Bedtime Stories Along Came a Spyder
Nov 26, 2025
In 1955, a sleek sports car associated with James Dean became the stuff of legends. Following its deadly crash, mysterious accidents plagued buyers of its parts. The story weaves through the infamous nickname 'Little Bastard' and a slew of bizarre incidents, raising questions about fate and coincidence. Was it merely bad luck, or is there something supernatural at play? As the car’s wreckage disappears, the myth deepens, captivating the curious and igniting debate for decades.
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Dean's Obsession With A Dangerous Car
- James Dean bought a Porsche 550 Spyder in autumn 1955 and nicknamed it Little Bastard after customizing it with George Barris.
- The car's design was racing-focused and notoriously unforgiving, reflecting Dean's passion for fast cars.
The Fatal Cholame Crash
- On September 30, 1955, Dean drove the Spyder toward Salinas with mechanic Wolf Wüttrich and collided with Donald Turnupseed near Cholame.
- The Porsche crumpled, Wüttrich survived badly injured, and Dean was pronounced dead at Paso Robles War Memorial Hospital.
Barris Turned Wreckage Into Myth
- After the crash, George Barris bought the wreck and reported a cascade of accidents and injuries linked to the remains.
- These events fueled the idea that the car itself carried a curse and amplified public fascination.