The curse of James Dean’s “Little Bastard” (22 Photos)

Affectionately named “Little Bastard” by Dean’s voice coach on the set of Giant, Dean’s Porsche was a sight to see. Emblazoned with red stripes over the wheel wells and custom “Little Bastard” lettering, it was hard to miss going down the road.

Ironically when James Dean met his untimely demise at the wheels of “Little Bastard” the driver who crashed into him told police that he never saw the bright silver Porsche coming down the road. On his way to Salinas, California for a road race Dean and his mechanic Rolf Wütherich were traveling down U.S. Route 466 (later named State Route 46) near Cholame, California when Donald Turnupseed cut in front of them in his Ford Tudor coupe. While his mechanic only suffered relatively minor injuries, Dean was almost immediately killed from a broken neck and massive internal injuries.

Here is where the story takes an interesting turn. The crashed remains of “Little Bastard” were purchased by car customizer George Barris for $2500 and immediately strange and tragic events started happening. One of Barris’ mechanics has both his legs broken when “Little Bastard” slipped off the trailer when it arrived at the shop. Barris, wanting to part it out, sold the engine and drivetrain to two other racing enthusiasts. One died in a fiery crash, the other was almost killed when his car spun out of control and flipped. Two of the wheels sold off of “Little Bastard” were given to another racer and he crashed when both tires blew out simultaneously. A man trying to steal the steering wheel gashed his arm sevearly on the twisted metal. Yet another, trying to steal the bloodstained seats, was also injured by the wreckage.

The plot thickens. By this point the highway patrol wanted to use the car as a public safety piece and put it into storage. The storage wearhouse burned to the ground leaving “Little Bastard” untouched. While on display, the car fell off the display stand onto a 15-year-old boy crushing his hip and in New Orleans the car allegedly spontaneously broke into 5 different pieces. Being transported, the driver had a wreck, fell from the cab and was crushed by the Porsche spyder. The cursed vehicle again broke loose from its strapping two more times while being transported. Finally the car’s lengthy tour ended and Barris put the car into a box car to have it shipped back to California. When the box car arrived the car had vanished, although the seals on the box car remained intact. It’s whereabouts to this day remain unknown. Some say it was knowingly melted by Barris wanting nothing more to do with it. Others say it was stolen from its box car in transit by some memorabilia thieves. The car may be lost, but it’s cursed legend will always remain.

Here are some more examples of the famous Porsche. It’s a beautiful car to behold. So sleek and small it’s an amazing machine and the story of the “curse” only adds to the 550 Spyder’s allure.