Steve McQueen’s Iconic Race Car up for grabs.
For those with a few dollars left after Xmas, a piece of cinematic and motorsport history is set to cross the auction block this January in Kissimmee, 2025. The 1969 Porsche 917K, widely recognized as one of the most iconic race cars of all time, will be offered on January 18th by Mecum Auctions. This particular chassis—No. 917-022—is best known as the “hero car” featured extensively in the 1971 film Le Mans, where it was driven by the legendary Steve McQueen during high-speed race sequences.
A Rich History of Ownership and Competition
Chassis 917-022 began its storied journey in 1970 when it was purchased new from the Porsche factory by Steve McQueen and Solar Productions, his production company. The car was heavily modified for its role in Le Mans, including the addition of camera mounts and brackets to capture groundbreaking race footage. Remarkably, the original camera mount locations remain intact, preserving its unique legacy as a film-production hero.
After its Hollywood debut, the car transitioned to a racing career under the ownership of Reinhold Joest, a prominent motorsport figure. During the 1971 season, the 917K was raced by drivers such as Willi Kauhsen and Jo Siffert, further cementing its reputation on the track. Over the next decades, a succession of notable owners, including Porsche factory driver Brian Redman and Le Mans winner Richard Attwood, ensured that the 917-022 was campaigned and cherished in historic racing events. Eventually, it entered the collection of comedian and Porsche enthusiast Jerry Seinfeld in 2001, where it has remained for over two decades.
Restoration to 1970 Glory
The Porsche 917K recently underwent a comprehensive restoration by Cavaglieri Restorations in California, completed in 2024. It was meticulously restored to its 1970 specifications, matching its appearance in Le Mans. The Gulf Oil livery—a striking combination of blue and orange—was repainted and enhanced, and the car’s mechanical components were completely refreshed. The restoration also included rebuilding the original matching-numbers 4494cc 180-degree V-12 engine and the four-speed manual transmission, ensuring that the car retains its racing pedigree while honoring its cinematic legacy .
Technical Excellence Meets Cultural Significance
The Porsche 917K is not just an icon of motorsport engineering but also a revered cultural artifact. The air-cooled V-12 engine produces an impressive 580 brake horsepower at 8,400 RPM, matched with a compression ratio of 10.5:1. This mechanical masterpiece, combined with features such as Bosch mechanical fuel injection and four-wheel hydraulic ventilated disc brakes, underscores why the 917K dominated the racing world during its era.
However, what truly sets 917-022 apart is its dual identity as both a racing legend and a cinematic hero. Few cars have managed to merge real-world racing success with lasting pop-culture impact, and this Porsche has done so with unparalleled grace. As Mecum Auctions notes, “There are cars, and then there are legends”—a sentiment that aptly captures the enduring allure of 917-022.
Crossing the Auction Block
As the centerpiece of Mecum’s 2025 Kissimmee auction, this remarkable car is expected to draw immense interest from collectors, racing enthusiasts, and film aficionados alike. The Porsche 917K, sold on a Bill of Sale, represents an unparalleled opportunity to own a car steeped in history. From its pivotal role in Le Mans to its celebrated racing career and meticulous restoration, chassis 917-022 is more than just an auction lot—it’s a piece of living history .
Stay tuned as this Gulf-liveried icon, a steadfast reminder of both Porsche’s engineering brilliance and Hollywood’s golden era of motorsport storytelling, takes center stage on January 18, 2025, at Mecum Auctions in Kissimmee.
