No deal: Seinfeld turns down $25M bid for McQueen Porsche!

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©MecumAuctions

In a move that cements his Porsche obsession, comedian and avid car collector Jerry Seinfeld turned down a jaw-dropping $25 million bid for his iconic 1969 Porsche 917K at Mecum Auctions last weekend.

This Gulf-liveried beauty isn’t just any car – it’s a terrifying, featherweight, V-12-powered racing legend, one of only 25 ever built, with a Hollywood legacy to boot thanks to Steve McQueen and the machine's star presence in the epic film, Le Mans.

Underneath its sleek aluminum skin, the 917K packs 580 hp, weighs less than 1,800 pounds, and hurtled drivers down the Mulsanne straight at a cool 385km/h!

McQueen had big plans for the car, dreaming of entering it - and himself - in the actual 24 Hours of Le Mans. Alas, the studio and its insurance company vetoed his racing aspirations, perhaps wisely.

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Subsequently owned by McQueen/Solar productions, Reinhold Joest, Brian Redman, Richard Attwood and collector Frank Gallogly, chassis 022 was acquired by Seinfeld in 2001, and restored to perfection.

A true Porsche aficionado, the legendary standup comedian has owned some of the rarest and most jaw-dropping Stuttgart creations, but this one is the crown jewel.

The 917K’s Hollywood and racing pedigree make it a collector’s dream, with experts calling it one of the most valuable Porsches ever. Yet $25 million didn't cut it for renowned owner.

Whether its value will keep skyrocketing remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain: Jerry’s got taste – and nerves of steel.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.