The Porsche name holds substantial recognition in the automotive industry, exemplifying the pinnacle of German engineering prowess when it comes to performance, and some of them have reached astronomical prices at auctions due to their rarity, historical significance, and collectibility. Here are some of the most expensive Porsches of all time:
10. 1960 Porsche RS60 – $5,400,000
The 1960 Porsche RS60 is a nimble two-seater sports car designed for Formula 2 racing, featuring a robust 1.5-liter flat-four engine that produced 160 horsepower at 7,800 RPM. The car had a tubular steel chassis and a fiberglass body. It weighed just over 1,000 pounds. The RS60 is a very rare car, with only 17 examples ever produced. In 2023, a 1960 Porsche RS60 sold at Gooding & Company auction for $5,400,000.
9. 1955 Porsche 550 – $5,335,000
The 1955 Porsche 550 is a lightweight, two-seater sports car that was produced from 1953 to 1956, powered by a 1.5-liter flat-four engine that produced about 110 horsepower. It was one of the first successful Porsche race cars, and won numerous races around the world, including the Targa Florio and the 12 Hours of Sebring. The 550 is a very rare car, with only 90 examples ever produced. In 2023, a 1955 Porsche 550 sold at Gooding & Company auction for $5,335,000, making it one of the most expensive Porsches ever sold.
8. 1958 Porsche 550A Spyder 5 – $5,170,000
The 1958 Porsche 550A Spyder 5 is a lightweight, two-seater sports car produced from 1955 to 1958, powered by a 1.5-liter flat-four engine that produces over 100 horsepower. It was one of the first successful Porsche race cars, and won numerous races around the world. In 2018, a 1958 Porsche 550A Spyder 5 was sold at Bonham’s Auction for $5,170,000, earning its place on our list.
7. 1998 Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion – $5,665,000
The 1998 Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion is a street-legal version of the Porsche 911 GT1 race car. It was built to homologate the race car for competition in the FIA GT Championship. The GT1 Strassenversion is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.2-liter flat-six engine that produces 544 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 310 mph. The “street version” of the 911 GT1, known as the 911 GT1 Strassenversion in German, had an incredibly limited production run of around 20 units, solidifying its status as one of the most exceptionally rare Porsche vehicles. In 2023, a 1998 Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion sold Gooding & Company for an impressive sum of $5,665,000.
6. 2007 Porsche RS Spyder EVO – $5,615,000
The 2007 Porsche RS Spyder EVO is a prototype race car that was developed to compete in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and Le Mans Endurance Series (LMES). The RS Spyder EVO was powered by a 3.4-liter V8 engine that produced over 500 horsepower. It was also equipped with a seven-speed sequential gearbox and a carbon fiber chassis. The car was able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over 3 seconds and had a top speed of over 200 mph. Only 15 examples ever produced, in 2023, a 2007 Porsche RS Spyder EVO sold at Gooding & Company auction for $5,615,000.
5. 1972 Porsche 917/10 Spyder – $5,830,000
The Porsche 917/10 Spyder stands as a prototype racing vehicle engineered for participation in the 1970s’ Can-Am series. It was powered by a massive 5.0-liter V8 engine, delivering an astonishing power output exceeding 1,000 horsepower. Remarkably, this specific 917/10 Spyder is one of a mere two ever manufactured. In 2012, it ultimately went under the hammer at a Mecum auction, achieving a sale price of $5,830,000.
4. 1985 Porsche 959 Paris-Dakar – $5,945,000
The Porsche 959, manufactured from 1986 to 1989, stands as one of the era’s most advanced high-performance sports cars, boasting all-wheel drive, a twin-turbocharged engine, and a sophisticated suspension system. This particular 959 is a factory-built rally car that competed in the Paris-Dakar Rally in 1985 and 1986. It was sold at at RM Sotheby’s in 2022 for $5,945,000.
3. 1956 Porsche 550 Rennsport Spyder – $6,100,000
The Porsche 550 Rennsport Spyder, manufactured from 1953 to 1956, is a compact and nimble sports car that achieved early racing success, securing victories in multiple global races. Notably, this specific 550 Rennsport Spyder was the car James Dean was driving when he tragically lost his life in a car accident in 1955. It was sold at Bonhams at the Goodwood Revival auction in 2015 for $6,100,000.
2. 1982 Porsche 956 – $10,120,000
The Porsche 956, a formidable racing machine, achieved dominance by securing victory in the World Sportscar Championship during both 1982 and 1983. It was also the first Porsche to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans overall with a turbocharged engine. The specific 956 in question proudly donned the Rothmans livery #1 and claimed victory at Le Mans in 1982, was sold at Gooding & Company for $10,120,000.
1. 1970 Porsche 917K – $14,080,000
The Porsche 917K, sporting the Gulf Racing livery #22 and victorious at Le Mans in 1970, is hailed as one of the most iconic race cars ever built, having dominated the Le Mans circuit from 1970 to 1971 and standing as one of the greatest sports prototypes in history. Furthermore, it’s worth noting the significance of the “K” in its name, where “K” stands for Kurzheck, translating to “short tail.” In 2017, a 1970 Porsche 917K used in the film “Le Mans,” starring Steve McQueen, sold for approximately $14 million at auction, making it one of the most expensive Porsches ever sold.
Keep in mind that auction prices can fluctuate over time, and new records are constantly being set, especially for rare and historically significant Porsche models. Additionally, the value of rare Porsche models can fluctuate depending on market conditions.
