The Legendary Porsche 917K: A Piece of Racing History Owned by McQueen and Seinfeld Makes a Triumphant Return to Auction
The Porsche 917 is an icon in the automotive world, a name synonymous with speed, adventure, and cinematic brilliance. Initially introduced in the late 1960s, there’s barely a car enthusiast who hasn’t marveled at its sleek lines and performance specs, or at least watched it glide across the screen in the legendary movie Le Mans. The hero car from that film, which starred none other than the king of cool, Steve McQueen, is making headlines again as it heads to auction at Mecum's event in Kissimmee, Florida, in January 2025. This isn’t just any racing car – it’s a piece of automotive and cinematic history!
A Storied Past
The car in question, chassis 917-022, saw its origin in 1969, meticulously crafted for speed and performance. When upgraded to “K” specification, it got crucial enhancements that dramatically improved its aerodynamics and high-speed stability. It was then sold not to a racing team as you might expect, but to Steve McQueen’s Solar Productions, marking the start of a fascinating journey through the history of both film and racing.
In Le Mans, McQueen played the character Michael Delaney, who piloted the Porsche in a series of thrilling scenes that showcased why the vehicle was feared and respected on race tracks worldwide. With its iconic Gulf livery splashed across the body, the car became a permanent fixture in the hearts of racing fans and car enthusiasts alike.
The Journey Through Racing History
When filming wrapped, 917-022 was sold to racer Reinhold Joest, who then raced it in eight competitions throughout 1971. Not only were these races high-stakes, but they also demonstrated the car's undeniable ability on the track. Jo Siffert piloted it to a notable second place finish at the GP Repubblica Vallelunga in Mexico and a solid fourth place at the Spa 1000km in Belgium, proving that even a cinematic star could compete seriously on the racing circuit.
After Joest, the car changed hands among some notable racers, including Brian Redman and Richard Attwood, with Attwood making his mark by repainting it with the famous Salzberg livery after his win at the 1970 917 race.
A New Chapter – Ownership Transfer to Comedy Royalty
In 2000, Attwood decided to let go of this storied Porsche at that year’s RM Monterey auction, where it made headlines by fetching a record price of $1,320,000. But the excitement didn’t end there; the car caught the eye of another celebrity: Jerry Seinfeld. As an avid car enthusiast and collector, Seinfeld has owned some remarkable vehicles, but 917-022 carries a certain level of legendary cache that few can boast.
Since Seinfeld's acquisition in 2001, details on its subsequent ownership remain unclear. However, what stands out is the fact that this legendary car still holds immense cultural and historical significance. Its racing history coupled with its film legacy sets it apart in a world of many racing legends.
The Auction – What Lies Ahead?
The car’s upcoming auction by Mecum promises to be a pivotal moment not just for the 917-022 but for car collectors and enthusiasts around the world. While the auction house hasn't provided an estimated price, comparisons can be drawn to another 917K from the film sold in 2017 for an astonishing $14,080,000 at Gooding & Company’s Pebble Beach auction. Given the provenance of this specific car, many believe it has a strong chance of breaking records once again come January.
In conclusion, the Porsche 917K is not just another car; it's a living piece of automotive history that threads together the realms of motorsport and cinematic art. With Steve McQueen and Jerry Seinfeld as its notable custodians, this vehicle has transcended its mechanical capabilities to become an icon. As it heads to the auction block, collectors worldwide will be watching closely, eager to see how much this piece of art and history will command this time around. Who knows? The next owner might just be another legend waiting to etch their name into the annals of automotive history.