UPDATE: Be sure to read the comment below, from author Lee Raskin (he wrote James Dean: At Speed), as he offers very valuable insight into the authenticity of this photo, who took it and where. The information we used for this post was taken directly from the auction house’s listing. So, as we say at the end of our post, be sure to do your homework.
The picture below, taken on September 30, 1955 by photographer Sanford Roth is thought to be the last known image of Dean taken just hours before the fatal accident that took his life later that day.
The photogroapher, Sanford Roth, first met Dean on the set of the film “Giant”. On the day of Dean’s death, Roth was following Dean to do a photo feature on a race he was attending that day. He captured this shot in LA just before they left to head north for the road races in Salinas. Printed from the original original contact sheet, the picture is mounted to a foam core, measures 11 by 14 inches and has an estimate of $400 to $600.
We always thought the picture above of Dean, getting gas, was his last. However, given that he was gassing up in the shot below and ready to roll in the shot above, it’s possible we’ve had it wrong all these years. Either way, be sure to do your homework.
Bidding can be done online or in person. If you’re interested in learning more or want to take a shot at adding this iconic picture to your Porsche memorabilia visit the auction site directly.
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View Comments (7)
Hmmmm. Who wrote the text here?...someone who knows little about James Dean, the Porsche 550 Spyder...and the events of 9-30-55! Sanford Roth was the photographer accompanying James Dean's group to Salinas on 9-30-55...but he DID NOT shot either of these photos shown above ( in front of Competition Motors at 1219 N. Vine St. and at the Mobil station at Beverly Glen and Ventura Blvd.) Actually...you can see Sanford Roth (alleged photog) riding shot gun next to driver, Bill Hickman in the Ford Station wagon behind the Porsche Spyder!!! Both of these photos were taken from James Dean's own Leica 35mm camera. This B&W photo ( the original is in Kodak color) at Competition Motors was taken by Carl von Delius, the PR man for Johnny von Neumann at Competition Motors at 1:45 pm 9-30-55. The second photo also in color was taken at the Mobil Station on Ventura Blvd. by Rolf Wutherich, (the mechanic) at approximately 2:15 pm on 9-30-55 just before the group headed onto Sepulveda Blvd and Rt. 99 North. Both photos have been in the public domain for decades...and both photos can be purchased on Ebay for under $15. each any day of the week! Nothing sacred about either one!! All of the above is found in James Dean: At Speed
@Lee,
Thanks for setting the record straight. We have updated the post asking readers to scroll down and read your comment. We have also updated your comment to include a live link to your book. We took the info directly from the auction's web-site as well as various other sources on the web.
The details you provide are fantastic. We will add your book to our long list of those to review here on the site! Thanks for taking the time to comment and for reading!
Pepper Girl. Thanks...really appreciate your James Dean photo update/comments...just trying to keep the James Dean/Porsche 550 legend truthful! I contacted Julien's Auctions....but it's doubtful they will amend their description and history of the image. Caveat emptor! Vroom, vroooom! Lee
Lee, great work, as usual. Your passion, focus, and attention to detail really shine in your reply to this article. For those that don't know Lee as well as many of us (over a "way too long" span of time). there are very few authors and historians of all things Porsche, especially the life and death of James Dean that can hold a candle to Lee's work.
His seminal book on James Dean, as well as his others are unique and in a class of their own. Way to go, Lee!!
Porsche is always too costly and silly photos/stories are part of the lure to keeping the costs up.
No doubt the cars are awesome but they do not require a need to be embellished.
Sorry Dick, but YES they do! When you take a car (brand), a body (911-912), a style (sports GT), and build it successfully for 50 years, but
age it nicely, it definitely needs some embellishment. Why else would it
be well recognized as the "Iconic Sports Car" the world over? I've had 2, a last year 912 ('69) and a 911. Although it's been some years since I've owned one, a fairly new (brand new is just out of reach!) 911 Carrera is on my bucket list!
I pretty sure the picture w/ Dean and passenger (who ever he is) holding up their arms was taken on Vine Street since the old Hollywood Ranch Market is across the street.