PORSCHE
Except otherwise stated, all results include the premium.
See also : Cars 1970s 1980s Supercars Hypercars Cars in movies
Chronology : 1970
See also : Cars 1970s 1980s Supercars Hypercars Cars in movies
Chronology : 1970
1956 550 RS
2016 SOLD for £ 4.6M by Bonhams
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1960 718 RS 60
2015 SOLD for $ 5.4M by Gooding
Porsche was becoming a formidable competitor against Ferrari and Jaguar. From 1957 the 1.5/1.6 liter 718 RSK Spyder is the 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.
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 adapted 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.
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 adapted 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.
917
Intro
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.
Since 1964 the Ford GT40 is the wonder of the circuits. Beautiful and efficient, it still looks like a road car. In 1967, Porsche wants to become the great rival of Ford and Ferrari in endurance racing.
Cars of that time have the required robustness for competitions of 12 or 24 hours or 1000 km. Porsche appreciates 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.
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.
Since 1964 the Ford GT40 is the wonder of the circuits. Beautiful and efficient, it still looks like a road car. In 1967, Porsche wants to become the great rival of Ford and Ferrari in endurance racing.
Cars of that time have the required robustness for competitions of 12 or 24 hours or 1000 km. Porsche appreciates 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.
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.
1
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.
2
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.
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.
005 and 006 have been much later assembled with smaller engines, 5 and 4.5 liters respectively.
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.
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.
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.
005 and 006 have been much later assembled with smaller engines, 5 and 4.5 liters respectively.
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.
1982 956
2015 SOLD for $ 10.1M by Gooding
The FIA never has an easy task. Its categories and its racing regulations are a continual compromise, ever changing, with a concern for safety while reducing the fuel consumption and maintaining appealing sport features for the public.
The creation of the Group C, scheduled in 1981 and released in 1982, marks a return of prototype racing to its highest prestige. Porsche is very enthusiastic.
The effort of the engineers focuses on innovations of chassis, suspension and bodywork. Despite a similar engine to that of the 936, the Porsche 956 perfectly meets the intent of the FIA to promote a modernized range of vehicles.
The model 956 along with its further evolution as the 962 is so far ahead of its competitors that Porsche completely dominates the World Endurance Championship for five consecutive years.
Porsche designed the 956 for their own prestige. Ten cars are prepared for the official drivers of the brand and are sponsored by the Rothmans cigarette company. Twelve other units are made for the market.
First races, first triumphs : in May 1982, the 956-001 wins the 6 hours of Silverstone. A month later, the model 956 takes the first three places at Le Mans.
Second at Le Mans in 1982, the 956-003 won its last four races of that year. Its victory at Le Mans in 1983 will be the greatest feat of its prestigious career. Appreciating a few minutes before the end of the 24 hours that the engine is going to expire, Al Holbert manages to keep a short lead ahead of another 956 driven by Derek Bell. It is interesting to note that the 956 cars got the top eight positions in that race.
956-003 was sold for $ 10.1M by Gooding on August 15, 2015, lot 050. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
The creation of the Group C, scheduled in 1981 and released in 1982, marks a return of prototype racing to its highest prestige. Porsche is very enthusiastic.
The effort of the engineers focuses on innovations of chassis, suspension and bodywork. Despite a similar engine to that of the 936, the Porsche 956 perfectly meets the intent of the FIA to promote a modernized range of vehicles.
The model 956 along with its further evolution as the 962 is so far ahead of its competitors that Porsche completely dominates the World Endurance Championship for five consecutive years.
Porsche designed the 956 for their own prestige. Ten cars are prepared for the official drivers of the brand and are sponsored by the Rothmans cigarette company. Twelve other units are made for the market.
First races, first triumphs : in May 1982, the 956-001 wins the 6 hours of Silverstone. A month later, the model 956 takes the first three places at Le Mans.
Second at Le Mans in 1982, the 956-003 won its last four races of that year. Its victory at Le Mans in 1983 will be the greatest feat of its prestigious career. Appreciating a few minutes before the end of the 24 hours that the engine is going to expire, Al Holbert manages to keep a short lead ahead of another 956 driven by Derek Bell. It is interesting to note that the 956 cars got the top eight positions in that race.
956-003 was sold for $ 10.1M by Gooding on August 15, 2015, lot 050. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
1985 959
2018 SOLD for $ 6M by RM Sotheby's
The Paris-Dakar rally was prestigious for its countless safari-style difficulties through 14000 km in France, Spain and Africa. In 1984 it was won by Metge and Lemoyne in a Porsche 953 with four-wheel drive, a great novelty for the brand. The suspension has also been improved.
Jacky Ickx, who had won the previous edition with a Mercedes-Benz, is also a regular driver for Porsche, including the 956, a model for endurance well suited for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Under his influence Porsche realizes a new development for the Paris-Dakar.
Three prototypes were built in 1985 and three more in 1986. A seventh car was reclassified as Porsche 961 prototype for Le Mans. These cars are an improvement of the 953 with an electronic control of the four-wheel drive. They do not constitute a new reference but benefit from the modernization efforts of the 959 and enter that range.
In 1984 the three entered 953 had finished the Paris-Dakar. 1985 is less glorious when none of the three 959 finish. In 1986 the three new Porsche 959 are 1st, 2nd and 6th overall.
Two of the six 959 Paris-Dakar remain in private hands with only one of them in working condition. This car was one of the three Porsche entered in the 1985 rally where it was driven by Metge and Lemoyne. Retired afterward from competition, it remains highly original. It was sold for $ 6M from a lower estimate of $ 3M by RM Sotheby's on October 27, 2018, lot 196.
Commercial production follows.
Porsche likes to entice its customers by offering unprecedented technological advances on its high-end models. Under the signature bodywork of the 911, the Porsche 959 conceals an adjustable suspension and a four-wheel drive transmission. This car which was briefly the fastest commercial car of its time also had a perfect stability.
The cars were built in 1987 and 1988 in two variants, Komfort and Sport, for a total of 292 units including only 29 Sport. The Sport, 100 Kg lighter, may be compared with the Ferrari Competizione variants, stripped of equipment unnecessary for competition such as rear seat, air conditioning, audio installation. The top speed was approaching 320 Km/h, with 0-100 Km/h in about 4 seconds.
The early termination of its production is in line with the use of this rolling wonder as a technological demonstrator : although it is on sale one of the most expensive cars of its time, Porsche had understood very early that it could not be profitable.
In these conditions, it was not a concern to Porsche that the new model does not comply with the emission regulations applicable in the United States : it will not be exported in that country and that's it. The Porsche 959 purchased by Bill Gates was kept for thirteen years by the San Francisco customs.
Over time the situation improves. In 1999 the Show and Display Act allows for a limited use the import of unapproved cars with technological or historical significance. Beginning in 2003 Canepa Design proposes the transformation of the 959 to comply with the emission rules.
Especially a car is classified as a collector vehicle in the United States when it reaches 25 years. The effect is noticeable on auction prices of the 959 after 2013. Here are three examples of this Porsche rush, observed in Gooding's sales : $ 1.5M in August 2014 for a Komfort over a lower estimate of $ 900K ; $ 1.7M for a Sport in January 2015 ; $ 1.73M for a Komfort in August 2015.
A 959 Sport made in 1988 had been registered in the United States by its first owner who had foiled the vigilance of the administration. This car of great originality has never undergone any modification. It was sold for € 1.96M by RM Sotheby's on February 8, 2017, lot 13. Please watch the short video shared by RM.
Jacky Ickx, who had won the previous edition with a Mercedes-Benz, is also a regular driver for Porsche, including the 956, a model for endurance well suited for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Under his influence Porsche realizes a new development for the Paris-Dakar.
Three prototypes were built in 1985 and three more in 1986. A seventh car was reclassified as Porsche 961 prototype for Le Mans. These cars are an improvement of the 953 with an electronic control of the four-wheel drive. They do not constitute a new reference but benefit from the modernization efforts of the 959 and enter that range.
In 1984 the three entered 953 had finished the Paris-Dakar. 1985 is less glorious when none of the three 959 finish. In 1986 the three new Porsche 959 are 1st, 2nd and 6th overall.
Two of the six 959 Paris-Dakar remain in private hands with only one of them in working condition. This car was one of the three Porsche entered in the 1985 rally where it was driven by Metge and Lemoyne. Retired afterward from competition, it remains highly original. It was sold for $ 6M from a lower estimate of $ 3M by RM Sotheby's on October 27, 2018, lot 196.
Commercial production follows.
Porsche likes to entice its customers by offering unprecedented technological advances on its high-end models. Under the signature bodywork of the 911, the Porsche 959 conceals an adjustable suspension and a four-wheel drive transmission. This car which was briefly the fastest commercial car of its time also had a perfect stability.
The cars were built in 1987 and 1988 in two variants, Komfort and Sport, for a total of 292 units including only 29 Sport. The Sport, 100 Kg lighter, may be compared with the Ferrari Competizione variants, stripped of equipment unnecessary for competition such as rear seat, air conditioning, audio installation. The top speed was approaching 320 Km/h, with 0-100 Km/h in about 4 seconds.
The early termination of its production is in line with the use of this rolling wonder as a technological demonstrator : although it is on sale one of the most expensive cars of its time, Porsche had understood very early that it could not be profitable.
In these conditions, it was not a concern to Porsche that the new model does not comply with the emission regulations applicable in the United States : it will not be exported in that country and that's it. The Porsche 959 purchased by Bill Gates was kept for thirteen years by the San Francisco customs.
Over time the situation improves. In 1999 the Show and Display Act allows for a limited use the import of unapproved cars with technological or historical significance. Beginning in 2003 Canepa Design proposes the transformation of the 959 to comply with the emission rules.
Especially a car is classified as a collector vehicle in the United States when it reaches 25 years. The effect is noticeable on auction prices of the 959 after 2013. Here are three examples of this Porsche rush, observed in Gooding's sales : $ 1.5M in August 2014 for a Komfort over a lower estimate of $ 900K ; $ 1.7M for a Sport in January 2015 ; $ 1.73M for a Komfort in August 2015.
A 959 Sport made in 1988 had been registered in the United States by its first owner who had foiled the vigilance of the administration. This car of great originality has never undergone any modification. It was sold for € 1.96M by RM Sotheby's on February 8, 2017, lot 13. Please watch the short video shared by RM.
1989 RUF CTR Yellowbird
2025 SOLD for $ 6.1M by Gooding
Auto Ruf was founded by Herr Ruf in 1939 as a service garage in Bavaria. Their business was extended to manufacture after the successful design of a bus car in 1955. In 1977 his son and successor began enhancing the Porsche 911 in small series without involving the Porsche company.
In 1987 the RUF CTR, based on the narrow bodied 911 Carrera 3.2, is the pioneer of the modern trend for high performance cars offered in limited series by specialized brands, preceding Pagani created in 1992 and Koenigsegg in 1994. CTR means Group C Turbo Ruf. They are powered by a specifically designed 3.4 liter air-cooled flat six engine with twin turbochargers.
A CTR immediately captured the record as the world's fastest production car with a top speed of 339 km/h, overcoming the Ferrari F40.. The model achieved a perfect visibility in 1989 in a successful testing event managed on the Volkswagen test track by Road and Track magazine. The sharp contrast of its bright yellow paint over the gray sky delighted the photographers, stealing the show against a Ferrari Testarossa, a 288 GTO and a Porsche 959. From then the model was nicknamed Yellowbird whatever the real color of the car.
29 CTR were assembled by Ruf on chassis purchased to Porsche, plus more than 20 on cars brought by customers.
A black painted 1989 Yellowbird with 52,000 km from new was sold for $ 1.02M by RM Sotheby's on August 25, 2018, lot 223.
A 1989 CTR Yellowbird with less than 1,700 km from new was sold for $ 6.1M by Gooding on March 7, 2025, lot 118. It is illustrated in first position in the pre sale press release shared by the auction house. It had been preserved in a time capsule condition for three decades in a climate controlled facility and keeps its original blossom yellow livery. Its options include the Leichtbau specification and the six-speed RUF gearbox.
In 1987 the RUF CTR, based on the narrow bodied 911 Carrera 3.2, is the pioneer of the modern trend for high performance cars offered in limited series by specialized brands, preceding Pagani created in 1992 and Koenigsegg in 1994. CTR means Group C Turbo Ruf. They are powered by a specifically designed 3.4 liter air-cooled flat six engine with twin turbochargers.
A CTR immediately captured the record as the world's fastest production car with a top speed of 339 km/h, overcoming the Ferrari F40.. The model achieved a perfect visibility in 1989 in a successful testing event managed on the Volkswagen test track by Road and Track magazine. The sharp contrast of its bright yellow paint over the gray sky delighted the photographers, stealing the show against a Ferrari Testarossa, a 288 GTO and a Porsche 959. From then the model was nicknamed Yellowbird whatever the real color of the car.
29 CTR were assembled by Ruf on chassis purchased to Porsche, plus more than 20 on cars brought by customers.
A black painted 1989 Yellowbird with 52,000 km from new was sold for $ 1.02M by RM Sotheby's on August 25, 2018, lot 223.
A 1989 CTR Yellowbird with less than 1,700 km from new was sold for $ 6.1M by Gooding on March 7, 2025, lot 118. It is illustrated in first position in the pre sale press release shared by the auction house. It had been preserved in a time capsule condition for three decades in a climate controlled facility and keeps its original blossom yellow livery. Its options include the Leichtbau specification and the six-speed RUF gearbox.
1997 911 GT1 Rennversion
2024 SOLD for $ 7M by Broad Arrow
The international organizations that manage the motor sport are continuously oscillating between promoting prototypes and grand touring. Announced in 1994, the initiative of the BPR Global GT Series is highly appealing the manufacturers. From the 1997 season, the FIA takes back the direct control of these competitions. This phase prepares the supercar racings of the next decade.
Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, McLaren, Ferrari are strongly committed in these competitions that support their prestige. Two classes are defined, GT1 and GT2. In both classes, race cars must be based on a production model offered in at least 25 units. The difference between the two is that GT1 allows technological improvements in the racing version which is often identified with the Evolution or Evo wording.
The industrial challenge is so important that the organizers are tolerant for some interpretations of the rules. Mercedes-Benz has its CLK GTR approved in GT1 before the completion of the production model. Porsche goes further by developing its GT1 specifically for racing, the commercial model being no more than a consequence required from the rule.
The considerable interest in these competitions brings a very rapid change of the models, somehow hard to follow at Porsche that puts too many cars under the generic reference 911. In 1996, the first 911 GT1 version is based on the chassis 911(993) which will also be used in 1997 for the 911 GT1 Evolution. In the following year, the 911 GT1 Evolution will be a very different car built on the 911(996) chassis.
A 1997 Porsche 911 GT1 Rennversion (not an Evo) was sold for $ 7M by Broad Arrow on August 15, 2024, lot 275. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
This example built for trade had a good racing history with privateers, starting in Europe with Roock and winning later in 1997 the IMSA GTS-1 class championship with Rohr Racing. It has never been significantly damaged or dismantled. It was repainted in its Rohr yellow livery after 2012.
On May 14, 2016, RM Sotheby's sold for € 2.8M a 1997 Porsche 911 GT1 Evolution, lot 261. This car with a successful racing career is the only Evolution specimen from this model to have also been made road legal.
The Porsche 911 GT1-98 wins the first two places at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1998.
Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, McLaren, Ferrari are strongly committed in these competitions that support their prestige. Two classes are defined, GT1 and GT2. In both classes, race cars must be based on a production model offered in at least 25 units. The difference between the two is that GT1 allows technological improvements in the racing version which is often identified with the Evolution or Evo wording.
The industrial challenge is so important that the organizers are tolerant for some interpretations of the rules. Mercedes-Benz has its CLK GTR approved in GT1 before the completion of the production model. Porsche goes further by developing its GT1 specifically for racing, the commercial model being no more than a consequence required from the rule.
The considerable interest in these competitions brings a very rapid change of the models, somehow hard to follow at Porsche that puts too many cars under the generic reference 911. In 1996, the first 911 GT1 version is based on the chassis 911(993) which will also be used in 1997 for the 911 GT1 Evolution. In the following year, the 911 GT1 Evolution will be a very different car built on the 911(996) chassis.
A 1997 Porsche 911 GT1 Rennversion (not an Evo) was sold for $ 7M by Broad Arrow on August 15, 2024, lot 275. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
This example built for trade had a good racing history with privateers, starting in Europe with Roock and winning later in 1997 the IMSA GTS-1 class championship with Rohr Racing. It has never been significantly damaged or dismantled. It was repainted in its Rohr yellow livery after 2012.
On May 14, 2016, RM Sotheby's sold for € 2.8M a 1997 Porsche 911 GT1 Evolution, lot 261. This car with a successful racing career is the only Evolution specimen from this model to have also been made road legal.
The Porsche 911 GT1-98 wins the first two places at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1998.
1998 911 GT1 Strassenversion
2017 SOLD for $ 5.7M by Gooding
Porsche does not miss that some customers expect high-performance cars. Such a project is useful to the prestige of the brand even if the profitability is lost in advance. After two prototypes required in 1996 for road homologation, Porsche realizes the 911 GT1 Strassenversion in 20 units which are sold to customers selected in advance by the brand.
This road legal model created high desires by its limited series, by its very high performance worthy of a winner of Le Mans and by the fact that it has never been offered new on the open market. A Strassenversion made in 1998 with less than 5,000 miles from new was sold for $ 5.7M on March 10, 2017 by Gooding, lot 042. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
This road legal model created high desires by its limited series, by its very high performance worthy of a winner of Le Mans and by the fact that it has never been offered new on the open market. A Strassenversion made in 1998 with less than 5,000 miles from new was sold for $ 5.7M on March 10, 2017 by Gooding, lot 042. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
2006 9R6 RS Spyder Evo
2022 SOLD for $ 5.6M by Gooding
Competition is expensive when it is an isolated strategy. Porsche suspended in 1999 their participation in prototype racing just after the 911 GT1 victory at Le Mans in 1998. The 9R3 project, started in 1998, came to nothing : the only prototype remained hidden for two decades.
The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) was created in 1999 to manage endurance races by taking model from Le Mans, in close collaboration with the ACO. Ingeniously the authorized cars for the ALMS were eligible for the 24 hours of Le Mans.
Porsche made its comeback in 2005 in the ALMS Le Mans Prototype LMP2 category, with a new RS Spyder. The lack of interest of the brand for the top class LMP1 surprised the observers. In fact the rules of the LMP1 were too favorable to the diesel technology with which Porsche had no plans.
The new car is referred as 9R6. This RS (RennSport) spyder designed with the help of Penske Racing is fitted with a lightweight carbon fiber monocoque chassis and a newly designed 3.4-liter four-cam V-8 engine. 17 cars are built from 2005 to 2008. The model fully dominates the LMP2 from 2006 to 2008 and influenced the 918 road car.
An evolution is released in 2007 with a power increased from 478 to 503 hp. A second evolution is made necessary in 2008 to comply with new racing rules. The best result is recorded at the 12 hours of Sebring 2008 with three RS Spyder Evo in the first four positions, the first LMP1 being third.
The second of the six Evo made for the 2007 season, completed and tested in October 2006 and titled 2007, is entrusted by the brand to DHL Porsche Penske Racing for the 2007 ALMS and as a spare car in 2008. Still keeping its as raced DHL livery, it was sold for $ 5.6M by Gooding on August 19, 2022, lot 24. The consignor described it as user friendly.
On August 24, 2018, Gooding sold for $ 4.5M as lot 44 a Porsche RS Spyder made in 2007. It was part of a group of two bought by a private team to compete in the ALMS competitions. The team gave up this project and this car had a very limited use.
The rules will change again and the success of the RS Spyder will encourage Porsche to create an LMP1, the 919. In the rearview the disdain of Porsche for the diesel looks like a good decision. The solutions of its V8 90° 4 liter engine will be reused in the development of the V8 4.6 liter engine of the 918 hybrid.
The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) was created in 1999 to manage endurance races by taking model from Le Mans, in close collaboration with the ACO. Ingeniously the authorized cars for the ALMS were eligible for the 24 hours of Le Mans.
Porsche made its comeback in 2005 in the ALMS Le Mans Prototype LMP2 category, with a new RS Spyder. The lack of interest of the brand for the top class LMP1 surprised the observers. In fact the rules of the LMP1 were too favorable to the diesel technology with which Porsche had no plans.
The new car is referred as 9R6. This RS (RennSport) spyder designed with the help of Penske Racing is fitted with a lightweight carbon fiber monocoque chassis and a newly designed 3.4-liter four-cam V-8 engine. 17 cars are built from 2005 to 2008. The model fully dominates the LMP2 from 2006 to 2008 and influenced the 918 road car.
An evolution is released in 2007 with a power increased from 478 to 503 hp. A second evolution is made necessary in 2008 to comply with new racing rules. The best result is recorded at the 12 hours of Sebring 2008 with three RS Spyder Evo in the first four positions, the first LMP1 being third.
The second of the six Evo made for the 2007 season, completed and tested in October 2006 and titled 2007, is entrusted by the brand to DHL Porsche Penske Racing for the 2007 ALMS and as a spare car in 2008. Still keeping its as raced DHL livery, it was sold for $ 5.6M by Gooding on August 19, 2022, lot 24. The consignor described it as user friendly.
On August 24, 2018, Gooding sold for $ 4.5M as lot 44 a Porsche RS Spyder made in 2007. It was part of a group of two bought by a private team to compete in the ALMS competitions. The team gave up this project and this car had a very limited use.
The rules will change again and the success of the RS Spyder will encourage Porsche to create an LMP1, the 919. In the rearview the disdain of Porsche for the diesel looks like a good decision. The solutions of its V8 90° 4 liter engine will be reused in the development of the V8 4.6 liter engine of the 918 hybrid.
