Jerry Seinfeld has successfully sold his prized Porsche 917K, famously driven by Steve McQueen in the movie “Le Mans,” after initially turning down a $25 million offer at a Mecum Auctions event earlier this year. Seinfeld disclosed the sale during an appearance on Spike Feresten’s “Spike’s Car Radio” podcast, confirming that the vehicle was purchased by a private collector after the auction.
This iconic car, chassis 022, initially attracted global attention when Seinfeld announced his decision to auction it through Mecum, a venue known more for American muscle cars than European race cars. Despite high expectations, the highest bid at the January auction was $25 million—insufficient at the time for Seinfeld. However, the auction served as a high-profile marketing platform, rather than the final sale venue.
Seinfeld explained that the potential buyers of such a unique and valuable vehicle often prefer privacy and deliberation over the public and pressurized environment of an auction. This strategy proved effective; a private sale was concluded shortly after the auction, within the same price range as the highest bid.
The Porsche 917K is not only notable for its cinematic history but also for its value in the collector car market. If Seinfeld’s sale price was indeed around $25 million, it would surpass the previous record for a Porsche at auction—$14.08 million for another 917K used in “Le Mans,” sold in 2017.
The sale marks the end of Seinfeld’s tenure as the caretaker of one of the most storied cars in both cinematic and racing history. Purchased in 2001, Seinfeld has maintained the car’s condition and provenance, enhancing its value and desirability among collectors. The new owner, whose identity remains confidential, now possesses a significant piece of automotive and entertainment history.