Pebble Beach is the place to be for classic automobile enthusiasts. Porsche collectors in specific will not want to miss out on Gooding & Company’s auction, because this year they’ve lined up some highly collectible piece of kit.
Chief among them is this 1979 Porsche 935 (pictured above). It’s the very same that the late, great Paul Newman drove on his debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in ’79. The actor-turned-racer’s participation in the event helped draw record crowds, who saw the car, entered by Dick Barbour, finish second overall. The same 935 went on to win the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1981 and the 12 Hours of Sebring in ’83. It’s expected to fetch a solid $5 million (give or take half a mil), and we wouldn’t be surprised to see Adam Carolla at least place a bid.
The Newman 935 isn’t the only noteworthy Porsche on offer at the event, though. Joining it is a competition spec ’84 Porsche 911 SC/RS that was built not for circuit racing but for rallying. Resplendent in iconic Rothmans livery, this 911 is one of six made. It was fielded in the FIA Middle East Rally Championship by Saeed Al-Hajri, winning the title in ’84 and again in ’87. It’s valued at about $1.6 million.
Not into racing? There’s also a flat-nose 964 Turbo 3.6 S, one of just 76 prepared by Porsche Exclusive and only 39 sold in the US. This one isn’t just in as-new condition, with just 40 miles on the clock, but still has the window sticker attached. Finished in Grand Prix white, it’s also valued at $1.6 million.
Gooding also has a ’73 911 Carrera 2.7 RSH (valued at $1.4 million), an ’88 959 ($1.4m), a ’97 993 Turbo S ($550k) and a 2011 997 GT1 RS ($500k). Of course those are just the Porsches, and there’s plenty more on offer for the official auction of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 20-21 at the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center.
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Photos by Mathieu Heurtault and Mike Maez, courtesy of Gooding & Company.