Hollywood legend Steve McQueen’s Porsche which starred in iconic film is going up for auction at an eye-watering price
AN ICONIC Porsche made famous in a Hollywood film starring Steve McQueen is set to go under the hammer for an eye-watering price.
The 1969 Porsche 917K is one of the most recognisable motors in the history of cinema for its legendary role in the Le Mans movie.
The sky blue and orange race car was first purchased by Steve McQueen and Solar Productions directly from the factory in 1970.
It bears the chassis number 917-022 and has had a number of famous owners ever since filming wrapped up for the blockbuster.
The motor is going to auction on behalf of US comedian and actor Jerry Seinfeld who purchased it back in 2001.
He has helped oversee a remarkable restoration project on the Porsche which has returned it to its former glory.
It is now almost identical to the car that the famed McQueen crossed the finish line of the historic race in down to the colours and bumper stickers.
John Kraman, a top auctions analyst, predicts the car is set to be sell for an astronomical price.
He said: “All we are sure of is that it’s set to become the highest value car Mecum has ever sold, and the highest-ever-value Porsche in history.”
The complete restoration, which includes the same specs as is 1971, was only completed in August 2024.
The exact price the car is expected to fetch is still unclear but many experts predict it to sell for way over £10million to the right buyer.
Back in 2017, a 917 sold for £11.1 million at an auction.
Seinfeld’s ride is set to smash that figure however due to the unique features that come with the legendary motor.
The 917K still has several pieces of movie equipment on board from mounted cameras to their brackets.
All of them are still intact solidifying the car as a piece of Hollywood history.
The final price will be revealed on January 18 when it goes under the hammer at Mecum’s Kissimmee event.
The Porsche will be one of the main attractions for the almost two-week long auction bonanza.
An auction listing for the car on the Mecum website says: “There are cars, and then there are legends.
“Vehicles that draft into the zeitgeist to define an era, going on to be lusted after, talked about, and revered for decades to come.
“It’s a nearly impossible task, but one that the 1969 Porsche 917K Chassis No. 917-022 has effortlessly accomplished, capturing lightning in a bottle to become an enduring icon in both motorsport lore and pop culture.”
The car comes with a ferocious 4494cc 180-degree V-12 engine and features a 4-speed manual transmission.
Incredible images show the car out on track today with the gulf blue and orange bodywork still shining.
Several number 20 stickers and the Gulf logo are also on board alongside Firestone and Bosch advertisements.
Another factor set to drive up the price is that Steve McQueen has signed the right hand side of the car.
A note from the acting icon reads: “Finished. Thanks for staying together.”
Inside, the car has two velvet red seats and all the traditional race car set up.
The car’s other owners include Reinhold Joest, Brian Redman, Richard Attwood and Frank Gallogly.
It comes as an ultra-rare Porsche 911 in immaculate condition went to auction for an eye-watering price earlier this month.
The modified classic car, made from original 1974 bodywork, was commissioned by its owner – making it entirely unique and worth over £200,000.
Another similar Porsche, a 1981 917 K-81, went under the hammer back in March and fetched over 4.2million.
Car auctions: What to know
Car auctions are a way to sell vehicles based on a bidding system with the highest offer securing the deal.
Auctions aren’t restricted to the rich and famous as thousands of cars are sold at motor auctions in the UK each week.
Here’s what you need to know before attending an auction:
- Be prepared: Do your research on the car you would like to purchase beforehand.
- Check the car: Cars will usually be lined up before the start, so make sure to arrive early to inspect the desired car thoroughly.
- Have a back-up: Be ready for disappointment as your desired motor may be sold to someone else and select a few back-ups.
- Be realistic: Realise that there won’t be a “perfect” car at an auction and adjust expectations accordingly.
- Set a budget: It is easy to overspend in the heat of the moment during bidding. Ensure you have set a budget and do not go over it.
Key phrases to look out for:
- ‘No major mechanical faults’ – suggests that there shouldn’t be any issues with the car’s drivetrain, gearbox, suspension, or engine.
- ‘Specified faults’ – the auctioneer will read out specific faults.
- ‘Sold as seen’ – the vehicle is sold with any and all problems it may have. The auction company will rarely entertain complaints regarding the mechanical or cosmetic condition of these vehicles after sale.
- ‘Sold with a warranted mileage’ – The car is being offered based on the report, which confirms the mileage through an independent check.