Porsche 911 auctioned for COVID-19 relief

With the United States of America hit hardest by COVID-19 in terms of cases and deaths, Porsche Cars North America decided to hold a one-off auction to support those affected by and combatting the virus in the US.

The car to be auctioned off was a special one: the last 991-series Porsche 911 built, which was a limited-edition Speedster variant, completed in December, 2019, and sent to Porsche Cars North America’s headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.

Last of the Line

One of only 1,948 examples of the 991-series Speedster produced (the number honouring the year of Porsche’s post-WWII debut), the auctioned car was fitted with the Heritage Design package of retro-inspired paint and race number decals (‘88’ in this instance) from the factory, as well as other bespoke touches, with a letter of authenticity from Porsche confirming the car’s “last of the line” status.

Finished in GT Silver metallic paint and fitted with a 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat six engine and six-speed manual gearbox, the car was delivered to Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) with just 20 miles on the odometer.

As well as the Speedster, the successful bidder would also receive a one-off book chronicling the assembly of the car, plus a personalised 911 Speedster Heritage Design watch from Porsche Design. The plan was for the car to be presented to the winning bidder in a ceremony hosted by Klaus Zellmer, President and CEO of PCNA. Additionally, Porsche would offer the winning bidder a tour of their development department in Weissach, Germany, including a one-on-one test track session with Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser and Andreas Preuninger of Porsche’s 911 and GT model lines respectively.

“The Speedster combined everything we learned and is the 991 in its purest form,” Walliser said ahead of the auction. “I hope this really unique car can make a big difference to those who need help right now – and that the fortunate buyer enjoys it and drives it as we always intended.”

United against Covid

Announced on 13 April, the week-long, online-only auction would be hosted by RM Sotheby’s and see the 911 Speedster offered without reserve, but limited to US-based bidders only.

“We’re proud to be able to support Porsche with this initiative, recognizing the urgent need to raise as much money as possible for those most affected by COVID-19,” said Kenneth Ahn, President, RM Sotheby’s at the auction’s announcement.

“This is a truly unique and unheard of offering for extraordinary times – not just the car itself as the last ever seventh-generation 911 ever to roll down the line, but all auction items including the exclusive Porsche Design 911 Speedster Heritage Design Chronograph, as well as the chance to experience an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to the home of Porsche.”

Held from 15 to 22 April, funds raised from the auction, including a percentage of the buyer’s premium, would go to United Way Worldwide’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund. More specifically, the auction would help United Way provide healthcare services and food banks to impacted communities in Georgia and beyond.

Sold and Boosted

At the conclusion of the seven-day RM Sotheby’s auction, the final bid was US$500,000 (AU$860,000 approx.).

“I’m deeply appreciative of the generosity and kindness of all the participants and the winning bidder,” said PCNA’s Zellmer. “I’m pleased to have helped draw attention to their efforts. We are joining in that spirit by making our own donation on top of the winning bid for this special part of our history.”

PCNA matched the hammer price with a US$500,000 donation, which combined with the auction buyer’s premium, brought the total to US$1,050,000 (AU$1.8M approx.). Excluding taxes and fees, around US$1M is expected to go to United Way Worldwide.

In response, Brian Gallagher, President and CEO of United Way Worldwide, commented: “Porsche’s generosity will make a real difference as we fight COVID-19 and prepare for the recovery phase in the communities that we serve.

“United Way is focused on supporting those who need it most right now, and the money raised by this unique sale will go to local healthcare services, food banks, and to providing care and triage for impacted communities. We appreciate the speed and enthusiasm by which Porsche has made all of this possible.”

Kenneth Ahn, President, RM Sotheby’s, added: “The collaborative spirit and urgency with which this sale was arranged really brought out the best in each of the organizations involved – all with the aim of quickly and efficiently raising awareness and funding for the important work of the United Way.”

Due to travel restrictions and social distancing measures within the US and Germany, the winning bidder will take delivery of their special Speedster and tour Porsche’s Weissach operations at a yet-to-be-determined date.