by Record Deal for a Unique Porsche
Air-cooled Porsches have never been more popular, but even among them, this example stands out. Modified by the famous tuner RUF under Jerry Seinfeld’s personal commission, the car just changed owners for $657,000. This amount is approximately three times the value of a comparable standard 911S from the same period.
Why Such a High Price?
It’s not hard to understand the reason for such a premium. Seinfeld is one of the world’s most famous comedians, and he is also a major Porsche collector. He purchased this car back in 2008 and immediately sent it to the RUF workshop in Pfaffenhausen, Germany. Over the next three years, the tuner transformed a regular classic 911S into something much more personal—a car built according to Seinfeld’s demanding tastes.
What Exactly Did RUF Do?
Under the rear hood, a 3.4-liter flat-six engine with two spark plugs per cylinder was installed, featuring individual throttle bodies, an electronic fuel injection system, and a RUF exhaust system. Air is supplied through red air intakes, and power is delivered to the rear wheels via a specially manufactured six-speed manual transmission.
Improvements Weren’t Limited to the Engine
RUF also reinforced the body with additional stiffening elements, installed Bilstein suspension components, added a G50 torsion bar, and replaced the brakes with those used in the Porsche 930. These modifications made the car more agile and powerful while preserving its classic appearance.
The Exterior Remained Almost Unchanged
All these modifications had almost no impact on the car’s exterior. The wide rear fenders and split Fuchs wheels are the only details indicating its non-standard origin. The interior features Pepita fabric upholstery, lightweight door panels, RUF instruments, and the rear seats have been removed.
The Cost of Modifications Exceeded the Car’s Price
Preserved invoices reveal interesting details. In total, Seinfeld spent about €257,883 on the work, which at the current exchange rate is approximately $300,000, and this information is confirmed by available documents. This means he spent more on modifications than the car originally cost. If this isn’t an example of passion and love for a specific brand and project, it’s hard to imagine what is. Moreover, it seems he even made a profit from the sale.
The Investment Paid Off
If the original car’s cost was around $200,000, the recent sale on Bring a Trailer allowed Seinfeld to make a profit of about $150,000, considering 15 years of enjoying a custom-built car. Some might call this a smart business move, others—simply a love for cars. In any case, it’s a great deal.
This story highlights how the combination of a famous name, high-quality modifications, and a passion for cars can significantly increase the value of even classic models. The sale of Seinfeld’s Porsche became a vivid example of how investments in unique projects can pay off over time, especially when it comes to legendary brands like RUF. This approach to collecting not only preserves history but also creates new value for future generations of car enthusiasts.
