Cars that have appeared on the big screen often lead very different lives once the cameras stop rolling. While most are tossed aside or forgotten, some are lucky enough to continue their legacy off-screen. One such car is the 1970 Porsche 917K that starred in the 1971 film Le Mans, driven by none other than Steve McQueen himself. The car has had a storied history since its time in the spotlight and is now going up for auction early next year.
The Porsche 917K, chassis 22, was the star of the film, with McQueen piloting it to a second-place finish as Michael Delaney for the Gulf Porsche team. McQueen’s production company purchased the car for the movie, which depicted a fictional version of the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans race. The 917 was developed by Porsche in the late 1960s, featuring a powerful 4.5-liter flat-12 engine that would eventually grow to 4.9 liters by 1971. The 917K was an evolution of the original 1969 model, with a shorter tail and improved aerodynamics that helped it win seven out of 10 races in the 1970 championship.
After its time on the silver screen, the Porsche 917K was passed around by various collectors, including comedian Jerry Seinfeld, who used it as a real race car. Over the years, the car underwent several repaints for competition, losing its iconic Gulf livery in the process. However, a recent meticulous restoration has brought the car back to its original 1970 specification, as seen in the movie. The Porsche will be up for auction at Mecum’s event in Kissimmee, Florida, where it is expected to fetch a pretty penny.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the history of the Porsche 917K, its significance in Le Mans, its journey through various collectors, the meticulous restoration process it underwent, and the anticipation surrounding its upcoming auction. Let’s take a closer look at how this iconic movie car has become a coveted piece of automotive history.
The Porsche 917K: A Racing Legend
The Porsche 917 is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and successful race cars in history. Developed by Porsche in the late 1960s, the 917 was designed to compete in the top-tier races of its time, including the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. The 917K, short for “Kurzheck” which means short tail in German, was an evolution of the original 917 with improved aerodynamics and handling characteristics.
Le Mans: The Movie
The 1971 film Le Mans, directed by Lee H. Katzin, starred Steve McQueen as Michael Delaney, a fictional racing driver competing in the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans race. The film aimed to capture the raw and visceral experience of endurance racing, with McQueen performing many of his own driving stunts. The Porsche 917K played a pivotal role in the movie, serving as the hero car driven by McQueen’s character.
A Journey Through Collectors
After the filming of Le Mans wrapped up, the Porsche 917K went through several owners, each utilizing the car for different purposes. From private collectors to racing enthusiasts like Jerry Seinfeld, the car lived a varied life outside of the movie set. Each owner added their touch to the car, resulting in multiple repaints and modifications over the years.
Restoration to Glory
In recent years, the Porsche 917K underwent a meticulous restoration process to bring it back to its original 1970 specification. The restoration team worked tirelessly to remove any traces of the car’s previous paint jobs and modifications, returning the 917K to its iconic Gulf livery as seen in Le Mans. The goal was to preserve the historical significance of the car and ensure that it remained true to its roots.
Upcoming Auction
The restored Porsche 917K will be up for auction at Mecum’s event in Kissimmee, Florida, this January, where it is expected to attract significant attention from collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its storied history, association with Steve McQueen, and status as an iconic race car, the 917K is poised to fetch a substantial sum at the auction. The anticipation surrounding the event is high, with many eager to see who will become the next custodian of this legendary Porsche.