“LITTLE BASTARD” | THE SILVER SPYDER PORSCHE/DEAN MYSTERY REVISITED

James Dean on the lot of Competition Motors with his infamous silver Porsche 550 Spyder not long before is tragic death on Sept. 30, 1955 – Image courtesy mptvimages.com. Jimmy had finished shooting George Stevens’ epic “Giant” (notice his hairline was shaved by the studio to play the older, receeding Jett Rink). With the film in the bag, he was now free to race.

.

The day of James Dean’s tragic death behind the wheel of his Porsche Spyder is well documented, as professional photographer Sanford Roth was accompanying Dean for an article on the actor’s passion for racing in Collier’s Magazine. This image shot by Roth in Hollywood on the morning of the accident, shows Dean and Rolf Wütherich preparing for a weekend of racing and camaraderie. That this would be Dean’s final hours, or that Wüetherich was about to experience a life-shattering event, was clearly the furthest thing from either one’s mind. Julien’s Auctions sold an 11×14-inch print of this shot, taken from Roth’s original contact sheet and mounted on foam core, for  $1,500. It is confirmed to be among the last “official” images taken of the actor before his fatal crash. via

.

Lee Raskin is widely considered an expert in regard early Porsche auto history, and in particular– James Dean’s brief but spectacular Porsche racing career. Lee has consulted with authors and video producers regarding James Dean’s motorsports activities and the mysterious disappearance of his “Little Bastard” 550 Spyder following Dean’s death in 1955. In fact, his book James Dean: At Speed is considered the final authority on the subject, and a must-read for any James Dean fan.

Recently, Lee himself contacted TSY— wanting to set the record straight on a few myths that have long haunted James Dean and his “Little Bastard”. I also feel it’s well deserved to pay tribute to Lee Raskin for all the personal sacrifice, energy and resources he’s put into preserving the history of Porsche and James Dean.

.

James Dean going over the Porsche Spyder at Competition Motors on Vine Street in Hollywood.

.

“I would like to correct some facts: James Dean had entered the Salinas Airport Races for the Oct. 1st weekend of 1955. Dean was a provisionary racer with the Calif Sports Car Club and Sports Car Club of America. He did not have a permanent race number. He selected 130 which was available. He did not go to George Barris for any painting or striping. Dean Jeffries, who had a paint shop next to Barris did the work which consisted of: painting ‘130′ in black non-permanent paint on the front hood, doors and rear deck lid. He also painted “Little Bastard” in script across the rear cowling. The red leather bucket seats and red tail stripes were original. The tail stripes were painted by the Stuttgart factory, which was customary on the Spyders for racing ID.”

–Lee Raskin, Porsche historian, and author of James Dean At Speed.

.

James Dean (with friend / mechanic Rolf) and his 1955 Silver Porsche 550 Spyder– “Little Bastard”

.

James Dean with his “Little Bastard– great view of the tail stripes and Dean Jeffries’ handiwork.

.

George Barris WAS NOT a good friend of James Dean. He barely knew him from the ‘Rebel Without a Cause’ movie. Barris has embellished the entire story for over 55 years. He is a fraud who has capitalized on buying the carcass of the wrecked Spyder after it was sold by the insurance company to two fellow racers, Dr. Wm. Echrich and Dr. Troy McHenry. See James Dean: At Speed which gives a clear epilogue as to the events that took place with the ownership and demise of the Spyder.

–Lee Raskin, Porsche historian, and author of James Dean At Speed.

.

James Dean’s fatal accident wreckage was used for PSA’s warning drivers about the dangers and consequences of careless driving.  As shocking and insensitive as it is to see, I’m sure it made a lasting impression.

.

(George) Barris was not accurate nor was he truthful with respect to how he came about owning the Spyder’s remains, the events that caused ‘mysterious’ injuries and deaths…and what actually happened to the Spyder’s disappearance. George Barris has used James Dean and his death to capitalize for his own self gratification and financial gain. He will not challege me. I also stand corrected on statements made 18 yrs. ago through continued reseach and writings. I believe the Spyder’s remains (the body shell) were disposed of by George Barris, personally…as the car was not stolen or lost in 1961.

–Lee Raskin, Porsche historian and author of James Dean At Speed.

.

James Dean and his infamous “Little Bastard” Porsche Spyder.

RELATED TSY POSTS:

“LITTLE BASTARD” | THE SILVER SPYDER THAT DROVE JAMES DEAN TO HIS GRAVE

THE “REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE” CURSE | A CURIOUS CAST OF CHARACTERS

A JAMES DEAN TRUE LIFE LESSON | DON’T ACT IT, OR SHOW IT– JUST DO IT

HISTORY OF DENIM THROUGH THE AGES | WESTERN WEAR GOES HOLLYWOOD

HOLLYWOOD ICON JAMES DEAN’S NYC APARTMENT