This 1969 Porsche 917K, now owned by Jerry Seinfeld, is being auctioned by Mecum Auctions at their Kissimmee 2025 auction on January 18.
by Mike Gulett –
Mecum seems to have a way of landing some of the most fascinating cars for their auctions, especially the Kissimmee, Florida auction.
This year they are auctioning one of the most important Porsche cars, maybe ever, at a Mecum auction – or maybe at any auction. This 1969 Porsche 917K was originally owned by Steve McQueen’s movie company, Solar Productions. It was acquired new by McQueen from Porsche to use in his movie Le Mans. Car people know this movie as perhaps the best car racing movie and it stars McQueen who is one of the most beloved car guys ever.
Cars and motorcycles once owned by Steve McQueen usually fetch a significant premium over what they would have sold for without McQueen’s ownership. The fact that this Porsche was the star car in the movie Le Mans only adds icing on the cake. For the cherry on top it is now owned by Jerry Seinfeld, the well known comedian who is also a major Porsche collector and occasionally a Porsche spokes person.
What do you think it will sell for?
1969 Porsche 917K
Steve McQueen’s Hero Car from “Le Mans,” Chassis No. 917-022
ENGINE – 4494cc 180-Degree V-12
TRANSMISSION – 4-Speed Manual
EXTERIOR COLOR – Gulf Blue/Orange
INTERIOR COLOR – Black/Red
MAKE – Porsche
MODEL – 917K
BODY STYLE – Race Car
TITLE TYPE – Bill of Sale
OWNERSHIP HISTORY
* Steve McQueen/Solar Productions, 1970-1971
* Reinhold Joest, 1971-1975
* Brian Redman, 1975-1977
* Richard Attwood, 1977-2000
* Frank Gallogly, 2000-2001
* Jerry Seinfeld, 2001-Present
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
Photos compliments of Mecum Auctions.
Mike,
This is just a rough estimate (Ballpark) but based on the “Star Appeal” of Steve McQueen and the “round about” price of $17 Mill. for the 917K, I’ll say $ 22-$25 Mill.
I believe that because of its provenance as McQueen’s car used in “Le Mans”, its subsequent real life professional racing history, and Seinfeld’s professionally and expertly done restoration (which to me appears to have cost between $1 million and $2 million to my eyes), this car will fetch between $25 million and $50 million at Saturday’s auction. If Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona wristwatch could fetch $17.8 million at the Philips auction several years back, I have no doubt this car – to me, one of the most iconic cars of ALL time – that this car will fetch a huge final action price. Glenn in Brooklyn, NY.
I will say NO Sale ! Much more important things burning right now. Thinking of those we lost and everyone impacted.
There are plenty of folks with LOTS of dosh for whom a trophy car is key.
So long as there are 2 or 3 of these fellahs in the play, I’m picking 40 to 60 million
I think that the owner of 24 years who is a Porsche expert (Jerry Seinfeld) and the Mecum Auction team have set a reserve price that will result in an optimum outcome. I think this could set a record for the Porsche marque.