribly disfigured, and in true urban legend fashion this tale took on a life of its own.

I won't go into all the James Dean as a cult idol stuff except to say his mystique has staying power. For example, his tombstone was stolen twice in 1983, and in 1985 had to be replaced because of damage done to it by fans. Seems he was still the popular fellow despite having been dead for three decades.

After the tragedy, master car customizer George Barris bought the wreck for $2,500. When the wreck arrived at Barris' garage, the Porsche slipped and fell on one of the mechanics unloading it. The accident broke both of the mechanic's legs.

While Barris had bad feelings about the car when he first saw it, his suspicions were confirmed during a race at the Pomona Fair Grounds on October 24, 1956. Two physicians, Troy McHenry and William Eschrid, were both racing cars that had parts from the "Little Bastard." McHenry died when his car, which had the Porsche's engine installed, went out of control and hit a tree. Eschrid's car flipped over. Eschrid, who survived despite serious injuries, later said that the car suddenly locked up when he went into a curve.

The car's malevolent influence continued after the race: one kid trying to steal the Porsche's steering wheel slipped and gashed his arm. Barris reluctantly sold two of the car's tires to a young man; within a week, the man was nearly involved in a wreck when the two tires blew out simultaneously.

Feeling that the Porsche could be put to good use, Barris loaned the wrecked car to the California Highway Patrol for a touring display to illustrate the importance of automobile safety. Within days, the garage housing the Spyder burnt to the ground. With the exception of the "Little Bastard," every vehicle parked inside the garage was destroyed. When the car was put on exhibit in Sacramento, it fell from its display and broke a teenager's hip. George Barkuis, who was hauling the Spyder on a flatbed truck, was killed instantly when the Porsche fell on him after he was thrown from his truck in an accident.

The mishaps surrounding the car continued until 1960, when the Porsche was loaned out for a safety exhibit in Miami, Florida. When the exhibit was over, the wreckage, en route to Los Angeles on a truck, mysteriously vanished. To this day, the "Little Bastard's" whereabouts are unknown.

Sources:

AMC's Hollywood Ghost Stories television special
_________________
AKA Destroyer of the Rants......

[66 Käfer]

There is a program on Speed that mentioned some of these mishaps also, It is from the Behind the Headlights series and it is more about the car (Spyder 550) rather that James dean. Of course it mentiones James Dean but the program is mainly about the success of the 550. Watch it if you get a chance.