A slice of cinematic and motorsport history is heading to the auction block, and it could fetch a record-breaking price.
The iconic 1970 Porsche 917K, known by many as the star car from Steve McQueen's 1971 film Le Mans, will be auctioned by Mecum in January 2025. Auction experts predict it could easily surpass the US$10 million (around NZ$16.26 million) mark, potentially becoming the most expensive Porsche ever sold publicly.
A star car with a storied past
This particular 917K, chassis 917-022, was purchased directly from Porsche by Steve McQueen's Solar Productions for the film.
McQueen himself drove the car extensively during filming, and it's the very car that clinched second place in the movie's climactic race. Adding to its allure, McQueen signed the car with the inscription: "Finished, Thanks for staying together."
The car, wearing its Gulf Racing livery, was last sold at auction in 2000 for US$1.32 million (NZ$2.14 million). It then became part of comedian Jerry Seinfeld's renowned Porsche collection. Mecum has not yet disclosed whether Seinfeld remains the current owner.
One factor likely to drive up the bidding is the 917-022's provenance. It retains its original flat-12 engine, a rarity for such a storied racecar.
While Mecum has not provided an official pre-auction estimate, another 917K used in Le Mans sold for a staggering US$14.8 million (NZ$24 million) in 2017.
That car, however, lacked McQueen's signature. With the collector car market booming, and given this car's unique history and McQueen connection, it's highly likely that chassis 917-022 will eclipse that record.