05/28/2026
Throwback Thursday - courtesy of Just Cool Old Cars
"Hey JCOC friends, let’s talk about one seriously wild art car: the Lil’ Redd Wrecker. It actually started life back in 1970 as the Turnpike Hauler—painted bright blue, built by the master craftsman Dick Dean from an Ed Newton design for California Show Cars (that was Bob Reisner and Jay Ohrberg’s outfit). This thing was purely built for looks, no real muscle under the hood. But even though it wasn’t meant to cruise the streets, it sure was an eye-catcher!
A few years later, George Barris spotted it, saw some potential, and gave it his signature splash of showbiz. He repainted it red as a tie-in with Redd Foxx (yes, from “Sanford & Son”), and renamed it the Lil’ Redd Wrecker. Here’s the kicker: Barris boldly lettered that he built the whole thing, even though the true fabrication credit belongs to Dick Dean and team. Talk about classic Hollywood flair!
Today, the Wrecker lives at the Galpin Auto Sports Museum in LA, still turning heads with that outrageous shape and that “only for show” attitude. It’s a perfect reminder that sometimes, a dream machine can be all about style—going fast is just bonus.