The sale of any Porsche 917 is a notable event, given both their rarity - just 65 were ever made - and phenomenal success, with Le Mans and Can-Am triumphs to its name. But some really are extra special, and this might be the most famous 917 of all, making it perhaps the best-known example of Porsche’s sportscar racing icon. A huge deal, then. It is chassis 917-022, also known as the Porsche bought by Steve McQueen and which featured in the 1971 film Le Mans. The Gulf livery has never looked better.
And on January 17th, for the first time in almost 25 years, this Porsche 917 will be sold by Mecum Auctions at its giant Kissimmee sale. For how much remains to be seen, of course, but consider that it boasts both motorsport and film pedigree, as well as one of the most star-studded ownership histories you’ve ever seen, and it’s easy to imagine records being broken.
It’s coming from Jerry Seinfeld’s collection, for one thing, where it has resided since 2001. Seinfeld is of course globally famous for his Porsche collection (and his comedy), and he actually sent the 917 for restoration as recently as last summer. At Cavaglieri Restoration of Van Nuys, California, it was returned to its 1970 glory, which included a respray in the iconic blue and orange, plus new graphics and a mechanical refresh. For whoever’s lucky enough to win the auction, they’ll find a 917 in fine fettle. What a first drive that could be…
Could you be brave enough? Could the 917 experience ever match up to the price? Where would you use it? All questions to be faced by the victorious bidder, though there’d be plenty of joy to take from merely soaking up this car’s history. 917-022 really has lived an extraordinary life, even by the standards of Porsche race cars. First purchased direct from the factory by Steve McQueen’s Solar Productions in 1970, it was sold after Le Mans filming to Reinhold Joest of Team Auto Usdau, where it raced during ‘71 with drivers including Willi Kauhsen and Jo Siffert at the wheel. In 1975, Brian Redman bought it, who then sold it on to his pal Richard Attwood (!) a couple of years later. It would be notable for these names to have driven a 917, let alone owned it.
Attwood actually raced the thing, too, because who better to get some use out of a 917 than a man who actually won Le Mans with one? He had 022 refinished in the same red and white livery as his winning race car and was said to have campaigned it sporadically ‘in European historic racing events’ until the end of the 20th century. From there it was sold to Porsche collector Frank Gallogly, before becoming part of the Seinfeld portfolio in 2001. Like we said, some back story.
“The greatest car I’ve ever owned” is the verdict of the most recent owner, which is some praise from a man who’s owned a fair few of them. Apparently quite easy to drive, too. You can see more from Seinfeld in Mecum’s lovely video on the 917, which includes more than a few Porsche racing icons, some fascinating history and glorious period footage. If the first day back at work is dragging a little, it’s well worth a watch. And while bidding is going to be beyond the realm of just about everybody, what a privilege it is to see that most famous of 917s back on track again. The auction ought to be well worth following. Finally, if 022 has you in the mood for bidding on a mid-engined Porsche this January, PH has just the thing coming up next weekend…
[All pictures courtesy of Mecum Auction, Inc]
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