Soon to be available but only in the New Zealand market, is the Porsche ‘James Dean Edition’ Boxster, writes Dave Moore.
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The distinctive silver sports car is said by its importers, European Motor Distributors of Auckland, to be a “modern day link between one of the world’s finest sports cars and one of the great legends of the movie world”.
The amalgamation of the two legends according to EMD comes from the Porsche Boxster’s direct ancestor, the Porsche 550 Spyder, James Dean’s last car, and the movie star’s love affair with Porsches. That affair began in March 1955 when he bought a Porsche 356 1500cc Super Speedster convertible, which he traded for the silver 550 Spyder the following September.
After having the number 130 painted on the bonnet he commissioned car customiser George Barris to paint his nickname ‘Little Bastard’ on the car.
This was the name he acquired during the making of the movie Giant.
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By GlobalDataTragically, on September 30 1955, on his way to compete in a race at Salinas, James Dean was killed in a highway accident with an ill-driven Ford pickup truck, forever cementing his legendary status and his love for Porsches.
Grant Smith, general manager of Porsche at European Motors, is excited about the unique opportunity the James Dean Edition Boxster has for New Zealand.
“We identified the original concept as being a natural amalgamation of two very special identities – Porsche and James Dean – but the plan only came to fruition with the full approval of the James Dean Trust in the USA.
“We believe that the introduction of this very special Boxster will be a unique opportunity for the New Zealand market as ultimately there will be just four examples in the world, and they will only ever be available in New Zealand.”
The four James Dean Edition Boxsters will be based on the Boxster 2.7 manual, incorporating this exclusive specification: Polar silver paintwork with black full-leather interior, 17 inch Sport Classic wheels, stainless steel exhaust, body colour rollbar, wheelcaps with coloured Porsche crest, alu-design instrument surround, rear centre console, central air vent mounting, three piece steering wheel, gearshift lever and handbrake and a Bose sound system.
Options include personalised James Dean Edition door entry guards, exterior badging and personalised number plate (JDE 001).
