Supercars of Luxury: The Most Expensive Porsches Ever Sold in History

Porsche stands as one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers, renowned for producing some of Germany’s most exceptional performance cars. Its top-notch models seamlessly blend raw power with cutting-edge technology, all wrapped in a design that surprisingly accommodates everyday living. Moreover, Porsche boasts an illustrious racing heritage, triumphing at numerous prestigious motorsport events worldwide. It is this rich racing legacy, coupled with the exclusivity of Porsche’s rarest vehicles, that entices discerning collectors to shell out substantial sums at auctions.

Although Porsche may not boast auction records that rival those of Ferrari, and its most valuable car pales in comparison to the exorbitant price tag of the priciest Mercedes-Benz, the most sought-after Porsches can still command eight-figure amounts. Drawing on data from the esteemed auction tracking site, Glenmarch, let’s delve into a brief overview of the most expensive Porsches ever publicly offered for sale. This collection encompasses the marque’s most iconic road and race cars, ranging from Le Mans-winning prototypes to unique 911 specials, all eagerly anticipated by enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Porsche 917K – $14.08 million

The world’s most expensive Porsche is not only a movie star but also a symbol of excellence, having made its appearance in Steve McQueen’s iconic film, Le Mans. This extraordinary vehicle was sold by Gooding & Co at their prestigious Pebble Beach auction in 2017, following a meticulous restoration carried out by renowned specialists. It possessed all the qualities that discerning collectors seek – rarity, impeccable condition, and an extensive history file. With an astonishing 630 horsepower at its disposal, this car was a force to be reckoned with, arguably dominating the racetrack as the fastest machine of its time.

The “K” in its name signifies “Kurzheck,” indicating that this particular model was one of the race cars equipped with a factory-installed revised tail section, designed to enhance stability at high speeds. Although this modification generated significantly more downforce, it also resulted in a slightly lower top speed compared to its predecessors, reducing it by approximately 30 mph. Nevertheless, even the slower version of this vehicle was still mind-bogglingly fast on the track, especially when considering that the swiftest variants of the 917 were reaching an astounding 248 mph. The car presented at the auction was one of the exceedingly rare original 917s privately owned, and it fetched an astonishing final hammer price of $14,080,000, solidifying its position as the most expensive Porsche ever sold.

Porsche 956 – $10.12 million

Presented at the prestigious Gooding & Co auction, where a record-breaking price was achieved for the Porsche RS60, a remarkable 956 prototype racer commanded an astonishing $10,120,000. This groundbreaking sale marked the first time in history that a Porsche had fetched a price in the eight-figure range at auction. However, this was no ordinary race car; it was the very vehicle that triumphed at the renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1983, driven by legendary names such as Jacky Ickx, Derek Bell, and a host of other esteemed racers. Notably, this exceptional machine had also secured four additional overall race victories.

Boasting an estimated 630 horsepower, the car harnessed its immense power through a five-speed manual transmission, propelling it forward with unrivaled force. Following its illustrious racing career, the vehicle had been meticulously maintained, with comprehensive documentation attesting to its impeccable condition and any necessary repairs or enhancements. Undoubtedly, this extraordinary race car stands as a true testament to automotive excellence, presenting an unparalleled opportunity for discerning Porsche collectors.

Porsche 550 – $6.09 million

In its summary of the car, Bonhams described the Porsche 550 offered at the Goodwood Revival auction in 2016 as a remarkable time machine. It was hailed as the world’s best-preserved and never restored example of the iconic Porsche model that still exists today. This unique vehicle challenged the prevailing belief that restoration is necessary to preserve cars for the future. The auction house argued that by leaving it in its original state of decay, owners could truly appreciate the original craftsmanship in a way that would otherwise be impossible. Essentially, the 550 on offer was deemed superior because no one had ever attempted to enhance its appearance.

The sentiment expressed by the auction house resonated with buyers, evident from the final bid of £4,593,500, equivalent to approximately $6.09 million based on 2016’s exchange rates. This record-breaking figure was undoubtedly influenced by the car’s exceptional status, which had already been acknowledged with an award at the prestigious 2010 Pebble Beach Concours, one of the world’s most renowned automotive events.

Porsche 959 Paris-Dakar – $5.95 million

The Dakar Rally stands as one of the most esteemed events in the realm of motorsports. As part of RM Sotheby’s 70th anniversary sale, the renowned auction house presented the Porsche 959, a vehicle that participated in the 1985 rally as one of three Works entries. Behind the wheel of this exceptional machine was none other than René Metge, a three-time Dakar champion. Regrettably, an unfortunate oil line failure forced the car to retire midway through the race.

During the years 1985 and 1986, Porsche constructed a total of seven rally-spec 959s. However, four of these remarkable vehicles remain in the possession of the automaker’s Motorsports division and museum. Another car met its demise in a rallying accident, leaving the one on offer as one of only two privately owned specimens. Although its original engine had been removed for preservation, it was thoughtfully included in the sale, along with a selection of authentic spare parts. This extraordinary opportunity to acquire such a unique piece was undoubtedly irresistible to affluent Porsche collectors, resulting in the car ultimately selling for an astounding $5,945,000.

Porsche 911 GT1 Strassen version – $5.67 million

The Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion is not only one of the most remarkable homologation specials ever created, but it is also considered one of the finest Porsches ever manufactured. This exceptional vehicle was sold through Gooding & Co, a renowned auction house that seems to be the preferred choice for collectors of rare Porsches, as evidenced by its frequent appearances on this list. The highest price ever paid for a GT1 Strassenversion was an astounding $5,665,000. With only 20 units produced, this car is exceptionally rare, even by supercar standards. Moreover, the particular car in question is a highly original example, adding to its allure.

The 911 GT1 Strassenversion was specifically built to meet homologation requirements, enabling Porsche to compete in GT1 racing. Consequently, the company produced the bare minimum number of units necessary to comply with regulations. The race version of this car went on to achieve victory at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, solidifying its status as one of the most distinguished Porsches in recent memory. While the road version featured a few notable differences from its track-only counterpart, it still boasted an impressive 544 horsepower delivered through a six-speed manual transmission. Combined with its striking, aerodynamically-focused design, the Strassenversion is as close as one can get to experiencing a genuine race car on the open road.

Porsche RS Spyder Evo – $5.62 million

One of Porsche’s most successful prototype racers of all time, the Porsche RS Spyder Evo, has now become one of the brand’s most expensive cars. Recently sold at Gooding & Co’s 2022 Pebble Beach Auction, this remarkable vehicle fetched $5,615,000, slightly below its estimated value of $6,000,000 to $8,000,000. Only 17 RS Spyders were produced between 2005 and 2008, and just a few received the coveted Evo upgrade. Originally raced by Penske Racing during the 2007 and 2008 ALMS seasons, this exceptional car boasts an impressive record of two overall race wins and four additional class wins.

Equipped with a formidable 3.4-liter V8 engine generating a staggering 503 horsepower, the RS Spyder Evo possessed the raw power necessary to dominate the competition. Its meticulously designed aerodynamics, including a substantial rear wing, ensured exceptional stability at high speeds, keeping it firmly planted on the asphalt. Following the conclusion of its racing career, the car was showcased at numerous prestigious motorsport events, while remaining in race-ready condition for its new owner, should they desire to unleash its potential on the track once again.

Porsche 917/10 Spyder: $5.83 million

The Porsche 917/10, a titan in the Can-Am racing series, boasts a 5.4-liter twin-turbo flat-twelve engine that churns out a jaw-dropping 1,150 horsepower. It could sprint from 0 to 100 mph in just 2.9 seconds, a record that remains unbroken even today, whether you’re talking about production cars or racecars.

The star of the show here is a particular Porsche 917/10 that once belonged to the legendary driver George Follmer, who steered it to victory in 1972. Its performance was so spectacular that it earned a nickname: “the car that killed Can-Am racing.” In 2012, this iconic racing machine found its way to Mecum’s auction block, where it fetched an astonishing $5,830,000. This is the incredible story of a racing legend’s journey through time and value.

1960 Porsche RS60: $5.40 million

When the 1960 Porsche RS60 graced the auction block at Gooding & Company, expectations ran high among the auctioneers. There were compelling reasons for this optimism, starting with the car’s unique status as the sole privately owned ’60 Porsche race caliper. The listing proudly proclaimed it as “the ultimate evolution of Porsche’s four-cam Spyder.”

Underneath its sleek exterior, a 1.5-liter flat-four engine roared to life, producing an impressive 170 horsepower. This powerhouse had a storied racing history, carrying esteemed drivers like Bob Holbert, Dan Gurney, Phil Hill, and Stirling Moss to victory.

However, the final gavel fell at $5,400,000, a figure that fell short of the lofty $7 million expectations. The outcome proved that even the most highly anticipated auctions can deliver surprises.