This week, Mecum’s annual collector automobile auction in Florida witnessed a significant event that brought together two legendary figures from the entertainment world. The highlight of the auction was a Porsche 917K featured prominently in Steve McQueen’s 1971 film "Le Mans," now owned by comedian Jerry Seinfeld. This car, steeped in motorsport history and Hollywood glamour, attracted immense attention with an undisclosed reserve price. The vehicle not only symbolizes a pivotal moment in cinematic history but also represents the enduring allure of classic sports cars. With its rich heritage and celebrity ownership, this Porsche has become more than just a machine; it is a piece of living history.

The Porsche 917K driven by McQueen in "Le Mans" holds a special place in automotive lore. The film, which captures the essence of World Championship Sports Car Racing, has inspired generations of motorsport enthusiasts. After filming, the car passed through several notable owners, including Reinhold Joest, a 15-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and Richard Attwood, who won Le Mans in 1970 driving an identical Porsche 917K. Seinfeld acquired the car in 2001, adding it to his impressive collection of Porsches. His passion for the brand and motorsport is well-documented, having previously owned both star vehicles from the movie.

In Kissimmee, the bidding for this iconic Porsche began at $15 million, reflecting its extraordinary value. Bids escalated in million-dollar increments until reaching $25 million, where they halted. If accepted, this bid would have placed the car among the top ten most expensive ever sold. The total cost, including buyer’s fees, would have been $27.5 million, while Seinfeld would have received approximately $23.25 million after seller’s fees. The restoration process to return the car to its original glory involved meticulous attention to detail, ensuring it looked exactly as it did during filming. An original Porsche 917 fuel cell was fabricated, and the frame was pressure-tested and repainted, along with refurbishing the brakes and suspension.

The significance of this Porsche extends beyond its association with McQueen and Seinfeld. It is one of three cars from the movie that have achieved record-breaking bids at auction. Had the $25-million bid been successful, it would have nearly doubled the previous record set by another 917K in 2017. The car’s engine, a Type 912 4494cc DOHC air-cooled flat 12-cylinder, produces 580 horsepower and highlights the engineering prowess of Porsche during that era. The connection between drivers who raced these cars and those who later purchased them adds another layer of intrigue to the story. Only a handful of Porsches have fetched over $10 million at auction, making this 917K an exceptional example of automotive history.

Beyond the numbers and the fame, this Porsche embodies the spirit of innovation and competition that defined a golden age of motorsport. Its journey from the racetrack to the silver screen and finally to the auction block showcases the timeless appeal of classic automobiles. Whether admired for its role in cinema or revered for its racing pedigree, this Porsche remains an emblem of excellence and a testament to the enduring legacy of Steve McQueen and Jerry Seinfeld in the world of entertainment and motorsport.