When you think of Jerry Seinfeld, you likely envision him behind the wheel of some seriously cool cars. As a collector, comedian, and Porsche enthusiast, Seinfeld’s collection features some of the most iconic vehicles ever made. However, one stands out above the rest: his 1969 Porsche 917K. This car isn’t just any sports car—it’s a piece of automotive history, a vehicle that starred in the legendary 1971 film Le Mans with Steve McQueen behind the wheel.
Currently, experts believe that Seinfeld’s Porsche 917K could fetch an astonishing $25 million at auction. Yet, despite these staggering offers, Seinfeld has reportedly declined them. So what makes this car so valuable—and why is Seinfeld unwilling to sell it? Let’s explore the story of this remarkable car and what makes it more than just a collector’s item.
The story of Seinfeld’s Porsche 917K begins in 2001, when one of his close friends, Spike Feresten (the writer behind the famous Soup Nazi episode of Seinfeld), spotted the car at Symbolic Motors, a luxury dealership in Los Angeles. Feresten, knowing that Seinfeld shared his passion for rare cars, persuaded him to check out this extraordinary Porsche 917K.
The Porsche 917K was originally owned by none other than Steve McQueen, who bought it in 1970 to feature in his film Le Mans. McQueen didn’t just possess the car—he also drove it during the racing sequences, demonstrating the car’s impressive performance. The 917K was a dominant force on the track in the 1971 World Sportscar Championship, winning seven out of eight races that season, including the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.
When McQueen finished filming, he sold the car to Reinhold Joest, and it changed hands several times before it ended up with Seinfeld. For Seinfeld, this car became more than just a cool toy—it represents a significant piece of automotive history, and it’s no surprise that he’s held onto it in his collection for so long.
Ownership History
- 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
The 1969 Porsche 917K is valuable not only because it’s a Porsche or because it featured in a famous movie. It represents the ideal combination of engineering excellence and cultural significance. Built for racing, the 917K is one of the most iconic race cars ever conceived. With a 5.0-litre flat-12 engine, it generates approximately 600 horsepower, a remarkable achievement for its era.
What sets the 917K apart, however, is its significance in Le Mans. McQueen’s portrayal of a gritty race car driver made the 917K synonymous with both the film and the golden age of racing. The car’s Gulf Oil blue-and-orange livery became instantly recognizable, enhancing its legendary status. Additionally, the car’s technical achievements, such as its aerodynamic design and lightweight structure, marked it as a game-changer in the world of motorsport.
As a lifelong Porsche fan, Seinfeld frequently shares his admiration for the brand and its history. He’s recognized for his profound appreciation of the craftsmanship and engineering that goes into every Porsche, with the 917K no exception.
In a 2020 interview on Spikes Car Radio (hosted by Feresten), Seinfeld explained why the 917K holds such a special place in his heart. “There are cars that I call ‘moment cars,’ that are from moments when things just landed perfectly,” he said. “To me, the 917 is the moment of Porsche where all their work and expertise came together.”
Retired American race car driver and Porsche expert Bruce Canepa, who has worked with and restored several Porsche 917s, shares Seinfeld’s sentiment. He describes the 917K as a driver’s car that is perfectly balanced and incredibly responsive, making it a joy to drive even today. “It’s hard to believe this is a car that was designed in 1969 and is this good,” Canepa says. “It does exactly what you want it to do.”
Experts now estimate that Seinfeld’s 917K could be valued at as much as $25 million, a staggering amount for any car—especially one that is nearly 60 years old. However, despite the high offers, Seinfeld has declined them.
As Seinfeld explained in the Spikes Car Radio podcast, money can’t measure some things. “There are objects that have great value, and then there are objects that you really can’t place a value on because they evoke so much,” he said. “If you’re in the car hobby, you pursue these cars that give you a special feeling of excitement. I would say it’s the automotive equivalent of sitting behind the Resolute Desk.”
Seinfeld isn’t alone in his belief that the 917K is priceless. Canepa, too, thinks the car is worth $25 million—or more. He points out that McQueen’s association with the car adds to its allure. “There is no guy who’s comparable to Steve McQueen. I’m just guessing, but that car should be a $25 million car,” Canepa says.
While Seinfeld has made it clear that money isn’t the driving factor behind his ownership of the Porsche 917K, the car’s value continues to rise. The last time a similar 917K sold at auction was in 2017, when it fetched around $14 million at Gooding & Co.’s Pebble Beach auction. With the 917K’s ongoing rise in fame, it wouldn’t be surprising to see it surpass the $25 million mark when it goes up for auction at Mecum Auctions in Kissimmee, Florida, in January 2025.
Whether or not the Porsche 917K reaches $25 million or beyond, one thing is clear: Jerry Seinfeld’s 917K will always be more than just a car. It’s a piece of automotive history, a symbol of Steve McQueen’s legendary status, and a cherished part of Seinfeld’s incredible collection.
In the end, Seinfeld’s Porsche 917K is the perfect example of how cars can hold more than just financial value—they can evoke emotions, memories, and stories that no price tag can capture.
