1970 PORSCHE 917 K

If you’re familiar with the iconic movie, Le Mans, starring the king of cool, Steve McQueen, you’ll also be familiar with the 1970 Porsche 917 K. If you’ve always held out hope of owning one of you’re own then you’re in luck because this beauty is going under the hammer with RM Sotheby’s and will be the crowning glory in any luxury car collector’s lineup.

This 1970 Porsche 917 K from RM Sotheby’s Monterrey auction is an irrefutable icon in period motorsports and film history alike and, as you may remember, is the “winning car” in Steve McQueen’s Le Mans. It has been repurposed and converted by the factory to become the Jürgen Neuhaus and Jürgen Barth 1971-1973 European Interserie contender.

Impressive History

A thoroughly impressive lot, this 1970 Porsche 917 K from RM Sotheby’s was a recent recipient of a complete and correct restoration by Paul Lanzante to its 1970 Le Mans 917 K specification. This eye-catching steed is powered by a flat-12 cylinder, air-cooled engine with signature naturally aspirated sound track that delivers that authentic race-style performance for the lucky bidder on this lot.

This 1970 Le Mans Porsche 917 K from RM Sotheby’s boasts an exceptional provenance with only three long-term owners since 1974 which means you will be in exclusive company if you’re the lucky one adding this iconic classic car to your lineup. Adding to the Le Mans movie’s overall authenticity—a requirement demanded by McQueen – this Porsche 917 K was no mere picture car. It was driven by David Hobbs and Mike Hailwood, and was a genuine contender for victory during the real 24 Hours of Le Mans, running as high as third place before the oft-treacherous race claimed the car, with rain causing Hailwood to aquaplane and retire after 49 laps.

Purchased by the consignor, himself a noted collector, the most recent chapter in the storied backstory of this racing Porsche was a full restoration to its original, Gulf-liveried Le Mans coupe specification. This was carried out by Paul Lanzant, one of the very best European racing car restorers, without regard to cost and with access to many correct and original NOS components. As you would expect, the results are impressive to say the least from the spectacular presentation and attention to detail to the mechanical preparation that is truly finished off by the unmistakable symphony of the flat-12 cylinder at full revs.