The Incomparable Porsche 2018 Monterey Auction Preview

This year’s Monterey auctions look to have literally something for everyone, and all of the auction houses have gone all-in on Porsche lots, finding some of the best collector Porsches in the world. It’s obvious that every year the Monterey auction selection is the best of any auctions all year, providing huge selection and ultimate prestige.

In the Porsche world, there are some interesting shifting trends. For example, there is only one 959 available from the nearly two-hundred Porsche lots this year. Likewise, Porsche’s transaxle cars are starting to experience something of a following, as multiple auction houses are featuring big-dollar watercooled cars. It’ll be interesting to see how this year’s sales play out, and sadly I won’t be able to do it from Monterey, as I’m missing the festivities for the first time in 6 years. And don’t forget about all of the open-top cars Gooding is selling!

RM Sotheby’s

Lot 230 – 1957 Porsche 550A Spyder – Pre-Auction Estimate: $4,600,000 – 5,000,000

This 550A has been all over the world, and joined famous Porsche collections a number of times. It was originally raced by Jack McAfee, who ran the car all over the Southwest, particularly California tracks. It moved to Elden Beagle of Sacramento in 1959, then Don Wester, who owned it through 1962. By that point it had outlived its effectiveness as even a regional racer, and it moved through the hands of Irwin Schueback in Monterey, Chuck Woodward in Spokane, Bill Perrone in SoCal, then William Zunkel in the mid-1980s. David Cohen took the 550 to South Africa in the late ’80s, then moved it on to Dick Barbour in 1989 where it stayed through 1993. Barbour sold this Spyder to Hui Takahara of Japan, who had it shipped to Germany where it was restored painstakingly by Manfred Friesinger and his shop. The current owner purchased the Spyder in 2013, and the Porsche won its class at Amelia Island Concours in 2014. It’s a largely original 550, and should be worth a healthy amount.

Lot 139 – 1968 Porsche 908 Works Kurzheck Coupe – Pre-Auction Estimate: $2,300,000 – 2,800,000

This factory-effort 908 chassis was raced at the 1968 Spa 1000KM race with Vic Elford and Jochen Neerpasch. One of only five Kurzheck 908s built, this is a rare Porsche indeed. I got the chance to look over this 908 at Luftgekühlt earlier this year, and spent a few minutes talking with Rod Emory about the car’s capabilities. He’d been the caretaker for this 908, in conjunction with Rothsport Racing in Oregon, ever since the Porsche was purchased by Cameron Healy in 2006. The car was restored just in time for the 2004 Rennsport Reunion, and it’s participated in each RR since. In fact, it has already been accepted for entry in this fall’s iteration of the Porsche-only vintage racing festival.

Lot 101 – 1987 Porsche 944S – Pre-Auction Estimate: $30,000 – 40,000

Lot 112 – 1966 Porsche 911 – Pre-Auction Estimate: $225,000 – 275,000

Lot 118 – 2004 Porsche Carrera GT – Pre-Auction Estimate: $700,000 – 900,000

Lot 122 – 1958 Porsche 356A Speedster 1600 – Pre-Auction Estimate: $375,000 – 475,000

Lot 125 – 1994 Porsche 911 Speedster – Pre-Auction Estimate: $250,000 – 300,000

Lot 146 – 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS – Pre-Auction Estimate: $440,000 – 480,000

Lot 154 – 2016 Porsche 911 R – Pre-Auction Estimate: $325,000 – 375,000

Lot 202 – 1995 Porsche 928 GTS – Pre-Auction Estimate: $125,000 – 150,000

Lot 223 – 1989 Ruf CTR “Yellow Bird” – Pre-Auction Estimate: $1,000,000 – 1,200,000

Lot 225 – 1998 Ruf Turbo R Limited – Pre-Auction Estimate: $700,000 – 900,000

Lot 240 – 1958 Porsche 356A Speedster 1600 Super – Pre-Auction Estimate: $350,000 – 400,000

Lot 249 – 1979 Porsche 911 Turbo – Pre-Auction Estimate: $100,000 – 125,000

Lot 258 – 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RSH 2.7L – Pre-Auction Estimate: $1,300,000 – 1,600,000

Lot 261 – 1956 Porsche 356A European Coupe – Pre-Auction Estimate: $200,000 – 250,000

Lot 263 – 1990 Porsche Carrera 4 Ruf CTR – Pre-Auction Estimate: $450,000 – 550,000

Lot 275 – 1974 Porsche 914 2L – Pre-Auction Estimate: $45,000 – 65,000

Gooding & Co.

Lot 043 – 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR – Pre-Auction Estimate: $400,000 – 500,000

The 997 GT3 RSR might be one of the most impressive racing cars Porsche has ever built, at least from a visual standpoint. With a huge widebody and one of the most exquisite exhaust notes ever produced. This example doesn’t carry any particularly impressive provenance, though it has been raced at Le Mans, Monza, Spa, and Zolder with Prospeed Competition. Since it was retired from competition, it’s been owned by a Porsche collector, believed to be WeatherTech owner David MacNeil, and maintained by Alex Job Racing. The car is eligible for Rennsport Reunion, and the Classic 24 Hour at Daytona, among many others. Buy it and race it immediately.

Lot 181 – 1995 Porsche 911 GT2 FIA GT Racer – Pre-Auction Estimate: $400,000 – 600,000

This 993 GT2 finished on the podium, second in class, at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1995 with Rohr racing. The Porsche then went on to compete in a series of sprint races in the SCCA’s World Challenge program, nabbing a few additional podiums, but never an outright victory. The 911 GT2 then returned to Daytona for 1996, but it retired when it crashed. Rohr repaired the car in 1996, and scored a final podium with the 911 at Road Atlanta in 1997. It was then sold off to a collector, who has kept the Porsche out of the public eye since. This 911 GT2 race car would need a serious going-through before it was returned to the track, so keep that in mind when bidding.

Last, but not least, let’s not forget about the 4 amazing Spyders, including the one-off Bertone Spyder that Gooding has on offer.

Lot 001 – 1965 Porsche 356 SC Cabriolet – Pre-Auction Estimate: $225,000 – 275,000

Lot 003 – 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Coupe – Pre-Auction Estimate: $100,000 – 140,000

Lot 004 – 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Cabriolet – Pre-Auction Estimate: $90,000 – 120,000

Lot 014 – 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach Edition – Pre-Auction Estimate: $1,600,000 – 2,000,000

Lot 028 – 1994 Porsche 911 RS America – Pre-Auction Estimate: $150,000 – 180,000

Lot 036 – 1994 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.6L – Pre-Auction Estimate: $275,000 – 350,000

Lot 040 – 1998 Porsche 911 Targa – Pre-Auction Estimate: $120,000 – 150,000

Lot 044 – 2007 Porsche RS Spyder LMP2 – Pre-Auction Estimate Not Given

Lot 045 – 2014 Porsche 911 GT America – Pre-Auction Estimate: $275,000 – 350,000

Lot 047 – 2003 Porsche 911 GT2 – Pre-Auction Estimate: $150,000 – 200,000

Lot 051 – 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder – Pre-Auction Estimate: $4,000,000 – 5,000,000

Lot 058 – 1962 Porsche 356B T6 Roadster – Pre-Auction Estimate: $375,000 – 450,000

Lot 060 – 2004 Porsche Carrera GT – Pre-Auction Estimate: $550,000 – 650,000

Lot 104 – 1965 Porsche 911 – Pre-Auction Estimate: $250,000 – 350,000

Lot 103 – 2005 Porsche 911 GT3 – Pre-Auction Estimate: $80,000 – 100,000

Lot 121 – 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS Touring 2.7L – Pre-Auction Estimate: $700,000 – 800,000

Lot 127 – 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS – Pre-Auction Estimate: $175,000 – 250,000

Lot 128 – 1959 Porsche 718 RSK – Pre-Auction Estimate: $3,600,000 – 4,100,000

Lot 131 – 1957 Porsche 356A Speedster – Pre-Auction Estimate: $475,000 – 550,000

Lot 144 – 1973 Porsche 911E Targa 2.4L – Pre-Auction Estimate: $150,000 – 200,000

Lot 154 – 1998 Porsche 911 Carrera 2S – Pre-Auction Estimate: $140,000 – 180,000

Lot 158 – 1993 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 3.8L – Pre-Auction Estimate: $1,100,000 – 1,400,000

Lot 161 – 1966 Porsche 911 Bertone Roadster – Pre-Auction Estimate: $700,000 – 1,000,000

Lot 163 – 1991 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.3L – Pre-Auction Estimate: $160,000 – 200,000

Lot 172 – 1989 Porsche 944 Turbo – Pre-Auction Estimate: $80,000 – 120,000

Lot 176 – 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Speedster – Pre-Auction Estimate: $250,000 – 325,000

Lot 178 – 1977 Porsche 911 Targa “Blackwatch” Outlaw – Pre-Auction Estimate: $100,000 – 130,000

Mecum

Lot S91 – 1958 Porsche 550A Spyder – Pre-Auction Estimate: $4,500,000 – 5,000,000

This is the third of three Porsche 550 Spyders selling in Monterey this year, ensuring an embarrassment of riches. This chassis took victories in-period across Europe, including a first overall win at a race in Yugoslavia, as well as class wins at Zeltweg and Innsbruck. Following the 1958 season, the Spyder was returned to Porsche for a freshening before it was sold off to Harry Blanchard in Connecticut, who campaigned the car in SCCA events throughout the north east. The 550 was sold through a series of private collectors after that, including Chuck Stoddard, before eventually it was found abandoned in a warehouse in 1984 by four-cam fanatic Steve Terrien. Terrien has owned the Spyder for 34 years, spending much of that time having the car painstakingly restored to tip-top condition, including an engine overhaul by the late, great, Bill Doyle.

Lot S126 – 1989 Porsche 962 Daytona 24H Winner Miller High Life Car By Busby Racing – Pre-Auction Estimate: $2,000,000 – 2,500,000

We’ve seen this Porsche cross the auction block a number of times, most recently at Mecum’s Kissimmee, Florida sale in 2016. It has widely been acknowledged as the fastest 962 of its era, and brought the 1989 Daytona 24 victory home for Porsche with Derek Bell, Bob Wollek, and John Andretti at the wheel. It’s a good looking car with a lot of history, so it would be awesome to see it back on track again.

Lot S158 – 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2L Speedster Slant Nose Conversion – Pre-Auction Estimate: $150,000 – 185,000

I wanted to give this Porsche an honorable mention, as it’s the the car I’d most like to take home from the auctions. The 1989 Speedster is an already-interesting Porsche on its own, featuring the Turbo’s wide fenders, and a chopped down windshield. I’d never seen one converted to a slant nose, however, and was instantly intrigued. It’s eye catching, and absolutely anachronistically 1980s excess in the best possible way. If I had the cash, this is the Porsche I would bid on.

Lot W77 – 2000 Porsche Boxster S – Pre-Auction Estimate Not Provided

Lot T56 – 1987 Porsche 944 Automatic – Pre-Auction Estimate Not Provided

Lot T56.0 – 1974 Porsche 911 “959 Clone” with Chevrolet 383ci V8 swap – Pre-Auction Estimate Not Provided

Lot T75 – 1977 Porsche 911 Coupe 3.2L Swap w/ Strosek body kit – Pre-Auction Estimate Not Provided

Lot T99 – 2000 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 – Pre-Auction Estimate Not Provided

Lot T116 – 1968 Porsche 912 – Pre-Auction Estimate Not Provided

Lot T119 – 1965 Porsche 356C – Pre-Auction Estimate Not Provided

Lot T127 – 2004 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S – Pre-Auction Estimate Not Provided

Lot T147 – 1995 Porsche 968 – Pre-Auction Estimate Not Provided

Lot T159 – 1988 Porsche 924S – Pre-Auction Estimate Not Provided

Lot T207 – 1999 Porsche Boxster – Pre-Auction Estimate Not Provided

Lot F19 – 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Targa – Pre-Auction Estimate: $65,000 – 90,000

Lot F43 – 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 – Pre-Auction Estimate: $75,000 – 100,000

Lot F58 – 1964 Porsche 356C Coupe – Pre-Auction Estimate: $65,000 – 75,000

Lot F98 – 1962 Porsche 356B Coupe 1600 Super – Pre-Auction Estimate: $125,000 – 150,000

Lot F101 – 1960 Porsche 356B Cabriolet 1600 Super – Pre-Auction Estimate: $185,000 – 205,000

Lot F103 – 1975 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7L – Pre-Auction Estimate: $50,000 – 60,000

Lot F104 – 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2L Speedster – Pre-Auction Estimate: $165,000 – 185,000

Lot F105 – 1993 Porsche 911 America Roadster – Pre-Auction Estimate: $80,000 – 95,000

Lot F106 – 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo – Pre-Auction Estimate: $165,000 – 175,000

Lot F107 – 2011 Porsche 911 Speedster – Pre-Auction Estimate: $280,000 – 295,000

Lot F109 – 1957 Porsche 356A Speedster – Pre-Auction Estimate: $300,000 – 350,000

Lot F109.1 – 1987 Porsche 959 – Pre-Auction Estimate Not Provided

Lot F113 – 1965 Porsche 356SC Cabriolet – Pre-Auction Estimate: $300,000 – 325,000

Lot F118 – 1967 Porsche 911S Coupe “RS Prototype” – Pre-Auction Estimate: $200,000 – 225,000

Lot F120 – 1965 Porsche 356 SC Coupe – Pre-Auction Estimate: $180,000 – 225,000

Lot F126 – 2017 Porsche 911 Turbo S – Pre-Auction Estimate: $170,000 – 190,000

Lot F132 – 1973 Porsche 911T Coupe 2.4L – Pre-Auction Estimate: $85,000 – 95,000

Lot F134 – 1979 Porsche 911 Turbo – Pre-Auction Estimate: $120,000 – 135,000

Lot F140 – 2002 Porsche 911 GT2 – Pre-Auction Estimate: $110,000 – 130,000

Lot F148 – 1987 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet – Pre-Auction Estimate: $110,000 – 130,000

Lot F150 – 1993 Porsche 928 GTS Manual – Pre-Auction Estimate: $105,000 – 115,000

Lot F159 – 1987 Porsche 911 Turbo Sunroof Coupe – Pre-Auction Estimate: $105,000 – 135,000

Lot F176 – 2004 Porsche 911 GT3 – Pre-Auction Estimate: $95,000 – 125,000

Lot F178 – 1968 Porsche 912 – Pre-Auction Estimate: $65,000 – 80,000

Lot F179 – 1986 Porsche 911 Turbo Le Mans Jagermeister Turbo RSR Replica – Pre-Auction Estimate: $90,000 – 120,000

Lot F185 – 1981 Porsche 928 Cabriolet by Carelli – Pre-Auction Estimate: $55,000 – 75,000

Lot F186 – 2001 Porsche 911 Turbo Ruf RTurbo – Pre-Auction Estimate: $50,000 – 75,000

Lot F208 – 1981 Porsche 911 Targa – Pre-Auction Estimate: $45,000 – 60,000

Lot S51 – 1957 Porsche 356 A Sunroof Coupe – Pre-Auction Estimate: $175,000 – 200,000

Lot S57 – 1976 Porsche 911 Turbo – Pre-Auction Estimate: $140,000 – 160,000

Lot S65.1 – 1994 Porsche 911 Turbo S – Pre-Auction Estimate: $1,100,000 – 1,200,000

Lot S67 – 1963 Porsche 356B Coupe – Pre-Auction Estimate: $50,000 – 75,000

Lot S106 – 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach Edition – Pre-Auction Estimate: $1,800,000 – 2,000,000

Lot S112 – 1958 Porsche 356A Super Cabriolet W/ Rudge Knockoff Wheels – Pre-Auction Estimate: $200,000 – 250,000

Lot S114 – 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS – Pre-Auction Estimate: $225,000 – 275,000

Lot S119 – 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS – Pre-Auction Estimate: $375,000 – 425,000

Lot S124 – 2016 Porsche 911 R – Pre-Auction Estimate: $375,000 – 400,000

Lot S131 – 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 Manual – Pre-Auction Estimate: $195,000 – 225,000

Lot S132.1 – 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS Lightweight 2.7L – Pre-Auction Estimate: $1,300,000 – 1,500,000

Lot S147 – 2008 Porsche 911 GT3 RS – Pre-Auction Estimate: $250,000 – 300,000

Lot S149 – 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 4.0 Brumos Edition – Pre-Auction Estimate: $300,000 – 400,000

Lot S171 – 2017 Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive – Pre-Auction Estimate: $165,000 – 185,000

Lot S172 – 1978 Porsche 911 SC Coupe – Pre-Auction Estimate: $50,000 – 75,000

Lot S178 – 1969 Porsche 911 Coupe 2.0L – Pre-Auction Estimate: $210,000 – 240,000

Lot S186 – 2003 Porsche 911 GT2 – Pre-Auction Estimate: $145,000 – 175,000

Lot S188 – 1970 Porsche 911 3.2L Hot Rod – Pre-Auction Estimate: $135,000 – 155,000

Lot S194 – 1965 Porsche 912 – Pre-Auction Estimate: $190,000 – 230,000

Lot S201 – 1975 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa 2.7L – Pre-Auction Estimate: $75,000 – 85,000

Bonhams

Lot 106 – 1956 Porsche 356 Carrera GS Bodywork By Dean Jeffries – Pre-Auction Estimate: $450,000 – 600,000

This 356 was a no-sale lot when it went up at Gooding’s Monterey sale in 2016. I wrote extensively about the car then, and not much has changed in the ensuing two years. Dean Jeffries was one of the preeminent hot rod Kustom builders of the ’50s and 6’0s, and this Porsche was a real jumping off point for him. He customized this car as a precursor to many famous cars under the tutelage of George Barris. There are Frenched lights all around, plus Mercedes 300SL-inspired rear roof vents, and engine-turned surfaces everywhere. This is a true one-of-a-kind custom 56 that deserves attention.

Lot 134 – 1986 Porsche 944 Turbo Brumos Showroom Stock Race Car – Pre-Auction Estimate: $100,000 – 150,000

This is believed to be the second 944 Turbo ever built. It was titled from new as a race car, and delivered to Brumos Porsche brand new for the SCCA’s Playboy Escort Endurance Championship. In that Championship, this 944 finished runner-up. While this is certainly a significant transaxle-series Porsche, I’m not sure it’s worth the six-figure pre-auction estimate listed. It comes with its original SCCA log book, a notarized letter from Brumos, and a second set of Phone Dial wheels. The 944 raced in-period on a set of Gotti wheels (and the car carries a Gotti decal on the rear quarter), and the buyer should immediately seek out a set.

Lot 8 – 1983 Porsche 911 SC Cabriolet – Pre-Auction Estimate: $60,000 – 80,000

Lot 13 – 1958 Porsche 356A Convertible D 1600 Super – Pre-Auction Estimate: $160,000 – 210,000

Lot 25 – 1958 Porsche 356A Speedster 1600 – Pre-Auction Estimate: $500,000 – 600,000

Lot 28 – 1970 Porsche 911E Coupe 2.2L – Pre-Auction Estimate: $125,000 – 150,000

Lot 29 – 1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A Continental Cabriolet 1500 – Pre-Auction Estimate: $300,000 – 375,000

Lot 35 – 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach Edition – Pre-Auction Estimate: $1,350,000 – 1,750,000

Lot 43 – 1973 Porsche 911T Coupe 2.4L – Pre-Auction Estimate: $80,000 – 120,000

Lot 51 – 1958 Porsche 356A Speedster 1600 – Pre-Auction Estimate: $450,000 – 550,000

Lot 56 – 2009 Ruf CTR3 – Pre-Auction Estimate: $700,000 – 900,000

Lot 64 – 1972 Porsche 911 Carrera RS Clone “Outlaw” – Pre-Auction Estimate: $130,000 – 180,000

Lot 71 – 1989 Porsche Ruf 911 Turbo Cabriolet – Pre-Auction Estimate: $110,000 – 140,000

Lot 72 – 1963 Porsche 356B Carrera 2 Coupe – Pre-Auction Estimate: $500,000 – 600,000

Lot 75 – 1990 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Coupe – Pre-Auction Estimate: $50,000 – 75,000

Lot 76 – 1979 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe 3.3L – Pre-Auction Estimate: $125,000 – 175,000

Lot 77 – 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo S – Pre-Auction Estimate: $375,000 – 450,000

Lot 78 – 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster – Pre-Auction Estimate: $225,000 – 275,000

Lot 79 – 1996 Porsche 911 Turbo – Pre-Auction Estimate: $250,000 – 300,000

Lot 80 – 1993 Mercedes Benz 500E by Porsche – Pre-Auction Estimate: $40,000 – 50,000

Lot 81 – 1991 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 – Pre-Auction Estimate: $50,000 – 75,000

Lot 82 – 1989 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet Slant Nose – Pre-Auction Estimate: $200,000 – 250,000

Lot 83 – 1988 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet – Pre-Auction Estimate: $140,000 – 180,000

Lot 92 – 1977 Porsche 911 Carrera Targa 3.0L – Pre-Auction Estimate: $115,000 – 145,000

Lot 94 – 1973 Porsche 911E Coupe 2.4L – Pre-Auction Estimate: $125,000 – 150,000

Lot 107 – 1977 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe 3.0L – Pre-Auction Estimate: $120,000 – 160,000

Lot 110 – 1996 Porsche 911 GT2 Clubsport – Pre-Auction Estimate: $1,500,000 – 2,000,000

Russo & Steele

Lot 5079 – 1975 Porsche 914 – Pre-Auction Estimate Not Provided

There isn’t much to say about this particular 914, as it represents a pretty standard example of a non-original non-collector Porsche. What will be interesting to see is how a driver-grade 914 fares in the hot lights of auction action. This 1975 914 has had a set of Chrome bumpers fitted, as well as a single Weber carb, aftermarket wheels, fog lights, and stripes. It might be worth picking up just to have fun in for a bit. It’ll hopefully go cheap.

Lot 5010 – 1960 Porsche 356B T5 Sunroof Coupe 1600 Super – Pre-Auction Estimate Not Provided

Lot 5023 – 1991 Porsche 911 Cabriolet – Pre-Auction Estimate Not Provided

Lot 5026 – 2002 Porsche 911 Turbo  – Pre-Auction Estimate Not Provided

Lot 5030 – 1972 Porsche 911T Targa 2.4L – Pre-Auction Estimate Not Provided

Lot 5032 – 1989 Porsche 911 Carrera Speedster – Pre-Auction Estimate Not Provided

Lot 5034 – 1977 Porsche Euro Carrera 3.0L – Pre-Auction Estimate Not Provided

Lot 5036 – 1989 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe Slant Nose – Pre-Auction Estimate Not Provided

Lot 5040 – 1960 Porsche 356 B T5 Cabriolet – Pre-Auction Estimate Not Provided

Lot 5045  1959 Porsche 356A Coupe – Pre-Auction Estimate Not Provided

Lot 5075 – 1979 Porsche 911 Turbo – Pre-Auction Estimate Not Provided

Lot 5106 – 1959 Porsche 356A Cabriolet – Pre-Auction Estimate Not Provided