Actor and car enthusiast, Huntington Beach local Deis in car crash today

Per TMZ: Moments before Paul Walker took what would turned out to be a fatal ride -- he posed proudly next to the exotic car that exploded on impact in the deadly accident.

Paul was photographed with the red 2005 Porsche Carrera GT that belonged to a friend ... while attending a charity event in Santa Clarita, CA and We're told the photos and video were taken about 30 minutes before the accident. Paul had put together the event -- through his Reach Out Worldwide organization -- to support typhoon relief efforts in the Philippines. Paul was the passenger in the Porsche when his friend lost control and slammed into a tree. The car exploded, and the Sheriff's Department says speed was a factor.