Volo Auto Museum Offers $1 Million for James Dean Death Car

VOLO, Ill., Aug. 29, 2005 -- The Volo Auto Museum will pay $1 million for the missing 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder that James Dean drove to his death on Sept. 30, 1955. Most likely stolen, the car disappeared in 1958.

"Historically speaking, it is one of the most important cars of all time," Volo Auto Museum President Greg Grams said. "It belongs in a museum."

The museum, 27582 W. Volo Village Road, Volo, IL, is commemorating the 50th anniversary of James Dean's death with a temporary exhibit of artifacts from the fatal crash, including the only part of the car known to exist, the restored passenger-side door.

The items are on loan from George Barris, who originally customized the Porsche for Dean. Barris is famous for designing and building cars for movies and television programs, including the Batmobile from the 1960's television series.

To collect the $1 million, Dean's Porsche must be fully authenticated by Barris.

Barris and Dean became friends while working together on the set of "Rebel without a Cause." Barris built the '49 Mercury that Dean drove in the movie and supervised the famous chicken-race scene.

"That's where we became friendly, because (Dean) liked cars," Barris said. "He really was a rebel. He wouldn't follow instructions or even suggestions. He wouldn't conform to society."

Dean commissioned Barris to customize the Porsche Spyder with the number "130" on the hood and doors and the nickname "Little Bastard" on the rear.

Barris purchased the wreck after the fatal crash and toured it nationally as part of a police safety demonstration. It disappeared shortly after one such demonstration in Florida.

But before that, the Porsche was involved in various unusual situations. People died, received injuries, and had their lives forever changed. The phenomenon is called "The Curse of the James Dean Death Car."

The Volo Auto Museum is home to the world's largest collection of muscle cars and The George Barris TV & Movie Car Collection, featuring the original Batmobile, General Lee, Grandpa Munster's Drag-U-La and other famous cars.

The museum is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit http://www.volocars.com/ or call (815) 385-3644 for more information.