Steve McQueen Porsche 911S Brings $1.375 Million at Monterey Auction

Steve McQueen Porsche 911S from the film "Le Mans"

MONTEREY, CA - August 20, 2011: The iconic 1970 Porsche 911s formerly owned by the "King of Cool" Steve McQueen and featured in his epic Hollywood film Le Mans sold for an impressive $1,375,000 before a packed house at RM’s Monterey, CA sale last night, setting a new world record for a 911 sold at auction.

Built to the highest 1970 specification and with a full complement of factory options, the Slate Grey 911s stars in the film's legendary opening sequence as McQueen’s character, hotshot Porsche driver, Michael Delaney, drives through the French countryside, reflecting on life, death, and racing. In addition to its starring role in the film, the Porsche 911s was used as McQueen’s personal transport during the movie’s production, later joining his own stable of extraordinary motor cars in California.

The sale of the 911s represents RM's 200th million-dollar-plus automobile sold at auction.

Also entering the history books at Friday's sale was a c.1899 Columbia Electric Landaulet, which more than doubled its pre-sale estimate, selling for $550,000 – a record price for an electric car sold at auction.

Unofficial Highlights from Friday, August 19:
Lot 152: 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta - $ 1,485,000
Lot 148: 1970 Porsche 911S - $1,375,000
Lot 163: 1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt Concept Car - $935,000
Lot 121: 1953 Dodge Firearrow III Concept Car - $852,500
Lot 139: 1938 Bugatti Type 57 Stelvio - $693,000
Lot 144: 1969 Chevrolet BFG ‘Stars & Stripes’ Factory L88 ‘ZL-1’ Greenwood Racing Corvette - $638,000

In addition, RM Auctions proudly presented two unique concepts on behalf of the Ford Motor Company – a sleek 2001 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster Concept Car and a striking 2005 Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept Platform - for a combined $143,000 with proceeds benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

RM’s annual Monterey sale continues on Saturday, August 20 at the Portola Hotel & Spa and Monterey Conference Center in Monterey, CA. In total, some 145 automobiles will cross the auction podium across the two days as part of the most significant auction offering ever presented on the Monterey Peninsula.

Saturday Highlights:
In celebration of Mercedes-Benz’s 125th anniversary, RM Auctions will present the most important collection of Mercedes-Benz ever offered at public auction tonight, Saturday, August 20. Headlining the offering is a 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial Roadster, which is expected to establish a new world record for a Mercedes-Benz sold at auction.

Also on offer, a magnificent roster of historic Ferraris including: an ultra-rare 1952 Ferrari 340 Mexico Berlinetta, s/n 0226 AT, the third of only three 340 Mexico Coupés purpose-built to contest the 1952 Carrera Panamericana (estimate available upon request); and a matching-numbers, race-winning 1955 Ferrari 750 Monza Spyder, s/n 0492M, which enjoyed a starring role in the film On the Beach featuring Gregory Peck, Ava Gardner and Fred Astaire (Est. $2,500,000 - $3,250,000).

For those unable to attend the event in person, Internet, absentee and telephone bidding options are available, and the auction will stream live online at www.rmauctions.com, providing real-time coverage of the event.