Recently, however, it was announced that Seinfeld would be selling off 18 of the cars through auctioneers Gooding and Company , citing his limited “time, space and attention span” to care for such a huge fleet of vehicles, and the auto enthusiast has included some highly prized models in the sale.
For auto mechanic students, the auction offers a glimpse at some the rarest Porches in existence. Here are some of the highlights from “The Jerry Seinfeld Collection.”
1. 550 Spyder: Racing & Film History For Students in Auto Repair Programs
One of the immediate standouts in the list is Seinfeld’s 1955 550 Spyder, valued at $8 million. One of only 90 ever produced, the car was designed exclusively for motor racing, but would become famous away from the track for tragic reasons. James Dean drove a 550 Spyder the night he was killed in a fatal accident. Like Seinfeld, Dean was an auto enthusiast off-screen, and had bought the car with the intention of racing it between films.
2. 964 Turbo 3.6 S Flachbau: A Modern Rarity For Car Repair Experts
A more modern entry, this 1994 model might be just as unfamiliar to students enrolled in auto repair programs as the 550, since it’s one of the most expensive road going Porsches, with only 93 ever built. These vehicles have quite the hefty price tag too, retailing at over $200,000 each. The limited edition model included a motorsport standard 380hp 3.6L engine, as well the distinctive ‘Flachbau ‘—or ‘flat nose’— front-end design.
3. 597 Jadwagen: A Porsche Students in Auto Repair Courses Won’t Recognize
Students might be forgiven for thinking the 1958 Jadwagen was a Jeep or Land Rover rather than a Porsche. The ‘hunting car’ was originally designed for the German military, and only 71 cars ever saw the light of day. The small off-roader had a 1.5L flat-four engine and 50 hp, with a top speed of just 99km/h.
4. 911 Carrera IROC RSR: A Glimpse of A Racing Legend For Car Repair Experts
The RSR was a purpose-built racing car based on the 911 chassis. Debuting in 1973, the car went on to dominate the IROC circuit. Seinfeld’s model was originally owned by Roger Penske, and still has the original racing insignia. It is expected to sell for approximately $15 million.
5. 917/30 Can Am: The Most Outrageous Porsche Ever Built?
Developed in 1973 by Porsche’s Can-Am racing team, the 917/30 is possibly the most powerful racecar ever, and its specs alone will astound most car repair experts. The twin-turbo, 12 cylinder system could manage an incredible 1,580hp, and an acceleration of 0-100km/h in just 1.9 seconds. Its top speed was 420km/h, faster than any modern Formula One car. We’re not quite sure why Seinfeld is letting this one go, although he probably has another two or three in his garage.
See the 917/30 in action here:
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