When it was finished Trindle and Schlachter campaigned their creation at shows around North America and Europe, and gained coverage in the pages of several European magazines. Eventually the two made a trip to Germany to try and market the 550 conversion, now planned as a mass-produced, bolt-on kit, directly to the original manufacturer. Predictably, Stuttgart was not amused. Porsche executives sent the two packing back to the States and later even attempted imposing a cease-and-desist order to squash the project altogether.
The trip wasn't for nothing, however. During their time in Deutschland the pair made contacts at both RUF and TechArt, which may help with distribution in the future, as well as taking a side trip to the Nurburgring. Astute readers will note the Nurburgring badge attached to the driver's side fender-just like on James Dean's 550 Spyder. To make it official, they drove the circuit in the midst of insane Sunday-afternoon track traffic. Though it's an experience he won't forget, Trindle said he's now sure he doesn't want to be a racecar driver.
Currently all of the planned kit pieces, including many of the treatments used on this car, have received patents and Trindle and Schlachter are now in the midst of planning the production phase. Talks are also underway with representatives of James Dean's estate about possibly licensing products under the famous name. In any case, the prototype car's trademark, The Dean, refers to Trindle himself and not the actor. Products should be available to the public near the end of this year.
For his part, Trindle gives all the credit to his partner, the butcher. "Mark's the true genius," he said. "I'm just the guy that's lucky enough to drive it."
DrivetrainLongitudinal mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine2.7-liter inline six, dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder
TransmissionFive-speed manual
SuspensionMods: H&R sport springs
Wheels and TiresRUF five-spoke, 8.5x18 (f), 10x18 (r)Bridgestone S03, 215/40-18 (f)265/35-18 (r)
ExteriorDean's Dream front fenders, front bumper, aluminum front skidplate, race-style fuel aperture, rear bumper with central plate lamp, wing fin, taillight covers, lighted sill plates