- A 1969 Porsche 917K, previously owned by Jerry Seinfeld, has been sold through a private deal.
- The race-car, famously driven by Steve McQueen in Le Mans, had a $25 million USD offer turned down at auction.
- This sale broke the record of the previous most expensive Porsche, which was sold for $14 million in 2017.
Some cars are simply vehicles, but others have ended up becoming a part of history. An example of this is the 1969 Porsche 917K which was owned by comedian and Porsche collector Jerry Seinfeld who purchased it in 2001 and restored it completely.
What makes this 917K special is its Hollywood moment. It was the car Steve McQueen drove in the 1971 film Le Mans, and with just 65 ever built, this model is one of the most sought-after Porsches on the planet.
A Private Sale That Broke Records
Seinfeld initially put the car up for auction at Mecum’s 2025 Kissimmee event in Florida, where deep-pocketed collectors lined up with chequebooks in hand. Bidding increased to $25 million USD (~$40 million AUD) — a figure that would have comfortably secured the record for the most expensive Porsche ever sold. But in a move that left the auction hall shocked, Seinfeld turned it down.
However, in a recent appearance on Spike Feresten’s “Spike’s Car Radio” podcast, Seinfeld confirmed that he later sold the Porsche through a private deal.
While he did not share the exact sale price, Seinfeld hinted that the final figure was in the $25 million USD range. The car became the most expensive Porsche ever sold and broke the previous record of $14 million USD (~$22 million AUD) set by another Le Mans Porsche in 2017.
A Racing Icon’s New Chapter
Long before Seinfeld got his hands on it, this Porsche 917K had already found its place in racing history. After its Hollywood feature in Le Mans, it was campaigned by racing star Reinhold Joest throughout the 1971 season. Then, under Seinfeld’s ownership, it underwent a thorough restoration, which was completed in 2024. Throughout the restoration he ensured that every detail remained true to its racing and cinematic heritage.
Now, with a new owner in the driver’s seat — who, for now, remains as secretive as the sale itself — this piece of automotive and cinematic history enters another chapter. One thing is certain: whether on the track, the silver screen, or in the private collection of a very lucky individual, the Porsche 917K will never stop catching the spotlight.
