While some cars leave a lasting impact, others live on to become timeless icons, representing a moment in automotive and motorsports history that will never be forgotten.
Referred to as a “moment car” for the Porsche by Jerry Seinfeld, the 917 represents a moment when the brand’s DNA was driven by its success on the race track. And while every Porsche 917 proves to be special, with only 65 ever made, the most significant example is Steve McQueen’s Gulf Racing Porsche 917K featured in the 1971 film Le Mans. Famously owned by Jerry Seinfeld after finding it in the lower parking garage of a California car dealership by longtime friend and fellow Porsche fanatic Spike Feresten, Steve McQueen’s 1969 Porsche 917K recently made waves in the automotive world as Mecum Auctions presented it as the main feature for its ever-popular Kissimmee auction event. But even with everyone on its side, the car was bid all the way to $25 million and concluded as a “no sale.”
After believing that one of the most influential cars in existence didn’t sell with a $25 million offer amongst a worldwide crowd of fans and buyers, Jerry Seinfeld has finally opened up about the story behind his Porsche 917K on the newest episode of Spike’s Car Radio podcast. Jerry reveals that although the perfect situation would be to sell the car at auction, the event and the publicity of the Porsche being for sale served as even more advertisement for any qualified buyers. He goes on to explain that a number of interested buyers gathered later to talk about the 917’s future ownership. Keeping the buyer’s identity completely anonymous as they wish to remain, Jerry finally tells Spike and Zuckerman that the 1969 Porsche 917K was privately sold and shipped to its new owner’s home.
Although the exact number of sales remains a secret, Jerry hints at the selling price after agreeing with Zuckerman asking if it was more or less in the range of $25 million. Without worrying about selling quite possibly the most iconic Porsche or how much money he would profit, it’s even more comical to hear that Jerry never even tuned into the live bidding being televised for millions worldwide. Now that it remains in the private collection of its new owner, we hope to see Steve McQueen’s 1969 Porsche 917K at future events.
Source: Spike’s Car Radio YouTube
