Historic Porsche 917K to Be Auctioned: Jerry Seinfeld has a famous relationship to vintage vehicles, but one car in particular catches out in his collection: the Steve McQueen-owned Porsche 917K. Played a major part in the 1971 movie Le Mans, this amazing racecar might bring up to $25 million at Mecum Auctions in Kissimmee, Florida. Among the most valuable cars in the world, its interesting past, trip through multiple owners, and exceptional performance define it.
The Beginning: Vision of Steve McQueen for the Porsche 917K
Historic Porsche 917K to Be Auctioned: Steve McQueen personally bought the Porsche 917K straight from the Porsche manufacturing in 1970. Driven by a 600-horsepower 5.0-liter flat-12 engine, the automobile was meant to be the Le Mans “hero car.” In all the racing scenes, McQueen drove the car himself, portraying the raw force and agility of a machine that would subsequently rule the 1971 World Sportscar Championship.
The Porsche 917K was no standard vehicle. Including the venerable 24 Hours of Le Mans, it claimed success in seven of eight events during the 1971 season. This became the actor not just a movie star but also a representation of engineering brilliance.
Table: Ownership Timeline of Porsche 917K (Chassis #917-022)
| Owner | Years Owned | Notable Events |
|---|---|---|
| Steve McQueen/Solar Productions | 1970-1971 | Featured in the movie Le Mans; modified to hold cameras for filming. |
| Reinhold Joest | 1971-1975 | Acquired post-filming and maintained as a racecar. |
| Brian Redman | 1975-1977 | Purchased for $19,000; owned after recovering from a major crash. |
| Richard Attwood | 1977-2000 | Bought for $50,000; owned for 23 years before auctioning it for $1.2 million. |
| Frank Gallogly | 2000-2001 | Brief ownership before selling it to Jerry Seinfeld. |
| Jerry Seinfeld | 2001-Present | Became one of his prized possessions, admired for its history and design. |
Jerry Seinfeld’s Ad Admiration and Purchase
Spike Feresten, a longtime friend of Seinfeld and writer for The Soup Nazi, came found the Porsche 917K at Symbolic Motors in Los Angeles 2001. Inspired by Feresten, Seinfeld bought the car—which Cavaglieri Restorations had extensively restored— 2024. The automobile is still evidence of Porsche’s unparalleled engineering even with its changes as a movie prop—including camera attachments.
Seinfeld himself says he really loves the 917K. He said in a video on the automobile that it was a “moment car,” signifying the pinnacle of Porsche’s knowledge. “The 917 is the moment when all their knowledge and effort combined,” he remarked.
The Porsche 917K: Dream Collector’s Vehicle
Retired racetrack driver and restorer Bruce Canepa called the Porsche 917K “better than new.” He pointed out its remarkable performance and balance and said that this is a car the driver absolutely desires. Canepa thinks the automobile has great worth since it is both a Steve McQueen movie prop and a Gulf-sponsored racing.
Selling for $14 million in 2017, a Porsche 917K went to auction last time. Experts estimate that Seinfeld’s 917K might sell for more than $25 million at the next auction given the growing demand for such legendary cars.
Why This Car Is Worth $25 Million
1. Cinematic Legacy
The Porsche 917K was a central character in Le Mans, one of the most iconic racing films ever made. McQueen’s personal connection to the car adds to its allure.
2. Racing Heritage
The 917K’s track record in the 1971 World Sportscar Championship solidifies its status as a racing legend.
3. Rarity and Condition
With only a few models ever produced, and this one meticulously restored, the car is a collector’s gem.
4. Steve McQueen’s Ownership
McQueen’s name adds a level of mystique and value that few other cars can match.