First edition Porsche driven by F1 World Champion Niki Lauda & Helmut Marko heading to auction for jaw-dropping price
AN ICONIC Porsche driven by three-time Formula One champion Niki Lauda is set to go under the hammer for a jaw-dropping price.
This beautiful 1966 Porsche 910 is the first of its kind ever produced and is in immaculate condition for such a legendary race car.
F1 stalwart Helmut Marko has even taken the car for a spin back in his glory days meaning the lucky buyer is getting their hands on a piece of racing royalty.
The pristine white motor is truly a thing of beauty after it underwent a complete restoration that has returned it to its former glory days.
Complete with the sleek Porsche logo along the side of the car and real racing stickers on the front and side, the first edition 910 is sure to fetch a high price at auction.
This particular model – with the chassis number 910-001 – is one of just 12 varieties ever made with a “short tail” body style.
It also boasts the accolade of being one of just six 910s registered for road use.
Its incredible legacy and amazing condition is set to see it sell for over £1.7million when it goes under the hammer next month.
The Porsche entered its first ever race on August 28, 1966, when veteran German legend Hans Herrmann drove it to third place in Switzerland.
The car has also done a tour of some of the greatest racing venues on the planet in its heyday such as Monza and Hockenheim.
It was made as an endurance beast to rival the top Ford’s and Ferrari’s at the time.
It was known as a powerful model capable of taking on the toughest challenges and longest races on the planet such as the Nürburgring 1000.
After a few years out on track being driven by Porsche drivers the 910 soon hosted a few famous faces behind the wheel.
Former F1 driver and Le Mans winner turned Red Bull Racing adviser Helmut Marko took the car for a spin in 1969.
Just two years later the Austrian ace would compete for Ecurie Bonnier in his rookie F1 campaign.
An even more illustrious name has also sat in the driver’s seat in three time world champion Niki Lauda.
He also drove the car in 1969 after being granted a one-off ride in the Porsche under Bosch Racing Team racing sponsorship.
Lauda too began his F1 career two years after driving the Porsche.
Porsche racing legend Rolf Stommelen was also spotted using the car.
Incredible pictures of the 910 show how the iconic exterior has remained in such amazing condition almost 60 years after it was first made.
It comes in a white fibreglass bodywork with a red strip covering the front right headlights.
The 13-inch wheels are all black which further proves its class both on the track or roads.
It even still has the names of its original driving pairing on board in Rolf Stommelen and Hans Hermann.
Inside, the car has a red and black racing seat and a classy, old fashioned steering wheel, gearstick and belt.
It is all powered by an original 2.0L fuel-injected Flat 6-cylinder engine.
The buyer will also get its current valid FIA racing paperwork, its technical passport and historical files which include pictures of the car with Lauda, Stommelen and Ferry Porsche.
The car is due to be sold at auction 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.
It comes as an iconic Porsche made famous in a Hollywood film starring Steve McQueen is set to go under the hammer for a staggering 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.
An ultra-rare Porsche 911 in immaculate condition also 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: How To Nab A Bargain
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 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.