James Dean's 550 Spyder

[munzieb]

I have a friend that has a "thing" about James Dean's 550 Spyder Porsche. It was time to do another car with a portrait. Dean was an up and coming movie star of the mid '50's with a love of fast cars and racing. He had several popuar movies under his belt including "Rebel with out a Cause" and "Giant" and took his earnings to purchase the 550. He was on his way to a race in California when the accident occured. There are several stories regarding the accident and the remains of the car and make for interesting reading.

The car design was taken from a photo and the Keith Wood portrait of James Dean came from SSV pattern library. The car pattern was not too difficult but the portrait was more involved, especially the mouth. Cutting was on 1/8" BBPW and I made a separate frame from molding purchased from Lowes. Finish is Shellac and Gloss Lacquer.

[daveww1]

awesome job

[Scrappile]

Very cool man!  Like far out!  I dig it,  Great portrait and I love the car,  I have wanted a Porsche since three days before I was born.

Great that you are back as the saw.

[munzieb]

Thanks Paul, It's taking a while. I can't stand too long at the saw. I like the look of this Porsche more than the standard models. The hood is more lower and flat rather than the hump in the middle.

[Dak0ta52]

Excellent job. The piece really looks "clean."

[rjweb]

Beautiful work, RJ

[heppnerguy]

A super nice cutting and pattern, as all of your work is.

   I remember going to Rebel without a cause as a younger person and my thinking was right in tune to that of James Dean in the movie. I thought his parents were too pushy and controlling of him. Then I watched the movie again about two years ago and this time I was astounded to realize that I was with the parents and found they were the ones in the right and James Dean was indeed a Rebel.  Funny how we change through the years and don't even realize that we are.

Thanks again for the great art work and bringing up my memories about the movie through out the years.

Dick

heppnerguy

 

[wombatie]

That is super cool.  Love it.

Marg

[lawson56]

Man O Man!! Beautiful job!!! 

[Ron Johnson]

Very nicely done Bernd