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Top 10 Most Expensive Porsche Cars of All Time

Top 10 Most Expensive Porsche Cars of All Time

The Porsche name is associated with speed, luxury, and wealth. But while the average Porsche vehicle sells for between $60,000 and $120,000, some Porsche cars are worth millions. If you’re a fan of the Porsche brand, you might wonder, “What are the most expensive Porsche cars?”

The most expensive Porsche car of all time is the 1970 Porsche 917K. This competition race car sold for $14.08 million when it went to auction in 2017. Notably, the 1970 Porsche 917K won first place during the 1971 Le Mans event. But that’s not the only reason it’s so valuable.

Whether you’re an avid car collector or a Porsche fanatic, any of the priciest Porsche vehicles could be a dream come true and worthwhile addition to your garage. So let’s explore which of these cars have fetched the highest prices, helping you select a Porsche that suits your style.

Here Are the Top 10 Most Expensive Porsche Cars of All Time:

  1. 1970 Porsche 917K – $14.08 million
  2. 1982 Porsche 956 – $10.12 million
  3. 1956 Porsche 550 Rennsport Spyder – $6.1 million
  4. 1985 Porsche 959 Paris-Dakar – $5.945 million
  5. 1972 Porsche 917/10 Spyder – $5.83 million
  6. 1998 Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion – $5.665 million
  7. 1960 Porsche 718 RS60 Werks – $5.12 million
  8. 1979 Porsche 935 – $4.4 million
  9. 1973 Porsche 917/30 Can-Am Spyder – $4.4 million
  10. 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder – $4.185 million

10. 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder – $4.185 Million

1955-Porsche-550-Spyder
photo source: Hemmings

This vintage 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder exudes classic Porsche style, featuring a silver exterior that harkens back to the first Porsche vehicles. It’s a roofless two-door coupe with a compact interior and a period-accurate engine.

Due to its rarity and racing history, this car sold for $4.185 million when it went to auction in 2022. For perspective, this vintage Porsche is about nine times more valuable than the most expensive Lexus car!

Why It’s Expensive

Porsche only built about 90 of these vehicles, many of which are now lost to time.

So finding a fully restored version with period-correct fittings and components is virtually impossible, which is why this car managed to fetch millions at The Amelia Island Auction.

9. 1973 Porsche 917/30 Can-Am Spyder – $4.4 Million

1973-Porsche-917-30-Can-Am-Spyder
photo source: Wikimedia Commons

While the 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder functions as an antique street-legal vehicle and a historic race car, the 1973 Porsche 917/30 Can-Am Spyder was built purely for competition purposes. It packs about 1,200 horsepower beneath its blue-and-yellow hood, making it one of the most powerful vehicles of its time.

This car earned the top four rankings at the 1973 Can-Am Driver’s Competition, setting it apart from other vehicles raced that year. Due to its incredible wins and vintage status, this car sold for an astounding $4.4 million when it went to auction in 2012.

Why It’s Expensive

Any Porsche race car that earned top rankings in international competitions can sell for millions. But this vehicle is also a vintage find in top-notch condition, making it valuable to collectors from across the globe.

8. 1979 Porsche 935 – $4.84 Million

1979-Porsche-935
photo source: Wikimedia Commons

Any car driven by legendary actor Paul Newman (who also raced cars) will fetch a high price when it goes to auction. When you add the Porsche name to the mix, prices skyrocket!

The 1979 Porsche 935 raced by Newman sold for $4.84 million when it went to auction in 2016. Notably, actor and radio personality Adam Carolla purchased this car. However, when it goes to auction in the future, it’ll likely be worth far more due to this increased notoriety.

Why It’s Expensive

The 1979 Porsche 935 is a pricey Porsche due to its many competition wins and unique ownership history. While it isn’t the only Porsche 935 in the world, it is the only one driven by Paul Newman at the 24 Hours of Le Mans event!

7. 1960 Porsche 718 RS60 Werks – $5.12 Million

1960-Porsche-718-RS60-Werks
photo source: RM Sotheby’s

The matte silver aluminum exterior of a vintage Porsche race car is unmistakable. This design choice remained consistent for over a decade. Still, the 1960 Porsche 718 RS60 Werks showcases one of the first departures from this simplified style, with a mixture of black and yellow sections that help differentiate it from other vehicles.

It was raced at some of the most notable racing events in the world, including the 12 Hours of Sebring, Nürburgring 1000 KM, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans events. Due to its racing history and vintage style, it fetched $5.12 million at auction in 2019.

Why It’s Expensive

There aren’t many opportunities to own a fully restored vintage Porsche race car, especially one that competed in multiple international competitions. That’s likely why buyers lept at the chance to bid on this rare vehicle.

6. 1998 Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion – $5.665 Million

Porsche-911-GT1-Strassenversion
photo source: Wikimedia Commons

The 1998 Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion is the most modern Porsche vehicle to earn a spot on this ranking. It’s also one of the few Porsche race cars converted into street-legal automobiles.

Porsche was forced to produce 25 street-legal versions of these cars to meet Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) requirements. Still, this car retained its race car body shape and massive rear spoiler, making it an attractive acquisition for wealthy collectors and affluent race car drivers.

But because Porsche released so few of these vehicles, they’re exceptionally rare, often selling for millions. The record auction price for the 1998 Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion is a staggering $5.665 million.

Why It’s Expensive

This flashy car is one of the rarest Porsche models ever released to the general public, with only about two dozen available in 1998. Those fortunate enough to snap one up during that time can now resell this rare vehicle for millions thanks to this scarcity.

5. 1972 Porsche 917/10 Spyder – $5.83 Million

1972-Porsche-917-10-Spyder
photo source: Wikimedia Commons

The ramp-like front end of the 1972 Porsche 917/10 Spyder helped make it one of the most aerodynamic competition cars of the early 1970s. Its advanced design and powerful 12-cylinder engine helped propel it to the top of the rankings during the 1972 Can-Am Drivers Championship.

Due to this historical significance and unique style, the 1972 Porsche 917/10 Spyder sold for $5.83 million when it went to auction in 2012.

Why It’s Expensive

This competition-winning Porsche is a one-of-a-kind vintage race car, making it an attractive acquisition for affluent car collectors and drivers. Owning this car is like owning a piece of Porsche racing history, which is something you can’t say about brand-new, consumer-friendly models.

4. 1985 Porsche 959 Paris-Dakar – $5.945 Million

1985-Porsche-959-Paris-Dakar
photo source: Wikimedia Commons

Though Porsche is a German automaker, the 1985 Porsche 959 Paris-Dakar has distinctly Italian influences, making it a unique vehicle in its own right. But its sleek body design and colors aren’t the primary reasons it sold for $5.945 million when it went to auction in 2018.

This vehicle retains its original twin-turbo engine and was driven by some of the most celebrated drivers in history, including René Metge and Jacky Ickx. It placed at the 1985 Paris–Dakar Rally, earning international attention as one of the most advanced rally cars (of its time).

Why It’s Expensive

This rally car changed the game when it competed in 1985, helping to inspire a new wave of competition vehicles. It’s a museum-appropriate car with an exciting history, naturally making it more valuable than everyday consumer vehicles released by Porsche.

3. 1956 Porsche 550 Rennsport Spyder – $6.1 Million

1956-Porsche-550-Rennsport-Spyder
photo source: Road Scholars

The 1956 Porsche 550 Rennsport Spyder is an iconic vehicle with a muted silver exterior reminiscent of Porsche’s first race car, the 1951 356 SL. It’s one of the most instantly recognizable Porsche cars, partially due to its famous owners, including James Dean (who tragically passed away while driving a 1956 Porsche 550 Rennsport Spyder).

Porsche reputedly made only 90 of these vehicles, few of which have survived into the 2020s. As such, unrestored models can sell for upwards of $6.1 million at auction.

Why It’s Expensive

This Porsche is expensive due to its reputation, iconic look, and historical significance. However, it’s also a rare find due to its vintage nature.

The 1956 Porsche 550 Rennsport Spyder is a must-have collectible for serious car collectors, including notable celebrity collectors like Jerry Seinfeld.

2. 1982 Porsche 956 – $10.12 Million

1982-Porsche-956
photo source: Wikimedia Commons

For a brief period (two years), the 1982 Porsche 956 held the record for being the most expensive Porsche ever sold at auction. It fetched a massive $10.12 million when it went to auction in 2015.

Porsche only made ten of these vehicles, but the car sold at auction in 2015 was particularly unique due to its competition wins, including its first-place ranking at the 1983 24 Hours of Le Mans event.

Why It’s Expensive

This vintage race car is the only Porsche 956 to place first at a United States event, the 1983 Can-Am Road America. This unique feature makes it a historically significant vehicle that cannot be recreated or replaced.

As you might expect, this rarity and historical value make it worth millions.

1. 1970 Porsche 917K – $14.08 Million

1970-Porsche-917K
photo source: RM Sotheby’s

The most expensive Porsche of all time is the 1970 Porsche 917K. This iconic competition car sports a blue and orange exterior, replete with a vintage-style Gulf fuel emblem on its front and sides.

Though it sold for $14.08 million in 2017, it’s recently resurfaced with an updated estimated value of $16 million to $18 million! This vehicle earned first place at seven racing events in 1971 but disappeared after selling to a private collector in France.

Since its rediscovery in 2001, the vehicle has been fully restored, making it a gorgeous example of Porsche racing history.

Why It’s Expensive

This Porsche is expensive because it’s a remarkable vintage race car that gave Porsche its first overall wins at the 1970 and 1971 24 Hours of Le Mans racing event. It was also thought to be lost to the passage of time. But its discovery in a French warehouse in 2001 changed everything.

Due to this vehicle’s unique history, rarity, and vintage status, it’s earned its place as the most expensive Porsche car of all time.

Why Are Some Porsche Cars So Expensive?

Now that we’ve explored the most expensive Porsche cars of all time let’s take a moment to discuss why some of these vehicles cost millions of dollars.

The priciest Porsche cars exhibit many qualities that make them incredibly valuable. These qualities include:

  • Vintage status
  • Racing wins
  • Rarity
  • Historical significance
  • Status symbol

Vintage Status

A vintage Porsche is almost always more expensive than a brand-new one. Vintage Porsche cars in excellent condition can sell for millions, especially if they enjoyed a limited release during their debut. The 1956 Porsche 550 Rennsport Spyder is a perfect example.

Porsche released fewer than 100 of these cars, making them instantly more valuable than mass-manufactured vehicles released during the same year. But this vehicle is more than half a century old, making the few surviving models exceptionally rare.

The vintage status of the 1956 Porsche 550 Rennsport Spyder (plus its iconic appearance) makes it one of the most desirable Porsche cars in the world. Still, this model sells for less than Porsche race cars with notable wins.

Racing Wins

Porsche consistently produces cars that win racing competitions, and the vehicles that earn first place at racing events can sell for millions. These cars are extremely fast and powerful, but they’re also prize-winning items that any car collector or affluent race car driver would love to own.

And a sporty Porsche race car with a history of winning competitions is a one-of-a-kind item. They’re impossible to recreate due to their specific histories, making them both rare and valuable.

Rarity

If you’re familiar with the law of supply and demand, you’re likely aware that items with restricted supplies sell for more than readily available items. For example, Porsche cars are often released in limited supply, making them inherently more scarce and valuable than other vehicles.

Some Porsche vehicles (like the 1970 Porsche 917K that sold for $14 million) are one-of-a-kind, making them must-have items for car collectors and passionate Porsche fans. These cars may also be historically significant, boosting their value even higher!

Historical Significance

Cars have changed significantly since the 1930s (when Porsche was founded). They’ve become faster, more technologically advanced, and far more costly. But in some cases, older cars are far more valuable than brand-new ones.

That’s because vintage cars are historically significant, particularly those that helped inspire automotive innovations. These museum-appropriate vehicles help illustrate the technological changes that helped lead to modern cars.

Wealthy investors looking to complete a private museum are often more than willing to spend millions on vintage Porsche cars that helped make the brand what it is today. Also, these rare vehicles are a unique type of status symbol.

Status Symbol

Owning a Porsche is similar to owning a mansion. It’s a status symbol that lets the world know you’re an affluent and successful person. As a result, many of the world’s wealthiest individuals gravitate toward Porsche cars.

Several of the most expensive cars in the world are owned by the most influential celebrities and business magnates. So don’t be surprised to find that these individuals own expansive garages filled to the brim with top-notch luxury cars, including the priciest Porsche vehicles.

What Is the Most Expensive Porsche You Can Buy Today?

Many of the priciest Porsche vehicles of all time are one-of-a-kind machines or vintage automobiles. As such, they’re not the easiest cars to find. Fortunately, if you’d like to purchase a top-tier Porsche today, you have a few options.

If you’re visiting a Porsche showroom and would like to drive away in their costliest car, you may want to choose the 2022 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe. This sporty hybrid SUV has a listed MSRP of $203,000, making it the costliest model in the new Porsche lineup.

Though it’s a family-friendly four-door vehicle, it’s far from boring. This vehicle has a sumptuous leather interior and a powerful 670-horsepower capability (combined engines). Capable of reaching 183mph, this is one of the few SUVs that could tackle both everyday errands and the racetrack.

But if you’re looking for something a little flashier and more recognizably Porsche, you may want to invest in a lightly used 2022 Porsche 911 GT3. While you can buy a brand-new one of these two-door race-ready cars for $169,700, customized versions available from private sellers often list for more than $490,000.

What Is the Most Expensive Porsche of All Time?

The most expensive Porsche ever sold is the 1970 Porsche 917K, which sold for $14.08 million at Pebble Beach Auctions in 2017. This race car won first place at the 1971 24 Hours of Le Mans and was subsequently purchased by Jo Siffert, a Swiss Formula One driver.

The 1970 Porsche 917K changed hands and was sold to a private collector in Paris, France. It was rediscovered in 2001, immediately garnering attention due to its original parts and comparatively excellent condition.

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