PORSCHE up to the 917
Except otherwise stated, all results include the premium.
See also : Cars 1970s 1980s Cars in movies
Chronology : 1970
See also : Cars 1970s 1980s Cars in movies
Chronology : 1970
1955 550
2016 SOLD for $ 5.3M by Gooding
Porsche had been a company for engineering and development. After war, the founder's son Ferry Porsche creates his brand of sports cars. The first model is the Porsche 356.
Porsche also very soon offers bodies of Spyder type, a wording chosen by the Italian brand Cisitalia with which Ferry Porsche maintains a close cooperation.
Porsche continues to innovate. The engine type 547 is robust and reliable, with a new design of the camshaft. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to assemble and is not compatible with the 356 chassis. The Porsche 550 with a 547 engine, created in 1953, is an important step in the product line of the brand.
Released in 1953, the Porsche 550 Spyder is efficient and agile with its flat four 1.5 liter engine. Porsche had made a good choice because this category of small volumes is undisturbed by the changes in the rules that follow the 1955 disaster at Le Mans.
The 550 has all the features to become a fetish model. On September 30, 1955, James Dean tries his brand new Porsche. He did not want any rival in his way, and he dies by hitting at full speed a branching Ford.
Porsche also very soon offers bodies of Spyder type, a wording chosen by the Italian brand Cisitalia with which Ferry Porsche maintains a close cooperation.
Porsche continues to innovate. The engine type 547 is robust and reliable, with a new design of the camshaft. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to assemble and is not compatible with the 356 chassis. The Porsche 550 with a 547 engine, created in 1953, is an important step in the product line of the brand.
Released in 1953, the Porsche 550 Spyder is efficient and agile with its flat four 1.5 liter engine. Porsche had made a good choice because this category of small volumes is undisturbed by the changes in the rules that follow the 1955 disaster at Le Mans.
The 550 has all the features to become a fetish model. On September 30, 1955, James Dean tries his brand new Porsche. He did not want any rival in his way, and he dies by hitting at full speed a branching Ford.
The increase of power of the racing cars in the first half of the 1950s seems inevitable and is indeed somewhat frightening when we consider in rear view the disasters at Le Mans and in the Mille Miglia.
Amidst the bolides by Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Aston Martin and Maserati, Porsche has the merit of finding innovative solutions by promoting small cars with low displacement volumes in a brilliant technology that reaches the extreme limit of feasibility.
The 356 had opened to Porsche the market of the sports cars. The 550 Spyder is their first experience of a car designed for the race. From its first competition in 1953, this model with a 1.5 liter engine built its reputation as a killer of giants.
The 550 is a victim of its own success and many units were damaged. One of them, made in 1955, is in an exceptional condition close to a time capsule.
Its early history is not known. Discovered by an amateur in Massachusetts in the early 1960s within a lot of second hand cars, it has preserved up to now its original paint and upholstery, and of course kept also its matching number equipment. It is one of very few examples by which an amateur can still retrieve the pleasure of driving an authentic Porsche Spyder of the 1950s.
This wonder was only 16,000 km from new when it was acquired in 2007 by Jerry Seinfeld. The comedian, also known for his great enthusiast in driving old Porsche cars, respected and maintained its perfect condition, adding only 800 Km to its odometer. Now he chooses to part ways from it. This car was sold for $ 5.3M by Gooding on March 11, 2016, lot 034.
Amidst the bolides by Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Aston Martin and Maserati, Porsche has the merit of finding innovative solutions by promoting small cars with low displacement volumes in a brilliant technology that reaches the extreme limit of feasibility.
The 356 had opened to Porsche the market of the sports cars. The 550 Spyder is their first experience of a car designed for the race. From its first competition in 1953, this model with a 1.5 liter engine built its reputation as a killer of giants.
The 550 is a victim of its own success and many units were damaged. One of them, made in 1955, is in an exceptional condition close to a time capsule.
Its early history is not known. Discovered by an amateur in Massachusetts in the early 1960s within a lot of second hand cars, it has preserved up to now its original paint and upholstery, and of course kept also its matching number equipment. It is one of very few examples by which an amateur can still retrieve the pleasure of driving an authentic Porsche Spyder of the 1950s.
This wonder was only 16,000 km from new when it was acquired in 2007 by Jerry Seinfeld. The comedian, also known for his great enthusiast in driving old Porsche cars, respected and maintained its perfect condition, adding only 800 Km to its odometer. Now he chooses to part ways from it. This car was sold for $ 5.3M by Gooding on March 11, 2016, lot 034.
1956 550 RS
2016 SOLD for £ 4.6M by Bonhams
When the spyder superseded the speedster, Porsche created the glamour car of the 1950s. Taking advantage of the complex classification of the endurance competitions, the German brand demonstrates the unprecedented effectiveness of its model 550 RS with its low displacement of 1,5 liters.
This small speedy car does not intimidate the wealthy individuals and perfectly meets the desires of the young 'rebel' Americans after the war. It is no coincidence that James Dean trades in 1955 his Porsche 356 speedster for a 550 spyder. Shortly afterward Chinetti will force Ferrari to create the California Spider targeting a similar clientele.
These small Porsche cars were pushed up to their limits by their owners eager for new sensations and new glamorous conquests. Such vehicles kept in their original condition are scarce and precious.
According to these criteria the 550 RS offered by Bonhams on September 10, 2016 is considered as perfect in the press release issued by the auction house. Not enjoying the miracle of a time capsule, it was used by its owners but careful services have prevented any restoration.
This car made in 1956 is one of the last 550 before this model was replaced by the 550A. It was coachworked by Wendler as a two seater spyder. It was sold for £ 4.6M, lot 140.
The competition remained essential to promote such a product line. Another 550 also made in 1956 and coachworked in single seater was sold for $ 3.75M before fees by Mecum on August 17, 2013.
This small speedy car does not intimidate the wealthy individuals and perfectly meets the desires of the young 'rebel' Americans after the war. It is no coincidence that James Dean trades in 1955 his Porsche 356 speedster for a 550 spyder. Shortly afterward Chinetti will force Ferrari to create the California Spider targeting a similar clientele.
These small Porsche cars were pushed up to their limits by their owners eager for new sensations and new glamorous conquests. Such vehicles kept in their original condition are scarce and precious.
According to these criteria the 550 RS offered by Bonhams on September 10, 2016 is considered as perfect in the press release issued by the auction house. Not enjoying the miracle of a time capsule, it was used by its owners but careful services have prevented any restoration.
This car made in 1956 is one of the last 550 before this model was replaced by the 550A. It was coachworked by Wendler as a two seater spyder. It was sold for £ 4.6M, lot 140.
The competition remained essential to promote such a product line. Another 550 also made in 1956 and coachworked in single seater was sold for $ 3.75M before fees by Mecum on August 17, 2013.
1958 550A
2018 SOLD for $ 5.2M by Bonhams
Continuous improvement is a must for competition. In 1956 the 550A Spyder gets a lighter and more rigid frame, with a weight distribution carefully redesigned to improve the stability. It has a reputation of being very pleasant to drive.
Porsche built four prototype coupes of the 550A, specially designed with a newly patented streamlined roof. They followed with stiffness improvement and reduced weight the two special 550 RS which finished first and second in class and 15th and 16th overall at the 1953 Le Mans 24.
Driven by Maglioli, the first 1956 example won overall the Targa Florio ahead of larger displacement competitors.
Forty 550A are built. The last but one is sold in April 1958 to Carel De Beaufort who uses it in competition in that year. In May De Beaufort dares to engage his little spyder in the Dutch Grand Prix of Formula One at Zandvoort. He finishes in last position six laps behind the winner. Meanwhile Porsche had developed the 718 that De Beaufort will now more logically use in Formula One. In a great loyalty to the brand, De Beaufort almost only used Porsche cars from 1957 to his death in 1964.
That spyder also had a racing history in period in Le Mans and Nürburgring. It passed at Gooding on August 20, 2016. It had been introduced in a video. It was sold for $ 5.2M by Bonhams on January 18, 2018, lot 44. Please watch the video prepared by Bonhams.
Porsche built four prototype coupes of the 550A, specially designed with a newly patented streamlined roof. They followed with stiffness improvement and reduced weight the two special 550 RS which finished first and second in class and 15th and 16th overall at the 1953 Le Mans 24.
Driven by Maglioli, the first 1956 example won overall the Targa Florio ahead of larger displacement competitors.
Forty 550A are built. The last but one is sold in April 1958 to Carel De Beaufort who uses it in competition in that year. In May De Beaufort dares to engage his little spyder in the Dutch Grand Prix of Formula One at Zandvoort. He finishes in last position six laps behind the winner. Meanwhile Porsche had developed the 718 that De Beaufort will now more logically use in Formula One. In a great loyalty to the brand, De Beaufort almost only used Porsche cars from 1957 to his death in 1964.
That spyder also had a racing history in period in Le Mans and Nürburgring. It passed at Gooding on August 20, 2016. It had been introduced in a video. It was sold for $ 5.2M by Bonhams on January 18, 2018, lot 44. Please watch the video prepared by Bonhams.
1959 718 RSK Spyder
2022 SOLD for $ 4.3M by RM Sotheby's
The 1950s saw the supremacy of the spyder body in endurance and hill climbing races. For winning, the brands invest in technological developments which are disturbed by the incessant and often essential changes in the regulation of racing.
During this period, Porsche became a formidable competitor against Ferrari and Jaguar. At the end of the decade, the Porsche 718 RSK Spyder is a culmination of their efforts. Bodied by Wendler, it is a small car, low and streamlined, with a light weight and high rigidity and stability in the follow of the 550.
34 cars were produced in this model, including 10 factory team alloy Spyders. An early RSK finished 1st in class and 3rd overall at the 1958 Le Mans 24.
One of these 718 RSK Werks Spyder got significant competition results in its 1959 factory team season, driven by von Trips, Bonnier, Herrmann, Maglioli, Barth, and MacAfee. It finished first in class at Sebring 12 hours and Nürburgring 1000 km and entered several hillclimbs. In 1960 new FIA rules supported the success in Europe of the improved RS 60 version and that Werks car was sold to a US privateer.
This car made in 1959 had also been the prototype for a modified rear suspension. Its original engine was damaged beyond repair in the 1970s. Polished to mirror like finish, the car had once been nicknamed the Shining Spyder.
Now extensively restored and re-painted, it was sold for $ 4.3M by RM Sotheby's on August 20, 2022, lot 344.
A 718 RSK made in 1959 was sold new to a US privateer. A US amateur then raced it in SCCA and USAC events from 1960 to 1963. It had been sold for $ 3.74M by Gooding in August 2018, lot 128.
It later had an award winning restoration by Rare Drive Inc in its 1959 Le Mans configuration with its Lucybelle private livery. It is illustrated in a pre sale press release. by Gooding before it passed on August 20, 2022, lot 137. It is introduced and driven by David Gooding with its detailed restoration narrated by the Rare Drive restorer in the video shared by the Gooding. It passed at Broad Arrow on March 2, 2024, lot 239. Please watch the video shared by Broad Arrow.
Also built in 1959, another example was sold by Gooding for $ 3.13M in January 19, 2013, lot 112.This car has retained its original engine and body. It also had a fair racing history in the hands of its first owner, a private driver.
During this period, Porsche became a formidable competitor against Ferrari and Jaguar. At the end of the decade, the Porsche 718 RSK Spyder is a culmination of their efforts. Bodied by Wendler, it is a small car, low and streamlined, with a light weight and high rigidity and stability in the follow of the 550.
34 cars were produced in this model, including 10 factory team alloy Spyders. An early RSK finished 1st in class and 3rd overall at the 1958 Le Mans 24.
One of these 718 RSK Werks Spyder got significant competition results in its 1959 factory team season, driven by von Trips, Bonnier, Herrmann, Maglioli, Barth, and MacAfee. It finished first in class at Sebring 12 hours and Nürburgring 1000 km and entered several hillclimbs. In 1960 new FIA rules supported the success in Europe of the improved RS 60 version and that Werks car was sold to a US privateer.
This car made in 1959 had also been the prototype for a modified rear suspension. Its original engine was damaged beyond repair in the 1970s. Polished to mirror like finish, the car had once been nicknamed the Shining Spyder.
Now extensively restored and re-painted, it was sold for $ 4.3M by RM Sotheby's on August 20, 2022, lot 344.
A 718 RSK made in 1959 was sold new to a US privateer. A US amateur then raced it in SCCA and USAC events from 1960 to 1963. It had been sold for $ 3.74M by Gooding in August 2018, lot 128.
It later had an award winning restoration by Rare Drive Inc in its 1959 Le Mans configuration with its Lucybelle private livery. It is illustrated in a pre sale press release. by Gooding before it passed on August 20, 2022, lot 137. It is introduced and driven by David Gooding with its detailed restoration narrated by the Rare Drive restorer in the video shared by the Gooding. It passed at Broad Arrow on March 2, 2024, lot 239. Please watch the video shared by Broad Arrow.
Also built in 1959, another example was sold by Gooding for $ 3.13M in January 19, 2013, lot 112.This car has retained its original engine and body. It also had a fair racing history in the hands of its first owner, a private driver.
1960 718 RS 60
2015 SOLD for $ 5.4M by Gooding
Porsche was becoming a formidable competitor against Ferrari and Jaguar. From 1958 the 1.5/1.6 liter 718 RSK Spyder is the culmination of their efforts. Bodied by Wendler Karosserie, it is a small car, low and streamlined, with a light weight and high rigidity and stability in the follow of the 550. 34 cars were produced in this model, including 10 factory team alloy Spyders. An early RSK finished 1st in class and 3rd overall at the 1958 Le Mans 24.
One of these 718 RSK Werks Spyder got significant competition results in its 1959 factory team season, driven by von Trips, Bonnier, Herrmann, Maglioli, Barth, and MacAfee. It finished first in class at Sebring 12 hours and Nürburgring 1000 km and entered several hillclimbs. In 1960 new FIA rules supported the success in Europe of the improved RS 60 version and that Werks car was sold to a US privateer.
This car made in 1959 had also been the prototype for a modified rear suspension. Its original engine was damaged beyond repair in the 1970s. Polished to mirror like finish, the car had once been nicknamed the Shining Spyder. Now extensively restored and re-painted, it was sold for $ 4.3M by RM Sotheby's on August 20, 2022, lot 344.
Developed in 1959 for Formula 2 with a 1.5 liter engine, the 718/2 becomes competitive in Formula 1 thanks to a further limitation of engine displacement in this category.
For endurance, the 718 is much modified in 1960 including a larger cockpit matching new FIA rules, improved brakes, smaller wheels and a larger wheelbase. That 718 RS 60 spyder is built in about 18 units of which 4 are attributed for the factory team.
Porsche want their cars to win with their own team. The RS 60 works cars receive exclusive aerodynamic improvements. They are driven by champions including Graham Hill, Stirling Moss and Jo Bonnier.
The RS 60 and its follower RS 61 are light, well balanced and handy to drive, well suited to difficult roads. It is really competitive against more powerful entrants.
For Le Mans 1960 two RS 60 works cars are equipped with 1,606 cc engines. In 1961 one of them receives a 1,678 cc engine for Sebring and for the Nürburgring. Meanwhile it amazingly performed at the Targa Florio with a 2-liter engine : driven by Stirling Moss, it was leading at the entrance of the last lap but had to stop a few kilometers before the finish line. This car is unique in its kind : it was the only RS 60 that could accommodate a 2-liter engine, thanks to a stiffening of the chassis.
It was sold for $ 5.4M by Gooding on August 16, 2015. After being restored, it was sold for $ 5.1M by RM Sotheby's on August 17, 2019, lot 348.
Delivered in the USA in 1960, an RS 60 had been extensively used in competition over four seasons, achieving 12 class wins in 17 races, finishing all of them thanks to the uncommon careful drive of its first owner who was a car dealer in Milwaukee. Never crashed or damaged, this car retains its original aluminum body by Wendler, and its engine is in matching numbers. It was sold for $ 3.5M by RM Sotheby's on August 15, 2025, lot 143.
One of these 718 RSK Werks Spyder got significant competition results in its 1959 factory team season, driven by von Trips, Bonnier, Herrmann, Maglioli, Barth, and MacAfee. It finished first in class at Sebring 12 hours and Nürburgring 1000 km and entered several hillclimbs. In 1960 new FIA rules supported the success in Europe of the improved RS 60 version and that Werks car was sold to a US privateer.
This car made in 1959 had also been the prototype for a modified rear suspension. Its original engine was damaged beyond repair in the 1970s. Polished to mirror like finish, the car had once been nicknamed the Shining Spyder. Now extensively restored and re-painted, it was sold for $ 4.3M by RM Sotheby's on August 20, 2022, lot 344.
Developed in 1959 for Formula 2 with a 1.5 liter engine, the 718/2 becomes competitive in Formula 1 thanks to a further limitation of engine displacement in this category.
For endurance, the 718 is much modified in 1960 including a larger cockpit matching new FIA rules, improved brakes, smaller wheels and a larger wheelbase. That 718 RS 60 spyder is built in about 18 units of which 4 are attributed for the factory team.
Porsche want their cars to win with their own team. The RS 60 works cars receive exclusive aerodynamic improvements. They are driven by champions including Graham Hill, Stirling Moss and Jo Bonnier.
The RS 60 and its follower RS 61 are light, well balanced and handy to drive, well suited to difficult roads. It is really competitive against more powerful entrants.
For Le Mans 1960 two RS 60 works cars are equipped with 1,606 cc engines. In 1961 one of them receives a 1,678 cc engine for Sebring and for the Nürburgring. Meanwhile it amazingly performed at the Targa Florio with a 2-liter engine : driven by Stirling Moss, it was leading at the entrance of the last lap but had to stop a few kilometers before the finish line. This car is unique in its kind : it was the only RS 60 that could accommodate a 2-liter engine, thanks to a stiffening of the chassis.
It was sold for $ 5.4M by Gooding on August 16, 2015. After being restored, it was sold for $ 5.1M by RM Sotheby's on August 17, 2019, lot 348.
Delivered in the USA in 1960, an RS 60 had been extensively used in competition over four seasons, achieving 12 class wins in 17 races, finishing all of them thanks to the uncommon careful drive of its first owner who was a car dealer in Milwaukee. Never crashed or damaged, this car retains its original aluminum body by Wendler, and its engine is in matching numbers. It was sold for $ 3.5M by RM Sotheby's on August 15, 2025, lot 143.
1968 907
2022 SOLD for € 4.4M by Artcurial
Since 1964, the Ford GT40 is the wonder of the circuits. Beautiful and effective, it still looks like a road car. In 1967, Porsche wants to become the great rival of Ford and Ferrari in endurance races.
Cars of that time have the required robustness for competitions of 12 or 24 hours or 1000 km. Porsche understands that the advantage must now come through the top speed in straight lines. Of course, the target of the German brand is Le Mans with its famous Mulsanne straight.
With the Porsche 907, the optimization is performed by the aerodynamic shape of the coachwork with lower body and long tail. This car inaugurates these new shapes which, beyond the oil crisis, lead to supercars. The new model reaches 300 km/h.
The 2.2 litres 8 cylinder engine is ready in 1968, replacing the original 2 litres 6 cylinders of the model. The new model 908 has the same 8 cylinder engine bored out to 3 litres. The fabulous career of Porsche in endurance racing has begun. As early as 1969, the Porsche 917 is released.
The penultimate 907 from 1968 was sold for € 4.4M by Artcurial on March 18, 2022, lot 203. Please watch the video shared by the auction house. This car was raced in many competitions including three times Le Mans 24, from 1970 to 1972, and the Nürburgring 1000 km in 1968 as an ex works car.
Cars of that time have the required robustness for competitions of 12 or 24 hours or 1000 km. Porsche understands that the advantage must now come through the top speed in straight lines. Of course, the target of the German brand is Le Mans with its famous Mulsanne straight.
With the Porsche 907, the optimization is performed by the aerodynamic shape of the coachwork with lower body and long tail. This car inaugurates these new shapes which, beyond the oil crisis, lead to supercars. The new model reaches 300 km/h.
The 2.2 litres 8 cylinder engine is ready in 1968, replacing the original 2 litres 6 cylinders of the model. The new model 908 has the same 8 cylinder engine bored out to 3 litres. The fabulous career of Porsche in endurance racing has begun. As early as 1969, the Porsche 917 is released.
The penultimate 907 from 1968 was sold for € 4.4M by Artcurial on March 18, 2022, lot 203. Please watch the video shared by the auction house. This car was raced in many competitions including three times Le Mans 24, from 1970 to 1972, and the Nürburgring 1000 km in 1968 as an ex works car.
1969 908/02
2022 SOLD for $ 4.2M by Gooding
Porsche had a long tradition of entering small and light cars in racing competition. The brand got its advantage by the complexity of its small engines and the care to aerodynamics in the bodywork.
The 2.2 litres 8 cylinder engine is ready in 1968, replacing the original 2 litres 6 cylinders of the model. The new model 908 has the same 8 cylinder engine bored out to 3 litres.
Like Ferrari in the 1950s, Porsche appreciates that different competition profiles require various technical solutions. Developed in parallel in 1968 and 1969, the powerful 917 with a 4.5 liter engine and the small 908 do not have the same targets.
The 917 targets Le Mans. The 908 manages to be maneuverable on twisty circuits and winding roads such as Nürburgring and Targa Florio. The major challenge is the stability for the 917 and the light weight for the 908.
The first 908's had been coupes. The 908/02 version, released in 1969, is a spyder, lighter than the previous 908 coupe, weighing 600 kg in its aluminum frame. Its flattened body opens the style of extreme minimalism in the shape : the optimization of the aerodynamics leaves no place for an aesthetic initiative excepted for garish colors. It got the nickname Flunder, a flat fish.
With a shorter chassis the 908/03 introduced in 1970 weighs 500 kg. It includes the ultimate subtlety of decentering the weights to the right side for a greater efficiency in the closed circuits of Nürburgring and Targa Florio. Vertical fins are added to the rear in 1971.
The 908 wins the 1000 Km Nürburgring every year from 1968 to 1971, breaking the record of 6H 54 obtained in the previous year by a Porsche 910. The progression rewards the efforts of the designers : 6H 34 by a 908 in 1968, 6H 11 by a 908/02 in 1969, 6H 05 by a 908/03 in 1970 and 5H 51 in 1971 by a 908/03 piloted by a private team.
A 908/02 made in 1969 as a works car and acquired by a privateer after a few races was sold for $ 4.2M by Gooding on August 19, 2022, lot 44. It is illustrated in the pre sale press release. Please watch the video shared by the auction house. The car is accompanied with its previous Flunder body and its engine has been rebuilt. It remains otherwise a highly original example with no accident in its six year racing career.
The short tail K version (Kurz Heck) is steady but too heavy while the LH (Lang Heck) has a better top speed. The pilots went to prefer the LH. In 1970, the chassis 5 of the 1969-titled Porsche 908/02 Flunder is modified into a Lang Heck. In this configuration, it gets a fair history in endurance racing and participates in some running sequences in the film Le Mans.
This 908/02 Flunder LH prototype has been restored to its 1970 Martini team Le Mans-24 longtail appearance with which it had finished 1st in class and 3rd overall. It was sold for £ 2.2M by Bonhams on November 30, 2014, lot 23. Please watch the video shared by Broad Arrow before it passed on April 27, 2024, lot 145.
The 2.2 litres 8 cylinder engine is ready in 1968, replacing the original 2 litres 6 cylinders of the model. The new model 908 has the same 8 cylinder engine bored out to 3 litres.
Like Ferrari in the 1950s, Porsche appreciates that different competition profiles require various technical solutions. Developed in parallel in 1968 and 1969, the powerful 917 with a 4.5 liter engine and the small 908 do not have the same targets.
The 917 targets Le Mans. The 908 manages to be maneuverable on twisty circuits and winding roads such as Nürburgring and Targa Florio. The major challenge is the stability for the 917 and the light weight for the 908.
The first 908's had been coupes. The 908/02 version, released in 1969, is a spyder, lighter than the previous 908 coupe, weighing 600 kg in its aluminum frame. Its flattened body opens the style of extreme minimalism in the shape : the optimization of the aerodynamics leaves no place for an aesthetic initiative excepted for garish colors. It got the nickname Flunder, a flat fish.
With a shorter chassis the 908/03 introduced in 1970 weighs 500 kg. It includes the ultimate subtlety of decentering the weights to the right side for a greater efficiency in the closed circuits of Nürburgring and Targa Florio. Vertical fins are added to the rear in 1971.
The 908 wins the 1000 Km Nürburgring every year from 1968 to 1971, breaking the record of 6H 54 obtained in the previous year by a Porsche 910. The progression rewards the efforts of the designers : 6H 34 by a 908 in 1968, 6H 11 by a 908/02 in 1969, 6H 05 by a 908/03 in 1970 and 5H 51 in 1971 by a 908/03 piloted by a private team.
A 908/02 made in 1969 as a works car and acquired by a privateer after a few races was sold for $ 4.2M by Gooding on August 19, 2022, lot 44. It is illustrated in the pre sale press release. Please watch the video shared by the auction house. The car is accompanied with its previous Flunder body and its engine has been rebuilt. It remains otherwise a highly original example with no accident in its six year racing career.
The short tail K version (Kurz Heck) is steady but too heavy while the LH (Lang Heck) has a better top speed. The pilots went to prefer the LH. In 1970, the chassis 5 of the 1969-titled Porsche 908/02 Flunder is modified into a Lang Heck. In this configuration, it gets a fair history in endurance racing and participates in some running sequences in the film Le Mans.
This 908/02 Flunder LH prototype has been restored to its 1970 Martini team Le Mans-24 longtail appearance with which it had finished 1st in class and 3rd overall. It was sold for £ 2.2M by Bonhams on November 30, 2014, lot 23. Please watch the video shared by Broad Arrow before it passed on April 27, 2024, lot 145.
1970 917K
2017 SOLD for $ 14M by Gooding
Porsche had never won the 24 hours of Le Mans. A change in regulations announced after the 1968 season by the ACO for the two classes 3 liters and 5 liters is seized as an opportunity. Porsche creates in parallel the models 908 and 917.
The rule for the 5 liter homologation requires that the model is produced in 25 identical units. Porsche's motivation is so intense that they line up their twenty-five 917 in the yard of the factory as early as April 1969. Success is still questionable because the 917 is very difficult to drive. None of them finished the 24 hours of Le Mans 1969 and a driver died during that race.
Porsche immediately conceived the necessary improvements, resulting in two variants of the chassis for each of the two models : K for Kurz Heck and LH for Lang Heck. The short variant is faster in top speed but less stable. Many drivers will prefer the LH.
On August 18, 2017, Gooding sold for $ 14M a historically important 917K, lot 44. Please watch the video shared by Gooding.
This car assembled in 1970 was immediately entered in the training and test sessions at Le Mans, Nürburgring and Ehra-Lessien in April and May, demonstrating the exceptional speed achieved by the 917K model.
It is purchased in June 1970 by Jo Siffert who does not use it in competition but leases it for the preparation of the film Le Mans. It is one of three 917K starring in this movie for which they also served as camera cars for shooting at full speed. This 917K was Siffert's favorite car and led his funeral procession in October 1971.
The car was found 30 years later in a Parisian suburb, covered with dust but untouched except for the absence of the engine. The next owner bought an original engine from the same series. The complete restoration was supervised by a former Porsche engineer who still had access to the factory archives of the 917 program.
The rule for the 5 liter homologation requires that the model is produced in 25 identical units. Porsche's motivation is so intense that they line up their twenty-five 917 in the yard of the factory as early as April 1969. Success is still questionable because the 917 is very difficult to drive. None of them finished the 24 hours of Le Mans 1969 and a driver died during that race.
Porsche immediately conceived the necessary improvements, resulting in two variants of the chassis for each of the two models : K for Kurz Heck and LH for Lang Heck. The short variant is faster in top speed but less stable. Many drivers will prefer the LH.
On August 18, 2017, Gooding sold for $ 14M a historically important 917K, lot 44. Please watch the video shared by Gooding.
This car assembled in 1970 was immediately entered in the training and test sessions at Le Mans, Nürburgring and Ehra-Lessien in April and May, demonstrating the exceptional speed achieved by the 917K model.
It is purchased in June 1970 by Jo Siffert who does not use it in competition but leases it for the preparation of the film Le Mans. It is one of three 917K starring in this movie for which they also served as camera cars for shooting at full speed. This 917K was Siffert's favorite car and led his funeral procession in October 1971.
The car was found 30 years later in a Parisian suburb, covered with dust but untouched except for the absence of the engine. The next owner bought an original engine from the same series. The complete restoration was supervised by a former Porsche engineer who still had access to the factory archives of the 917 program.
The Le Mans movie was produced by Steve McQueen's company Solar Productions. It is the most authentic depictions of motorsport ever captured. Another involved production company had prevented the actor to participate to the actual event in June 1970, due to the risk of a severe accident.
The plot places his character, driver Michael Delaney, behind the wheel of multiple Porsches over the course of the simulated race. The film was released in 1971.
One of these cars had been built by Porsche in 1969 for the FIA homologation of the 917 and converted to short tail specification 917K by the factory in April 1970.
That example was purchased new by McQueen and Solar and extensively used in the race sequences. Camera mounts and brackets were added. He departed from it after the movie. Afterward the 917K competed in and won off-screen races.
Reestablished in its blue and orange Gulf Oil livery of the movie and submitted in 2024 to a rebuild of its mechanical components and frame, it passed at Mecum on January 18, 2025, lot S237, from the collection of the Porsche-loving comedian Jerry Seinfeld. The V-12 engine is still in matching numbers. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
Robb Report reported that Mr Seinfeld sold privately the Porsche after the Mecum auction for a price in the region of $ 25M.
The plot places his character, driver Michael Delaney, behind the wheel of multiple Porsches over the course of the simulated race. The film was released in 1971.
One of these cars had been built by Porsche in 1969 for the FIA homologation of the 917 and converted to short tail specification 917K by the factory in April 1970.
That example was purchased new by McQueen and Solar and extensively used in the race sequences. Camera mounts and brackets were added. He departed from it after the movie. Afterward the 917K competed in and won off-screen races.
Reestablished in its blue and orange Gulf Oil livery of the movie and submitted in 2024 to a rebuild of its mechanical components and frame, it passed at Mecum on January 18, 2025, lot S237, from the collection of the Porsche-loving comedian Jerry Seinfeld. The V-12 engine is still in matching numbers. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
Robb Report reported that Mr Seinfeld sold privately the Porsche after the Mecum auction for a price in the region of $ 25M.
1972 917/10
2012 SOLD for $ 5.8M by Mecum
In the early 1970s, the cars competing in endurance racing change their look and increase their speed. The development of the Porsche 917 in Spyder bodywork is a great success, both in terms of engineering and sport.
In 1972, Porsche subcontracted to Penske Racing the participation in the competitions. Their goal to dominate the prestigious series of events known as the Can-Am (Canadian American Challenge Cup) met a total success.
Driven alternately by the two Penske drivers, George Follmer and Mark Donohue, this serial number 917/10-003 actually won in 1972 no fewer than five of nine races counted for the Can-Am which was the best track record of the Porsche 917 model. It was sold for $ 5.8M by Mecum on August 18, 2012. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
In 1972, Porsche subcontracted to Penske Racing the participation in the competitions. Their goal to dominate the prestigious series of events known as the Can-Am (Canadian American Challenge Cup) met a total success.
Driven alternately by the two Penske drivers, George Follmer and Mark Donohue, this serial number 917/10-003 actually won in 1972 no fewer than five of nine races counted for the Can-Am which was the best track record of the Porsche 917 model. It was sold for $ 5.8M by Mecum on August 18, 2012. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
1973 917/30
2012 SOLD for $ 4.4M by Gooding
Porsche had dominated the Can-Am in 1972 with the 917/10. Its engineers did even better in 1973 : the Porsche 917/30 Can-Am Spyder was later elected by a committee of experts as the greatest racing car of all time. Its participation to competition was provided by the drivers of the Penske team including Mark Donohue.
With its 5.4-liter engine, 917/30 has an unsurpassed power. Compared to the 917/10, its aerodynamics is improved and a clever system of temporary acceleration raising up to 1500 bph enables to instantly leave any competitor behind.
This ultimate model of motor racing is indeed extremely rare despite its dominant performance : only six chassis were built.
001 is a prototype that had ensured the transition from 917/10 to 917/30. All feats in competition including the speed record of 355 km/h in closed circuit were achieved either by 002 or (mostly) by 003. Both are currently owned by Porsche but 002 was badly damaged in a crash at Watkins Glen.
004 was originally intended for the Penske team but the uninterrupted performance of 002 and 003 did not appeal for a spare unit. No longer needed in 1974 due to the fuel limitation imposed from the oil crisis, it is bought, admired and exhibited by the Porsche importer in Australia without entering a race.
Carefully maintained by its successive collectors and repainted in the livery of Sunoco which had been the main sponsor of the Penske team, 004 was sold by Gooding for $ 4.4M on March 9, 2012 and for $ 3M on March 11, 2016, lot 044.
The overwhelming success of the Porsche 917 had killed the suspense in the Can-Am events. This is not the only reason for the ephemeral career of the 917 : the oil crisis also forced the organizers of car racings to cut the costs.
005 and 006 have been much later assembled with smaller engines, 5 and 4.5 liters respectively.
With its 5.4-liter engine, 917/30 has an unsurpassed power. Compared to the 917/10, its aerodynamics is improved and a clever system of temporary acceleration raising up to 1500 bph enables to instantly leave any competitor behind.
This ultimate model of motor racing is indeed extremely rare despite its dominant performance : only six chassis were built.
001 is a prototype that had ensured the transition from 917/10 to 917/30. All feats in competition including the speed record of 355 km/h in closed circuit were achieved either by 002 or (mostly) by 003. Both are currently owned by Porsche but 002 was badly damaged in a crash at Watkins Glen.
004 was originally intended for the Penske team but the uninterrupted performance of 002 and 003 did not appeal for a spare unit. No longer needed in 1974 due to the fuel limitation imposed from the oil crisis, it is bought, admired and exhibited by the Porsche importer in Australia without entering a race.
Carefully maintained by its successive collectors and repainted in the livery of Sunoco which had been the main sponsor of the Penske team, 004 was sold by Gooding for $ 4.4M on March 9, 2012 and for $ 3M on March 11, 2016, lot 044.
The overwhelming success of the Porsche 917 had killed the suspense in the Can-Am events. This is not the only reason for the ephemeral career of the 917 : the oil crisis also forced the organizers of car racings to cut the costs.
005 and 006 have been much later assembled with smaller engines, 5 and 4.5 liters respectively.
