CMC's James Dean Tribute... [PIC]

One of CMC's earliest 1/24 release was the 1955 Porsche 550 RS Spyder "Little Bastard" involved in the fatal accident that ended Dean's life that same year at the age of 24. As a fledgling auto maker, Ferry Porsche's innovative mid engine design was first shown as a prototype in 1953. The engine, known as the Type 547 had the same layout as the 1498cc 356 boxer was, for most mechanics, over-engineered and overly complex with DOHC for each bank, twin distributors and 2 plugs per cylinder. With twin Solex carburetors, it produced 110 HP which was plenty for this light weight aluminum bodied car to be incredibly successful including a class win at the 1954 Mexican Carrera Panamericana. After that win, all Porsches with this engine were named "Carrera". The 'RS' went on to win the 1956 Targa Florio. Later that year, a redesigned 550A was launched with the 550 RS spyder now a respected piece of Porsche racing history. This CMC model is certainly old tech compared to their later 1/24 releases but still displays well (along with my attempt at a James Dean figure).