Actor Patrick Dempsey (GREY'S ANATOMY) holds his paperback copy of THE LOST SPYDER at a recent motorsport event.

Indy 500 winner (and motorsport legend) BOBBY RAHAL holds aloft his copy of THE LOST SPYDER paperback edition.

Author C.S. Michael inspects the very first proof of THE LOST SPYDER – in paperback!

One nice aspect of the paperback — it can be signed. Some people get upset when an author autographs their Kindle.

Book signing in Seaside, Florida.

Cementing its legend was the tragic death of James Dean, who in 1955 was killed in a head-on collision between his Spyder and a Ford sedan. In the wake of Dean’s death, a legend arose that his 550 Spyder (famously nicknamed “Little Bastard”) was cursed and brought ill fortune to subsequent owners.

The Type 550 Spyder was produced by Porsche over a four-year span from 1953 to 1956. In total, fewer than 150 cars bearing this moniker were built. As a result, each surviving vehicle has appreciated dramatically in value. Today an original 550 Spyder is purchased more for investment than enjoyment. These cars are often worth more than a million dollars each.

Vintage 550 Spyder

Since original cars are so rare and expensive, the replica market is active. Several independent companies (such as California’s Vintage Spyders) have produced replicas based upon the original Spyder design. Replicas typically feature a fiberglass (rather than aluminum) body and are powered by an air-cooled four-cylinder Volkswagen engine. When 550 Spyders make appearances in Hollywood films or even Porsche factory television commercials, replicas are typically used.

Although the term “Spyder” has been somewhat diluted over the years by other auto companies, Type 550 is generally considered to be the first of its kind. Porsche resurrects the Spyder branding on an ongoing basis, most recently with its first hybrid electric vehicle, the Type 918 Spyder.

“My mother will be reading this book,” author C.S. Michael jokes, “so I’ll try keep it clean.”

Birmingham, Alabama skyline at night.

Birmingham's Red Mountain Expressway. On the horizon next to the TV towers stands the statue of Vulcan, a local landmark.

"The Storyteller" fountain serves as one location in the book.

The Storyteller.

Birmingham cuisine runs the gamut, from hamburger stands to white tablecloth fine dining. In one passage, the lead characters visit Niki’s West, a popular cafeteria-style restaurant that specializes in Southern recipes.

Sign outside Niki's West.

The cafeteria line in Niki's West.

Vulcan: the world's largest cast iron statue has long served as a symbol of the city.

The Roman God of fire and forge.

Birmingham is also home to one of North America’s most impressive European-style racetracks. Barber Motorsports Park has been called “the Augusta of race courses” and is renowned for its natural beauty. Its presence has resulted in Birmingham becoming a premier destination for motorsports enthusiasts from around the world. It also hosts the Porsche Driving Experience, the North American iteration of Porsche’s official performance driving school.

Porsches lined up for a club event at Barber.