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Barn Find Of The Century | Steve McQueen's Porsche 917K

The story of the Porsche 917K Le Mans barn find is a remarkable tale of automotive history rediscovered. Chassis 917-024, one of the iconic 917 models that cemented Porsche’s legacy in endurance racing, was initially used as a Porsche factory test vehicle, undergoing extensive testing in the late 1960s. This car went on to gain notoriety as it passed to Swiss racing driver Jo Siffert, who leased it to Steve McQueen’s production company, Solar Productions, for filming the legendary 1971 movie Le Mans. Decked out in the famous Gulf livery, the car became an on-screen icon, representing the height of Porsche’s racing engineering.

(image credit: Gooding & Company)

After Siffert’s unexpected death in 1971, the 917K vanished from the public eye. Unknown to most, it was stored in a warehouse outside Paris, seemingly forgotten for over two decades. Despite its dormant years, the car remained largely untouched, preserving its original condition with features such as the Gulf paintwork, a handwritten tag with fuel injection settings by Porsche factory driver Herbert Linge, and its original space-saver spare tire. This “lost” Porsche continued to sit in obscurity until 2001, when it was rediscovered, generating immense excitement within the automotive and collector communities.

Once retrieved from its long hibernation, the 917K underwent a careful restoration, where specialists replicated its magnesium frame for track use while maintaining as much of its authenticity as possible. When this incredible piece of Porsche and cinematic history finally went to auction at Gooding & Company in 2017, it sold for $14 million—a record price at the time that many collectors considered a bargain for such a well-preserved example with a storied history.

(image credit: Gooding & Company)

The rediscovery of the 917K barn find highlights the enduring appeal and mystique of Porsche’s legacy in racing. With its blend of film fame, historic racing pedigree, and years hidden away in a French barn, this 917K remains one of the most iconic and beloved automotive finds, a time capsule from Porsche’s glory days in endurance racing.

If you are interested in exploring advertising with us, I encourage you to get in touch. Please feel free to contact me directly, and I will be more than happy to provide you with further information, answer any questions you may have, and guide you through the process.

Nick Aylieff | Classic Motors For Sale | sales@classicmotorsforsale.com +44(0) 2392 160 809 | www.classicmotorsforsale.com

The History Of Porsche

Porsche’s history traces back to 1931, when Ferdinand Porsche founded his engineering office in Stuttgart, Germany. Originally, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche GmbH focused on vehicle development and consulting, working on innovative projects like the groundbreaking Volkswagen Beetle for the German government. The Beetle became one of the best-selling cars in history and served as a precursor to Porsche’s own vehicle designs, which began to take shape in the postwar era. In 1948, Porsche unveiled its first official car, the Porsche 356. Designed by Ferdinand’s son, Ferry Porsche, the 356 was a small, agile sports car that quickly became popular in the racing world and established Porsche’s reputation for building high-performance, reliable vehicles.

Gallery Aaldering | 1954 Porsche 356 ‘Pre-A’ Coupé | €210,000.00

As the company grew, Porsche introduced models that would become icons of automotive history. In 1964, the Porsche 911 debuted, replacing the 356 and setting a new standard for sports cars. The 911’s air-cooled, rear-engine layout and distinctive design became instantly recognizable and have remained the hallmark of Porsche’s identity. This model’s flexibility allowed it to excel in both road use and motorsports, with various adaptations appearing in rallies and endurance races. Over time, the 911 evolved through multiple generations, incorporating advancements in performance and technology while staying true to its original design philosophy.

The 1970s and 80s marked a period of growth and experimentation for Porsche, as it diversified its lineup with models like the Porsche 914, 924, and 928, the latter being the first Porsche with a front-mounted V8 engine. Although initially controversial, these models attracted a broader customer base and helped the company weather economic challenges. Porsche also excelled in motorsports during this era, especially with the 917 and 956 models, which secured multiple wins at Le Mans, cementing Porsche’s status as a top endurance racing brand.

The Classic Motor Hub | 1959 Porsche 356 Convertible D | £245,000.00

Entering the 2000s, Porsche expanded its brand with models like the Cayenne SUV and later, the Panamera sedan. While unconventional for a sports car manufacturer, these models brought Porsche into new markets, significantly boosting profitability and popularity. Recently, Porsche has embraced the shift toward electric mobility with the release of the Taycan, its first fully electric sports sedan. Today, Porsche continues to balance its legacy of high-performance sports cars, like the latest 911 and 718 models, with innovative technologies that reflect modern demands for sustainability and versatility.

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Barn Find Of The Century | Steve McQueen's Porsche 917K

The History Of Porsche