Rare 1970s Porsche Racecar Sets World Auction Record

A world record for any Porsche sold at an auction was set at the recent Bonhams sale in Monterey, with a rare 1970s Porsche racecar fetching nearly $4 million. The car in question is an ex-Jurgen Neuhaus/Jurgen Barth 1972-73 European Interserie and David Hobbs/Mike Hailwood Gulf-JW Automotive team 1972-73 Porsche 917 Interserie Spyder neé 1970 Gulf-JWA Le Mans 917K Coupe, which was sold for $3,965,000.

The two-day event, in fact, posted a total of $18.6 million in sales, of which automobilia and spares posted the highest ever total at this venue with $1.185 million raised.

Other notable results were obtained by an extremely 1930 Mercedes-Benz 7.1 Liter SS Tourer that made $2,537,000; the ex-works, Gerhard Mitter/Lucien Bianchi Nurburgring 1000 km-leading 1967 Porsche 910 Endurance Racing Works Coupe that sold for $797,000; the ex- J. Herbert Carpenter, Western Reserve Historical Society, Joe Tracy 1908 Thomas Flyer 4-60 Tourer that went for $733,000 and the ex-Ernst Loof racing team, Sandizell-owned 1937 BMW 328 Roadster that was bought for $667,000.

"We are very honored to have been selected to offer these incredible motorcars at auction," said Mark Osborne, head of Bonhams' Motoring Department, in a statement after the conclusion of the auction event. "We are very pleased with the results and the satisfaction of having met or exceeded the expectations of our discerning and growing clientele."

Bonhams’ annual sale at Quail Lodge comprised a selection of 102 cars, one airplane and one boat – of which 77 sold (a 74% sell rate), and represented three major collections headlined by the Michael Amalfitano collection of competition cars.