In a stunning turn of events at the Mecum auction in Kissimmee, Florida, comedian and Porsche collector Jerry Seinfeld turned down a jaw-dropping $25 million bid for his iconic 1969 Porsche 917K. The car, famed for its role in the 1971 film 'Le Mans' starring Steve McQueen, is considered one of the most successful racing cars in history.
Bidding for the vehicle commenced at $15 million and surged to $21 million before reaching the record-breaking offer of $25 million. Despite the impressive bid, it fell short of Seinfeld's undisclosed reserve price, leading to a tense three-minute standoff before the auctioneer ultimately called it off.
This particular 917K, chassis number 022, was one of three used in the film and is personally signed by McQueen. Its illustrious history includes victories at various racing events, and it retains its original 4.5-liter flat-12 engine, delivering approximately 580 horsepower.
Seinfeld, who has owned the car since 2001, has described it as 'the greatest car I've ever owned.' The $25 million bid marks a significant milestone in the collector car market, surpassing the previous record of $14 million set in 2017 for another Porsche 917.
As the auction concluded without a sale, the crowd was left in disbelief, reflecting on the unique allure of this legendary vehicle.