In what was heralded as potentially the most significant Porsche sale in auction history, Jerry Seinfeld’s 1969 Porsche 917K – previously owned by Hollywood legend Steve McQueen – failed to find a new home despite reaching a staggering $25 million bid at Mecum’s Kissimmee auction on January 18, 2025.
The Gulf Blue and Orange race car, chassis number 917-022, garnered intense interest from collectors worldwide, not only for its impressive mechanical pedigree but for its unique Hollywood connection. The vehicle starred in the 1971 film “Le Mans,” where McQueen himself drove it during race sequences.
“There are objects that have great value, then there’s objects that you can’t place a value, because they evoke so much,” Seinfeld remarked in a pre-auction video, perhaps foreshadowing his reluctance to part with the vehicle at any price.
The car’s provenance is exceptional, featuring an unbroken chain of notable owners including racing legends Reinhold Joest, Brian Redman, and Richard Attwood. Seinfeld acquired the vehicle in 2001 for $1.3 million, and recently completed an extensive restoration through Cavaglieri Restorations in August 2024, returning the car to its iconic “Le Mans” film specifications.
Bruce Canepa, a respected Porsche restorer, had predicted the car’s potential value before the auction: “There is no guy who’s comparable to Steve McQueen… that car should be a $25 million car.” While the bidding did reach that mark, it wasn’t enough to meet Jerry Seinfeld’s undisclosed reserve price.
The 917K’s appeal extends beyond its celebrity connections. Powered by a 4494cc air-cooled V-12 engine producing 580 horsepower at 8,400 RPM, the car represents a pinnacle of Porsche engineering. Following its Hollywood career, it enjoyed success in actual racing competitions before transitioning into the collector circuit.
While the auction may not have resulted in a sale, it has certainly reinforced the car’s status as one of the most valuable and desirable Porsches in existence. For now, this piece of automotive and cinema history remains in the comedian’s renowned collection, where Seinfeld has called it “the greatest car I’ve ever owned.”
The auction world will undoubtedly be watching closely for the next appearance of this legendary vehicle, whenever that may be.
Seinfeld and his unwavering love for Porsches
The renowned comedian and star of the iconic sitcom Seinfeld has parlayed his success into a billionaire lifestyle marked by his passion for collecting rare and vintage automobiles, particularly Porsches. This fascination with the German carmaker has led him to amass one of the most impressive Porsche collections in the world.
Housed in a customized Manhattan garage, Seinfeld’s fleet spans decades of Porsche history, showcasing his meticulous taste and deep appreciation for automotive engineering. His devotion to these machines isn’t just about their aesthetic allure; Seinfeld sees each car as a work of art and engineering genius, often likening their significance to masterpieces in literature or music.
Among the highlights of his collection is a 1949 Porsche 356/2 Gmünd, one of the earliest Porsches ever made, and a 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder, a model known for its racing prowess and tragic association with James Dean. Other notable entries include a 1964 Porsche 911 built for Ferry Porsche himself, a 1973 Carrera RS with its signature “ducktail” spoiler, and a rare 1986 Porsche 959, a technological marvel that was once banned from US roads.
Seinfeld’s collection also embraces modernity with his 2014 Porsche 918 Spyder, a hybrid hypercar exemplifying cutting-edge automotive innovation. While he occasionally auctions pieces from his collection, each car in his garage is a testament to his unparalleled passion for Porsche and his legacy as one of the world’s most distinguished collectors.
