Porsche 917K : The automotive world is buzzing with excitement as one of the most iconic racing cars in history prepares to cross the auction block. Jerry Seinfeld’s Porsche 917K, a vehicle with a storied past that includes ownership by Hollywood legend Steve McQueen, is set to be auctioned at Mecum’s 2025 Kissimmee event on January 18. This extraordinary machine, which played a starring role in the 1971 film “Le Mans,” is not just a piece of cinema history but a testament to Porsche’s racing dominance in the early 1970s.
The Porsche 917K, chassis number 917-022, boasts a provenance that reads like a who’s who of motorsport and entertainment. Originally purchased by Steve McQueen’s production company, Solar Productions, in 1970, the car was intended to be more than just a movie prop. McQueen, an accomplished racer in his own right, had ambitious plans to drive the 917K at the actual 24 Hours of Le Mans, partnered with Formula One champion Jackie Stewart. However, film studio executives, concerned about the potential risks to their star, vetoed this daring plan.
Despite this setback, the 917K became the hero car of McQueen’s passion project, “Le Mans.” The film, while not initially a commercial success, has since become a cult classic among automotive enthusiasts, celebrated for its authentic portrayal of endurance racing. The 917K’s appearance in the movie cemented its status as a cultural icon, bridging the worlds of motorsport and cinema.
After its silver screen debut, the Porsche embarked on a journey through the hands of several notable owners. From Reinhold Joest to Brian Redman and Richard Attwood, each custodian added to the car’s rich history. In 2001, it found its way into Jerry Seinfeld’s renowned collection, where it has resided for over two decades.
Under Seinfeld’s ownership, the 917K has been meticulously maintained and restored. A comprehensive overhaul by Cavaglieri Restorations in Van Nuys, California, completed in August 2024, returned the car to its original screen-used specifications. The restoration included a rebuild of its formidable 4,494cc flat-12 engine by Ed Pink Racing Engines, ensuring that this racing legend still possesses the 600 horsepower that made it a dominant force on the track.
The car’s iconic Gulf Blue and Orange livery has been painstakingly recreated, matching its appearance in “Le Mans.” Every detail, from the custom-fabricated fuel cell to the refurbished suspension and brakes, has been attended to with the utmost care and historical accuracy.
What makes this 917K particularly special is its dual identity as both a genuine racing car and a Hollywood star. The modifications made for filming, including camera mounts and brackets, have been preserved, offering a tangible link to its cinematic past. This unique combination of racing pedigree and movie stardom sets it apart from other historic racing cars.
As the auction approaches, speculation about the car’s value is rampant. Experts, including renowned car dealer Bruce Canepa, suggest that the 917K could fetch upwards of $25 million. This estimate takes into account not only the car’s inherent value as a rare Porsche racing machine but also the significant premium associated with Steve McQueen’s ownership and its starring role in “Le Mans.”
The sale of this Porsche 917K represents more than just a transaction; it’s a moment in automotive history. For collectors and enthusiasts, it offers a chance to own a piece of both racing and film lore. The car embodies the golden age of endurance racing, a time when the line between road-going sports cars and purpose-built racers was blurring, leading to some of the most exciting and dangerous competitions in motorsport history.
As the 917K takes center stage at Mecum’s auction, it will undoubtedly draw attention from around the globe. Whether it sets a new record for a Porsche at auction remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this sale will be a testament to the enduring allure of classic racing cars and their ability to capture the imagination of enthusiasts across generations.
The legacy of this particular Porsche 917K extends far beyond its performance specifications or racing victories. It represents a unique convergence of engineering excellence, cinematic history, and star power. As it changes hands once again, it will carry with it the stories of the men who raced it, the filmmakers who immortalized it, and the enthusiasts who have preserved it. For the lucky bidder who takes it home, they will be acquiring not just a car, but a chapter of automotive legend.