“Le Mans” iconic Porsche 917 is expected to break records at Auction
RM Sotheby's is set to make auction history and claim the world's most expensive Porsche 917k in Monterey, California on August 13th and 14th.
#917-026 n°22 the show must go on!
Emblematic of the "Le Mans Legend" film starring Steeve McQueen, the film production incorporated much of the footage from the actual 1970 Le Mans 24 Hour race in which the Porsche 917-026 no. 22 appears.
This motorsport icon is back in the spotlight. In 2017, another Porsche 917 K was already the most expensive in the world following the sale by Gooding&Company during Pebble Beach. Bidding scored about €12 million, a far cry from the €32 million paid by car collector François Perrodo for the Porsche 917-030. The infamous car obtained its road legal status on 8th November 1973. Driver in the FIA endurance championship, François Perrodo is a French industrialist and businessman at the head of the oil company Perenco. Known for his philanthropy, he has been a racing driver for the TDS Racing team since 2017 in the FIA World Endurance Championship. A great amateur and enthusiast, his driving skills earned him a podium finish in the GTE Am category at the 6 Hours of Shanghai in 2015, 6 Hours of Silverstone in 2016 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2014.
There are very few objects that can reach such scores as the Porsche 917. In fact, there is nothing surprising about this 026 sports prototype, which made such a mark on the history of motor sport in 1970 and 1971. Its record of achievements is striking with its two World Championship titles. It was during these periods that Porsche became a strong competitor against Ferrari. Apart from the nomenclature of the Zuffenhausen-based company, the Porsche 917 K opened the doors to play in "the big league" of manufacturers.
Will the Porsche 917 K break sales records?
Probably! RM Sotheby's expects no less from this automotive legend. The sale will be as fiery as the Porsche 917 K is capable of igniting all passions. Equipped with an air-cooled 12-cylinder flat engine that propels it to extreme speed. The Porsche 917 K is an engineering powerhouse and has set new standards in terms of design and performance. This dominance was confirmed during the 1970 and 1971 endurance championship season and generated a race for performance and excellence. Today, its Gulf livery has become the benchmark for all motorsport enthusiasts.
It is likely that this exclusive car, estimated at between $16 and $18.5 million, could exceed these amounts.
RM Sotheby's Night Sale is a must
The Monterey auction takes place during Monterey Car Week, a week-long celebration of activities for car enthusiasts. A week punctuated by various Concours-like events to VIP parties from almost every luxury manufacturer, to the largest car show in America - this is a must for every car nut! The RM Sotheby's Monterey auction is a long-standing tradition happening during Car Week. Each year, bidders come from all over the world for this exceptional nighttime auction. 2021 will mark the 24th anniversary at the Monterey Conference Center, which was recently rebuilt into a breathtakingly modern and state-of-the-art facility. Headlining the week, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the world's largest classic car competition, has been honoring the art and craft of historic and elegant cars since 1950. Held on the famous 18th fairway of the world famous Pebble Beach Golf Course.
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