World famous icon to be auctioned in 2025
One of the most recognizable race cars of all time is coming to auction. Built by Porsche KG in 1969 for FIA-Homologation, the halo racer was converted to short tail specification by the factory in April 1970. The racer was then purchased new in 1970 directly from the Porsche factory by Steve McQueen and Solar Productions. This iconic Porsche was extensively in the filming of the iconic 1971 film “Le Mans” where it was driven by McQueen during race sequences in the film.
Post “Le Mans” life
Following filming, 917-022 was purchased by Reinhold Joest of Team Auto Usdau and campaigned during the 1971 race season by drivers Willi Kauhsen, Joest, Angel Monguzzi and Jo Siffert. In 1975, 917-022 was acquired by Porsche factory driver Brian Redman. Redman eventually sold 917-022 to his friend and Le Mans-winning Porsche 917K driver Richard Attwood in 1977. Attwood refinished 917-022 in a red and white livery resembling the 1970 Salzburg 917K in which he secured Porsche’s first overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Back to Gulf livery
In late 1999, Attwood decided to offer 917-022 for sale and returned it to the Blue and Orange Gulf Oil livery made famous in “Le Mans.” 917-022 was then sold at the Monterey auctions in August 2000 and purchased by renowned historic Porsche collector Frank Gallogly. Comedian and Porsche enthusiast Jerry Seinfeld acquired 917-022 from Gallogly in 2001 and has maintained possession of the car in his renowned collection ever since
Seinfeld Restoration
917-022 was specially prepared and altered for film production in many ways, including the addition of camera mounts and brackets (original camera mounting locations are still intact). Eventually, the 917 was restored by Cavaglieri Restorations of Van Nuys, California, with final completion in August 2024. Restored to its 1970 specifications as seen in the 1971 movie “Le Mans” and as driven by Steve McQueen, refreshing its mechanical components was also completed. The entire car was repainted and new graphics were installed during the restoration to correctly match the Blue and Orange Gulf Oil No. 20 livery seen in the movie “Le Mans.”
Ownership
- Steve McQueen/Solar Productions, 1970-1971
- Reinhold Joest, 1971-1975
- Brian Redman, 1975-1977
- Richard Attwood, 1977-2000
- Frank Gallogly, 2000-2001
- Jerry Seinfeld, 2001-Present
Next Chapter
The one-of-a-kind, star-studded 917-022 is set to cross the auction block at Mecum’s 2025 Kissimmee auction, The World’s Largest Collector Car Auction®. As it takes center stage under the Florida sun, the world will be watching as this spectacular vehicle shatters records and secures its legacy as one of the most sought-after treasures in automotive history.
For more information, go HERE
Above content © 2024 Mecum Auctions, reviewed and edited by Rex McAfee