1970 Porsche 914 Targa *no Reserve* on 2040-cars

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Seinfeld's Porsches, '61 Ferrari lead the way at Gooding Amelia Island sale

If you're in the market for a sports car with celebrity provenance or just an incredibly well-preserved high-performance machine, then you'll want to check out Gooding & Company's Amelia Island auction in Florida on March 11. The highlight of the sale is likely 18 cars, mostly Porsches, from Jerry Seinfeld's collection, but there's more to see than just the comedian's sporting metal. While several of Seinfeld's cars carry auction estimates in the millions, they aren't the most valuable at the sale. That honor falls on a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider, which could sell for between $15 million and $17 million. This one is among the 37 examples with covered headlights, and it has some theatrical provenance after appearing in the Sophia Loren film Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow. If your tastes skew more American, then one of 31 Ford GT40 MKI road cars is also among the lots. Gooding expects the rare coupe to sell for between $3.2 million and $3.6 million. Ford originally used this GT40 for dealer promotions, but it eventually fell into private hands. Even today, its multiple owners have only covered around 3,200 miles in it. Gooding also expects a 1931 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing-Top Convertible Coupe with a body by Murphy to bring $2.5 million to $3 million. The auction house claims this might be the "most original" example left because of a history of owners who kept it for long periods – and the vehicle never needed a complete restoration. Some lots carry more attainable estimates like $35,000 for a 1962 MGA. You can check out all the listings on Gooding's online catalog and some of the highlights in the gallery above. You've probably read the news about Seinfeld's Porsches, but here's a refresher: The collection includes amazing cars like a 550 Spyder, 917/30 Can-Am Spyder, and a 718 RSK. Related Video:

Auto journalist ordered to pay big money for blowing up Porsche 917 engine [UPDATE]

Racecars blow engines all the time, but a Porsche 917 isn't just a run-of-the-mill racecar. British automotive writer Mark Hales reportedly borrowed a 917 from 82-year-old former Formula One racer David Piper for a magazine article, and mechanical tragedy ensued. Nobody is arguing that the engine failed after being spun to 8,200 rpm. However, Hales was warned not to exceed 7,000 rpm, says owner Piper, and the affair landed in English courts with Piper seeking £50,000 - over $79,000 US - in reimbursement funds for an engine rebuild and loss of use of the car while it was being repaired. Judge Simon Brown ruled in favor of car owner Piper, putting Hales on the hook for £110,000 ($174,000) including legal fees - a whole lot of money in any language.
Hales says the Porsche suffered a mechanical fault while lapping that allowed it to slip out of gear and over-rev. Piper wasn't convinced, and sought to have the repair paid for by the guy who broke the racer, saying "If you bend it, you mend it." It's not like Hales is a novice driver, having seat time in both professional and amateur races over 30 years, notching about 150 wins, but even the best drivers sometimes miss a shift, and that's what Piper contended happened to his car.
According to reports, Hales has had to sell most of his valuables to pay his lawyers and is now facing bankruptcy with the ruling against him. Members of the Pistonheads website are trying to coordinate a collection to help him out, as well.

Magnus Walker soliloquizes in his Porsche 911 at night

Magnus Walker, a prolific Los Angeles clothing designer who has also carved out a respected spot for himself in Porsche world, has had yet another video made about him and his sizable Porsche collection. In this latest video, Hong Kong-based Obscura magazine focuses its video cameras on Walker and his 1971 Porsche 911 track car (yes, the one that appeared on Jay Leno's Garage) as he speeds around Downtown LA and Little Tokyo late at night.
We've heard Walker's story many times before. He's not like the average Porsche owner, perhaps a tad more passionate than most, and he builds 911s like he designs clothes: his way. Sure, we might be a little envious, but can you blame us? View this very slick and entertaining nighttime video entitled Disturbing The Peace below.