Though the 911 is Porsche’s most famous model, it was notably absent from many of the brand’s highest-grossing auctions. Indeed, only one 911 appears among Porsche’s ten most expensive sales. It proves that value, rarity, race pedigree, and provenance often outweigh name recognition.
Back in the 1930s, before Porsche became known for its race winners, Ferdinand Porsche played a key role in shaping what would become one of the most iconic cars of the 20th century: the Volkswagen Beetle. But Porsche as a brand didn’t truly emerge until after World War II, when his son Ferry Porsche took over and introduced the company’s first official model, the 356. From that point forward, Porsche focused its most prized efforts on prototype builds and rally-spec machines, which are designed to meet race regulations and dominate the podium.
Interestingly, many of these models were produced in just a handful of units, sometimes only a few dozen, and carry decades of motorsport heritage. Today, they fetch millions, being irreplaceable. Below are the most expensive Porsches ever sold at auction, not just in Stuttgart’s history, but in automotive history altogether.
1970 Porsche 917K – $14,080,000
The undisputed king of Porsche auctions, the 1970 Porsche 917K, changed everything for the brand. Sold at Pebble Beach in 2017, this particular car, chassis 917-024, not only represented Porsche’s first Le Mans-winning platform but also featured in Steve McQueen’s film Le Mans. Originally owned by Swiss racing driver Jo Siffert, the car’s movie role and impeccable provenance made it a dream piece for collectors. Its 4.9L flat-12 engine, revolutionary aerodynamics, and iconic Gulf livery enshrined this model’s place in history. This sale remains the highest price ever paid for a Porsche at public auction.
1982 Porsche 956 – $10,120,000
The Porsche 956, built for Group C endurance racing, became one of the most successful race cars ever developed. Chassis 956-003, sold in 2015, finished second at Le Mans in 1982 and won outright in 1983. Driven by racing legends like Jochen Mass and Hurley Haywood, its legacy was already written in gold. As one of only ten and the first Porsche to break the $10M mark, it remains a favorite among motorsport historians and investors.
1997 Porsche 911 GT1 Rennversion – $7,045,000
A street-legal version of a true Le Mans contender, the 911 GT1 Rennversion was a technological marvel. Just nine customer cars were built, and the example sold in 2024 had a genuine racing bloodline and proven success on track, having competed in both the FIA GT and IMSA series. Its mid-engine layout and 3.2L twin-turbocharged flat-six engine made it a rare blend of racing aggression and road-going capability.
1998 Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion – $5,665,000
Ever wondered what it’s like to drive a Le Mans winner on public roads? That’s exactly what the GT1 Strassenversion offered. As the road-going counterpart to the Rennversion, with only 20 examples built, it stands as one of the rarest homologation models ever created. One pristine example, with fewer than 8,000 kilometres, sold in 2017 and included original documentation and tools. Its design, performance, and exclusivity make it one of the ultimate Porsche collectibles.
1985 Porsche 959 Paris–Dakar Prototype – $5,945,000
This isn’t your typical 959. The Paris–Dakar prototype was a development car used in one of the world’s toughest off-road races. Only seven of these rally-prepped monsters were ever built, and this one was driven by Dakar winner René Metge. Although it didn’t finish the 1985 rally, the car’s rarity, engineering, and motorsport significance made it a collector’s holy grail. Its sale in 2018 underscored how much demand exists for Porsche’s most daring creations.
1972 Porsche 917/10 Spyder – $5,830,000
Porsche’s answer to North America’s Can-Am series came in the form of the 917/10 Spyder: a fire-breathing, 900-hp turbocharged monster. The car sold in 2012 was driven by George Follmer and contributed to Porsche’s dominance in the 1972 season. As one of just 11 built, and one that broke McLaren’s winning streak, it’s a significant part of Porsche’s turbocharged racing legacy.
2007 Porsche RS Spyder Evo – $5,615,000
A modern prototype that helped Porsche conquer the American Le Mans Series, the RS Spyder Evo was developed in collaboration with Penske Racing. The car sold in 2022 played a critical role in multiple championship wins and is now regarded as one of the most successful Porsche prototypes ever built. With just 17 produced, it’s an ideal collector’s item for those focused on 21st-century motorsport dominance.
1960 Porsche RS60 Spyder – $5,400,000
Only four RS60s were built by the factory, and the example sold in 2015 had perhaps the most illustrious history. Raced by legends like Stirling Moss and Dan Gurney, it competed at Le Mans, Sebring, and Targa Florio. Its documented success and unrepeatable provenance secured its multi-million-dollar sale.
1955 Porsche 550 Spyder – $5,335,000
Best known for its connection to James Dean, the 550 Spyder was Porsche’s first purpose-built racecar. The car sold in 2016 was a blue Wendler-bodied version with just over 10,000 miles, completely unrestored and from the collection of comedian and Porsche aficionado Jerry Seinfeld. Its originality and celebrity ownership drove intense interest.
1958 Porsche 550A Spyder – $5,170,000
Built with a lightweight tubular space frame, the 550A improved upon its predecessor with class wins at Le Mans and Nürburgring. The car sold in 2018 had been campaigned by Carel de Beaufort and was one of just 40 built. Highly regarded for its engineering purity and rarity.
2018 Porsche 911 “Sally Special” – $3,600,000
One of Porsche’s most heartwarming sales, the Sally Special, was a one-off 911 built in partnership with Pixar to resemble Sally Carrera from Cars. Sold for charity in 2022, it fetched a staggering $3.6 million – the highest price ever paid for a new Porsche. While not a racing legend, it highlighted Porsche’s cultural reach and philanthropic power.
Conclusion
Porsche’s most valuable cars are the ones with the deepest stories. Many were produced in tiny numbers. Some never saw full-scale production at all. As Ferry Porsche once put it, “In the beginning I looked around and could not find quite the car I dreamed of, so I decided to build it myself.” That founding impulse, to build what didn’t yet exist, is what gives these machines their enduring appeal.
Today, these cars hold cultural and financial value far beyond the showroom. Celebrities like Jerry Seinfeld and Steve McQueen built collections around them. High-net-worth collectors in cities like Dubai, London, and Los Angeles bid aggressively for the rarest examples. As one auction executive recently said, “The Porsche buyer doesn’t just want a car. They want a moment in history that can still be driven.” Especially in the GCC, where there is a large and active community of classic car enthusiasts, the appetite shows in events like the DSF Auto Season at Dubai Hills Mall and the Grand Picnic Classic Cars Festival at Safa Park, featuring over a thousand vintage vehicles.
