Some vehicles are merely automobiles, however others have ended up turning into part of historical past. An instance of that is the 1969 Porsche 917K which was owned by comic and Porsche collector Jerry Seinfeld who bought it in 2001 and restored it fully.
What makes this 917K particular is its Hollywood second. It was the automotive Steve McQueen drove within the 1971 movie Le Mans, and with simply 65 ever constructed, this mannequin is without doubt one of the most sought-after Porsches on the planet.
A Non-public Sale That Broke Data
Seinfeld initially put the automotive up for public sale at Mecum’s 2025 Kissimmee occasion in Florida, the place deep-pocketed collectors lined up with chequebooks in hand. Bidding elevated to $25 million USD (~$40 million AUD) — a determine that might have comfortably secured the report for the most costly Porsche ever offered. However in a transfer that left the public sale corridor shocked, Seinfeld turned it down.
Nonetheless, in a current look on Spike Feresten’s “Spike’s Automobile Radio” podcast, Seinfeld confirmed that he later offered the Porsche by means of a personal deal.
Whereas he didn’t share the precise sale value, Seinfeld hinted that the ultimate determine was within the $25 million USD vary. The automotive grew to become the most costly Porsche ever offered and broke the earlier report of $14 million USD (~$22 million AUD) set by one other Le Mans Porsche in 2017.
A Racing Icon’s New Chapter
Lengthy earlier than Seinfeld received his fingers on it, this Porsche 917K had already discovered its place in racing historical past. After its Hollywood function in Le Mans, it was campaigned by racing star Reinhold Joest all through the 1971 season. Then, underneath Seinfeld’s possession, it underwent an intensive restoration, which was accomplished in 2024. All through the restoration he ensured that each element remained true to its racing and cinematic heritage.
Now, with a brand new proprietor within the driver’s seat — who, for now, stays as secretive because the sale itself — this piece of automotive and cinematic historical past enters one other chapter. One factor is for certain: whether or not on the monitor, the silver display screen, or within the non-public assortment of a really fortunate particular person, the Porsche 917K won’t ever cease catching the highlight.
