<h3 dir="ltr">The Legend of James Dean’s ‘Little Bastard’ Porsche: A Tale of Speed, Superstition, and the Power of Vehicle History </h3>
James Dean’s brief but impactful career was forever linked to his iconic 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder, famously dubbed “Little Bastard.” Owned for only nine days before tragedy struck, this sleek silver sports car became an automotive legend shrouded in superstition, mystery, and outright bad luck. Today, its story underscores the critical importance of knowing a vehicle’s history—something we at MPH partner with CARFAX to help you understand.
<h3 dir="ltr">A Race Car Filled with a Dark Legacy</h3>
Dean's Porsche 550 Spyder was a marvel of its time—a curvaceous, lightning-fast machine capable of reaching speeds up to 143 mph. Crafted from lightweight aluminum, it was built for sheer speed but was notoriously dangerous, with minimal protection for its tiny chassis. Made in only 90 units, surviving examples are exceedingly rare, and the car’s reputation for being cursed only added to its mystique. <img style="max-width: 100%;" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfYXzRrIUuSYPmEzw7IJ8pq7lzu5IL_0Ua07m1TY_LMR61IwhDHHL6XxuIdb3xBXBjav7AeO1ylD0d1PiEbFvvITTI0KrKoBvodATMg2RrrOdecquwV02rpHNSQi4AIBOOYCvyzUQ?key=RmBAngIcSTEZ8KiTpAYmEw"> 
Dean, famed for living life in the fast lane, owned “Little Bastard” for just over a week. His plan was to race at Salinas, California, but fate had other plans. On September 30, 1955, traveling at approximately 85 mph, Dean collided with a car driven by a young student, Donald Turnupseed—a crash that claimed Dean’s life instantly.
<h3 dir="ltr">A Car’s Life After the Crash</h3>
Following Dean’s death, “Little Bastard” quickly became a source of eerie incidents. The wreckage was bought by enthusiasts, and pieces of the car—like the engine and transmission—were incorporated into other race cars, fueling a series of tragic accidents and deaths, including the fatal crash of Troy McHenry, who drove a car with parts from Dean’s Porsche.
Car designer George Barris bought what remained of the wreckage and used it in a traveling automotive display. The car, or parts of it, supposedly suffered fires, breakages, and even disappeared entirely—adding layers to its myth. Rumors spread of bizarre happenings: injuries, mysterious fires, and sightings of the car in various places, fueling the legend of a supernatural curse. <img style="max-width: 100%;" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeWYgEtu2GtYGoy7zhP268DopBxh2Ak-J-SdZu41-rW_xe9cnHCP7Rw2h0eMwgbUF0lmb_InaqNBPyjMPcav62zoH_wG6pjpmDU2kSff9dsP1pq8Ih_lE1fLtqFbkSXpA2Y3kD3?key=RmBAngIcSTEZ8KiTpAYmEw"> 
<h3 dir="ltr">The Power of a Known History</h3>
Today, the story of Little Bastard highlights an essential lesson: understanding a vehicle’s history can be crucial. Like Dean’s Porsche, many cars have stories—accidents, repairs, or modifications—that can impact safety and value.
That’s why MPH partners with CARFAX, the global leader in vehicle history reports. Knowing the history of a vehicle helps you make informed decisions—spotting potential red flags, understanding past damages, or verifying authenticity in rare cars like Dean’s Porsche. It’s a safeguard against buying a “haunted” vehicle—or one with a hidden past.
The Only Remaining Piece
Despite countless stories and mysteries, the whereabouts of “Little Bastard” remain unknown. The only verified surviving part is a transaxle, which was discovered in 2020 and sold at auction for $387,000. Today, it’s owned by Zak Bagans, host of Zak Bagan’s The Haunted Museum, keeping alive the legend of Dean’s cursed ride. <img style="max-width: 100%;" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdBIFzBBra0AXW4d4eenHsbhfJ5ri71mXd2XB5BTMbEzbjtgEOO486sHH6h2EXXlyAcW56cKfB6z9cw31iFwiFqbbKvy9yCtD16ZeU3n10TjPDava7ZAN-2PiOnWls-460mmO5H?key=RmBAngIcSTEZ8KiTpAYmEw"> 
<h3 dir="ltr">Final Thoughts</h3>
James Dean’s Porsche 550 Spyder is a powerful reminder of how history, legend, and fact intersect in the automotive world. Whether you're a collector or an everyday driver, understanding your vehicle’s story is invaluable—something we prioritize at MPH in partnership with CARFAX. Because in the world of cars, a well-documented history isn’t just smart; it could be lifesaving.
Get a Vehicle History Report Today — Protect Your Investment and Drive with Confidence.
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The Legend of James Dean’s ‘Little Bastard’ Porsche: A Tale of Speed, Superstition, and the Power of Vehicle History

June 2, 2025 3:05 PM