The legendary Gulf-liveried Porsche 917, famously driven by Steve McQueen in the 1971 film 'Le Mans,' is set to hit the auction block next month at Mecum's Kissimmee auction. This particular car, chassis number 917-022, has been a prized part of comedian Jerry Seinfeld's collection since 2001 and is expected to fetch a staggering price.
The current record for a Porsche sale at auction stands at $14.08 million, set by a similar 917K at the 2017 Gooding & Co. Pebble Beach auction. With the surge in collector car values and a renewed interest in automotive nostalgia, experts believe that the McQueen-driven 917 could potentially break this record.
After its time with McQueen, the car changed hands among notable racers, including Le Mans champions Brian Redman and Richard Attwood. Frank Gallogly purchased it for $1.32 million in 2000 before selling it to Seinfeld the following year for an undisclosed sum. If the auction goes in Seinfeld's favor, he could see a significant return on his investment.
The Porsche 917 is not just a racing icon; it played a crucial role in elevating Porsche from a niche manufacturer to a powerhouse in the automotive world. As the auction approaches, car enthusiasts and collectors alike are eagerly anticipating what this extraordinary piece of history will sell for.