The Porsche 917K stands as an enduring icon of endurance racing, particularly from the late 1960s and early 1970s, a reputation solidified through its memorable appearance in the classic 1971 film Le Mans.

Featuring Steve McQueen in the lead role, the film presents a dramatized account of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, intertwining authentic race footage from the actual 1970 event with scenes custom shot for cinematic purposes.

Among these, chassis 917-022 takes center stage. Acquired directly from Porsche by McQueen’s Solar Productions at the outset of its career, this vehicle was designated as the film’s "hero car."

Now, this illustrious piece of racing history is set to be auctioned in the United States, as its current custodian—comedian Jerry Seinfeld—reluctantly decides to part with the prized 917K.

Offered by Mecum Auctions, the car will exit Seinfeld’s expansive collection after nearly 14 years of ownership, though its storied past is likely to attract considerable bids.

Originally adorned in the striking pale blue and orange Gulf Oils livery reminiscent of Porsche’s factory racers and marked with the number #20, this 917K was initially slated to participate in the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans, with McQueen and Formula 1 great Jackie Stewart at the helm of #26. When their entry ultimately fell through, the car was renumbered to #20, which was later raced by Jo Siffert and Brian Redman, who failed to finish the grueling competition.

Distinct modifications made to accommodate filming—such as camera mounts and brackets—remain intact. The vehicle is powered by a 4.5-liter flat-12 engine, identical to those in the factory-prepared racers, channeling its power through a four-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels.

After filming wrapped, 917-022 joined Reinhold Joest’s Team Auto Usdau, competing in the 1971 World Sportscar Championship. In 1975, it came under the ownership of Brian Redman, who would go on to secure two class victories at Le Mans, though he sold it two years later to Richard ‘Dickie’ Attwood—himself a Le Mans winner in 1970. Attwood repainted the car in the red-and-white ‘Salzburg’ colors of his victorious ride, marking it as the first Porsche to win the event outright.

The car remained in Attwood’s hands until late 1999, when it was restored to its Gulf livery and placed on the market. Renowned Porsche collector Frank Gallogly acquired the 917K at a Monterey auction in 2000, and Seinfeld purchased it from him in 2001, spurred on by advice to invest in vehicles linked to McQueen.

A comprehensive restoration of 917-022 was concluded by Cavaglieri Restorations in August 2023, retaining the iconic colors that it sported during the famed race.

In a promotional video, Seinfeld described the 917K as "the greatest car I’ve ever owned." While no price estimate has yet been disclosed, expectations are high, with potential bids likely to surpass the $1.32 million Attwood received for it in 2000—an amount equivalent to approximately $2.42 million today.

The record for a 917K was established in 2017 when a different model, also linked to McQueen’s Le Mans (chassis 917-024), fetched an astonishing $14.08 million, or about $18.12 million when adjusted for inflation.

Mecum Auctions will showcase chassis 917-022 for sale on January 18th in Kissimmee, Florida, where it is expected to generate considerable excitement among collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Source:www.carexpert.com.au