At Mecum Auction’s Kissimmee sale, an extraordinary $25 million bid was placed on a Porsche 917K, the legendary “hero” car driven by Steve McQueen in the film Le Mans. However, Jerry Seinfeld, the car’s current owner and a renowned Porsche enthusiast, turned down the record-setting offer.
The car, chassis 917-022, is steeped in automotive and cinematic history. Built in 1969, it was delivered to Steve McQueen’s Solar Productions the following year, sporting the iconic Gulf Oil racing livery. It played a starring role in Le Mans, earning its place as one of the most revered vehicles in motorsport and film.
After filming, the car changed hands among several collectors, including Le Mans winner Richard Attwood and Porsche aficionado Frank Gallogly. Seinfeld acquired the car in 2001 and recently commissioned a meticulous restoration, including a complete rebuild of its 5.0-liter V-12 engine, ensuring it remained in peak condition.
The $25 million bid would have made this Porsche the most expensive ever sold at auction, surpassing the $14.08 million record set in 2017 by another 917K. Yet Seinfeld declined, perhaps believing the car’s value could rise further or simply unwilling to part with a piece of automotive history he’s cherished for over two decades.
For Seinfeld, a billionaire known for his impressive Porsche collection, the decision likely wasn’t about financial necessity. Instead, it reflects the sentimental and cultural significance of the 917K, a car that embodies both racing glory and Hollywood allure.
While the 917K remains unsold, Mecum’s Kissimmee sale still delivered remarkable results, including the $7 million sale of the first Ford GT40 Mk I road car. For now, Seinfeld’s 917K continues to hold its place as an iconic artifact of motorsport history.
Elizabeth Puckett