Christmas is just days away, and like every year it seems like it’s here before you know it. The same might be said for the 2025 collector car sale season, which kicks off with Mecum’s 2025 Kissimmee Sale in Florida in just a few weeks on January 7, 2025. 

Last year was Mecum’s 25th anniversary, but it’s the high-dollar lots the auction house has consigned for this year’s Kissimmee sale, especially the Porsches, that feel like a milestone achievement for the auction house. My article on last year’s event highlighted a spectrum of Porsche cars that I suggested might indicate the direction of the market in 2024. 

This year, I’m focusing on the 5 most pricey Porsches, many of which were previous no-sales at Mecum auctions last year but are gathered together for one more swing for the fences.

Earning the moniker of “Main Attraction,” and certainly taking the spotlight in Mecum’s marketing for the 2025 Kissimmee auction is lot S237: the hero picture car from the 1971 Steve McQueen film Le Mans. The car currently sits in Jerry Seinfeld’s collection, adding even more star power to the sale. No estimate from Mecum is given, but the last Le Mans picture car to cross the block was a no-sale at $15 million. With this car’s provenance I expect it reach $20 million and possibly even higher.

This looks like it could be the same center-seat RSK I had the pleasure of seeing in person at Luftgekuhlt 7 in Indianapolis, but it didn’t have the number roundel on it in 2021. This RSK failed to meet it reserve at Mecum Indy in 2024 where it was bid to $3.4 million. Later at Mecum Monterey in August it again failed to sell with a high bid of $3.2 million. Sadly, this lovely car that features original Wendler bodywork is trending down. I’m sure the seller is hoping for a turnaround at Kissimmee this year.

Holy mackerel—it’s the first Porsche 910 ever built, and raced by Niki Lauda at the 1969 Österreichring 1000km. Historic photos of chassis number 001 are fairly plentiful, including some excellent images of the car with its development engineers and builders. The car has been for sale at retail for a couple of years at Motor Classic and Competition with an asking price of $2.5 million. The last one to sell at public sale was chassis number 022, which sold for that exact amount on Bring a Trailer of all places back in June of 2023.

The 935 is another iconic Porsche with a storied race history, with this example having been raced by Bob Aker and finishing fifth at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1985. Its recent sales history is equally storied, having been a no-sale on Bring a Trailer with a high bid of $1.45 million. Prior to that it was listed by Broad Arrow with an asking price of $2.5 million. This car has a fantastic provenance and has been presented rather well by previous sellers. We’ll see if it can find a new home in Kissimmee.

The Porsche 911 RS 2.7 is already a coveted blue-chip collectible, but the “lightweight” spec of that same car commands even higher prices due to its rarity. Built with lighter steel, fiberglass bumpers, thinner glass and racing seat the lightweights were an even more raw and analog experience than the “touring” versions. This particular car was on offer by Mecum in Monterey and failed to meet its reserve with a high bid of $1.1 million. The average price of a 2.7 RS Lightweight is around $1.5 million for a good car. The estimate for this lot at the 2025 Kissimmee auction is close to the previous high bid, so hopefully we’ll see a sale in January.

Though not technically a Porsche, I decided to include this beauty for its rarity. A very special competition car for the street developed by ex-racer Vern Schuppan, this 962CR is one of only 7 vehicles constructed and has a mere 91 miles on the odometer. It crossed the block just last year at Mecum’s Monterey sale where it failed to sell with a high bid of $2 million. Given the current estimate of $2.3-2.7M, the seller is persistent. Let’s hope Mecum can deliver for them in 2025.

I have to admit I’m rather amazed that so many cars that were effectively “burned” last year at auction are back on the block so soon — and with the same auction house. Cars will often shifft consignors in an effort to reach the right audience when they’re a no-sale, but the sellers of these vehicles are dogged in their determination that Mecum is the right choice.

Two polar opposite scenarios seem to be at play: either the sellers are desperate to move these cars and have set lower reserves, or they’re bullish about their prospects heading into next year. There are some early signs that we may be seeing a bit of a turnaround in the market, especially for Porsches, so there’s a good chance the second scenario is the one sellers are banking on.

The market varies, as they say, so we’ll just have to wait and see what happens in the New Year. 

Wolf and Mare provides car finding, appraisals, and auction services for buyers and sellers of collector European cars. If you’re interested in acquiring an overseas car, give us a call or drop a line!