James Dean, the iconic Hollywood actor of the 1950s, was known for his rebellious nature and his untimely death at the age of 24. However, it is not just his tragic demise that has captivated the public’s imagination over the years. The car he owned, a Porsche 550 Spyder nicknamed Little Bastard, has become infamous for its alleged curse and the strange happenings that surround it.
The story begins on September 30, 1955, when James Dean purchased his dream car, a Porsche 550 Spyder. He had it customized with the number 130 painted on the hood, doors, and rear deck. Little did he know that this car would soon become a symbol of tragedy and misfortune.
Just nine days after acquiring the vehicle, Dean met his tragic end in a fatal car accident while driving Little Bastard. The accident occurred on Route 466 in California when Dean collided with another vehicle. He was pronounced dead on arrival at a nearby hospital.
Following Dean’s death, rumors began to circulate about strange occurrences surrounding Little Bastard. The first incident involved George Barris, a famous car customizer who bought the wrecked Porsche from the insurance company. While transporting it to his shop, the car slipped off its trailer and broke a mechanic’s leg. Barris then sold various parts of the vehicle to different buyers.
Soon after, eerie events started to unfold. Two doctors who purchased engines from Little Bastard died in separate accidents. Another buyer lost control of his car and crashed into a tree, resulting in serious injuries. The list goes on: a truck carrying parts of the car caught fire mysteriously; a thief attempting to steal parts was crushed by falling debris; and even a display at a road safety exhibition featuring Little Bastard collapsed, injuring several people.
The incidents became so frequent and bizarre that Barris decided to hide the car away. He sold the remains to a private collector, who stored it in a garage. However, tragedy struck again when the garage caught fire, completely destroying everything except Little Bastard, which remained unscathed.
The car then disappeared from public view for several years, leading to speculation about its whereabouts. Some believed that the curse had taken hold and that the car was intentionally hidden to prevent further misfortune. Others claimed it was simply lost or destroyed.
In 2005, on the 50th anniversary of Dean’s death, Little Bastard resurfaced at an exhibition in Illinois. The owner displayed it alongside other artifacts related to James Dean’s life. However, even this event was not without its own peculiarities. During transportation to the exhibition, the truck carrying Little Bastard crashed into a tree, causing minor damage to the car.
Today, Little Bastard remains a symbol of mystery and intrigue. Some skeptics dismiss the curse as mere coincidence or urban legend, attributing the accidents to human error or negligence. However, others firmly believe that there is something supernatural at play.
Whether you believe in curses or not, there is no denying the strange happenings surrounding James Dean’s car.