Movie Famous 1970 917K Going Up for Grabs

Big Screen Star

Of the many iconic films Steve McQueen starred in over the years, Le Mans was one of his few box office failures. However, that movie has remained a huge hit with automotive enthusiasts, who appreciate its authenticity and attention to detail. Thus, this 1970 917K that appeared in the movie and has a checkered motorsports history should rake in big money when it hits the block at RM Sotheby's upcoming Monterey auction.

Photos: RM Sotheby's

Racing History

Chassis 026 appeared extensively in the film, but it also participated in some actual races, too. Built by JW Automotive and driven by Mike Hailwood and David Hobbs, the Gulf liveried machine appeared in the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans race, but hydroplaned and crashed on the 49th lap.

Photos: RM Sotheby's

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Rebuilt

In the movie Le Mans, 917-026 was much more successful, however, after being led to victory by McQueen's character, Michael Delaney. After filming concluded, the car was rebuilt by Porsche and re-bodied as a 917 Spyder with a new chassis number - 031.

Photos: RM Sotheby's

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Coming Home

The race car then proceeded to compete in the European InterSerie Championship from 1971-1973 before it was retired in 1974. From that point forward, the Porsche changed hands multiple times before it was eventually restored to its original, 1970 Le Mans specification.

Photos: RM Sotheby's

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Utter Perfection

Today, the 917K retains its Interserie-era numbers-matching 5.4-liter V12, and the car is also being sold with the well-preserved replacement 917 Spyder body, which is a pretty nice touch. As for the car itself, well, that's been restored to utter perfection, as we can see in these photos.

Photos: RM Sotheby's

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Flawless Restoration

That work was completed by UK-based European race car restorer Paul Lanzante, a Le Mans winner himself as team principal for the Tokyo Ueno Clinic McLaren F1 back in 1995. Aside from being visually stunning in its original livery, the 917K is also perfectly capable of hitting the track once again as well.

Photos: RM Sotheby's

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Big Money

Given this car's lengthy motorsports history and movie star status, RM Sotheby's estimates that it will rake in somewhere between $16-$18.5 million at auction next month. Considering the fact that another Le Man's car - chassis 024 - sold for $14 million back in 2017, we don't doubt that it's likely to hit that mark, either.

Photos: RM Sotheby's

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