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Auction PR Publicity Announcements News and Information

James Dean Race Car Replica in Heritage Auction Galleries Signature Auction

Dallas, TX – Fans of both custom cars and legendary “cool” icon James Dean will have a chance to bid on an important artifact in Dallas-based Heritage Auction Galleries’ upcoming Signature Auction, to be held April 4-6, 2008 – George “King of the Kustomizers” Barris’ recreation of “Little Bastard,” the Porsche 550 Spyder in which Dean lost his life, used in the 1997 TV movie James Dean: Race with Destiny.

“In September 1955, Barris painted racing stripes, the number 130, and the words ‘Little Bastard,’ Dean’s nickname on the set of the film Giant, on the actor’s new Porsche 550 Spyder,” said Doug Norwine, Director of Music and Entertainment Auctions for Heritage. “One week later, after filming on Giant wrapped, Dean and mechanic Rolf Wutherich set out in ‘Little Bastard’ to take part in a race in Salinas, California. Along the way, after receiving a speeding ticket in Kern County, Dean crashed into a 1950 Ford Custom Tudor Coupe headed in the opposite direction. Wutherich was thrown from the vehicle and survived, but Dean, more seriously injured, was pronounced dead upon his arrival at Paso Robles War Memorial Hospital.”

“Barris obtained the remains of the car shortly thereafter,” Norwine said, “but the legendary vehicle disappeared in 1960, en route to Barris after appearing at a car show. It has never been recovered.”

Norwine continued, “In 1997, Barris, now a star himself due to his creation of such memorable vehicles as the original Batmobile, used in the 1966 TV series, was approached to recreate ‘Little Bastard’ for a TV movie. Working from a kit Spyder sports car fiberglass body mounted on a Volkswagen chassis, Barris built a perfect replica of Dean’s famous car, right down to the racing stripes and other markings he had installed on the original more than four decades previously.”

Now this incredible recreation is available for bidding in Heritage’s upcoming auction, as well as Dean’s watch from East of Eden . Also offered in the auction is the application form the actor filled out for the race in Salinas – the race he never made – signed twice by Dean. This is, perhaps, the most important James Dean signed document ever offered, and one that should appeal both to racing buffs and film fans worldwide.

More information about this auction, along with enlargeable, full-color images of each lot and complete catalog descriptions, can be found at www.HA.com where bids can also be placed online. For additional information, or to consign material to a future auction, please contact Doug Norwine at 1-800-8782-6467, ext. 1452, or email [email protected].

George Barris’ Replica of “Little Bastard,” James Dean’s “Death Car,” Used in the Film “James Dean: Race with Destiny”:

http://www.HA.com/688-133052&type=prte-pr022708a

ESTIMATE: $125,000 & up

James Dean’s “Lucky” Screen-Worn Pocket Watch from East of Eden:

http://www.HA.com/688-90001&type=prte-pr022708a

ESTIMATE: $75,000 & up

James Dean’s Signed Registration for His Tragic Final Race:

http://www.HA.com/688-139001&type=prte-pr022708a

ESTIMATE: $20,000 & up

Heritage Auction Galleries will offer the archive in their upcoming Music and Entertainment Signature auction, to be held on April 5 and 6, 2008, at their headquarters in Dallas, TX.

Prospective consignors and sellers of Entertainment, Celebrity or Hollywood memorabilia are invited to www.HA.com and click on the “Sell Now” tab. Or simply email Doug Norwine at [email protected].