Steve McQueen’s ‘Le Mans’ Porsche a Non-Starter at Auction

By Adam Pockross - November 9, 2015

Steve McQueens 911 Porsche

For many race fans, Steve McQueen’s 1971 film Le Mans is still considered one of the finest and most accurate Hollywood representations of real time racing. But even that reputation wasn’t enough to impress auction-goers at a Christie’s auction in Paris last week.

Potential bidders shied away from the $275,375–$385,525 estimated price, even though the museum-quality 1971 Porsche 911T only has 29,000 miles and remains mostly original, including stock paint and cream-color leather interior, which was very rare during the era.

Perhaps part of the reason for the lack of interest was because RM Sotheby’s recently sold a similar 911T in March for far less, $159,500. Of course, that car didn’t come with McQueen’s considerable star power, a power which most thought would have shone brightly this past week, considering the November 13 opening of Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans, a new biopic about McQueen’s obsession with Le Mans. (Check out the excellent trailer below!)

After filming, the car was given to McQueen’s leading lady in the film, Elga Anderson, who was promised the Porsche as part of her compensation. After Anderson’s death, her best friend took ownership. She then sold it to a garage in Switzerland. Eventually the rare Porsche ended up in the collection of racing star Jo Siffert’s estate. Still, with so many owners, the Porsche displayed exceptional provenance and remains in impeccable condition.

Apparently not $275k impeccable, though.

Assuming the car comes up for auction again, how much do you think it should fetch?