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Ultra-rare Porsche 918 Spyder to sell for £2.3million – but can YOU spot the inspiration behind its quirky paintwork?
The striking Porsche comes in perfect condition
DRIVERS have an unbelievable chance to own an ultra-rare Porsche 918 Spyder for a whopping £2.3 million.
Images show the striking Porsche wrapped in a blue and orange Gulf livery in perfect condition - with just 376 miles on the clock when catalogued for auction.
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One of the rarest examples of Porsche‘s last supercar is about to go up for auction with Gooding and Company.
A 2015 918 Spyder Weissach finished in the Gulf Oil livery will hit the market as part the upcoming Amelia Island auctions.
The powerful speed machine is one of just two examples that left the factory wearing the iconic racing colours.
Porsche race cars have worn their fair share of famous racing liveries over the years.
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One of them has even committed a design sin that would be considered unthinkable by many collectors.
Porsche 918 Spyder acquired by a Swiss petrolhead sported a red-and-white paintwork with Rosso Corsa hue used by the brand's longtime rival Ferrari.
But at the very top of racing liveries for Porsche has to be the Gulf Oil's orange-over-blue design.
The reason is simple: it’s the livery worn by Steve McQueen’s 917K in the 1971 film Le Mans.
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Check the actual clip from the movie of McQueen driving the car above.
According to , the Porsche 917 was one of the company's most successful race cars, winning both the Can-Am Series in North America and Europe.
I found three classic Porsches left abandoned outside a shop… the owner had ‘disappeared off the face of the earth’
In the film, the famed actor crossed the finish line in Porsche 917 painted up in the orange and blue colours.
The 917 which was featured in the movie has sold for £11.1 million at an auction in August 2017.
Unsurprisingly, the legendary movie has inspired numerous Porsche owners to want their cars done up in the colours.
But only one unnamed Canadian collector succeeded in the mission.
“The automaker hasn’t always been happy to oblige, especially once its partnership with Gulf Oil ended,” according to the listing.
Only two examples of the 918 Spyder were finished up in the livery after the owner of both received permission directly from Gulf Oil.
And the intricate livery wasn't a mere wrap either, with the design painted directly onto the vehicle's aerodynamic body.
But the livery isn't the only impressive feat of the supercar.
Car auctions: What to know
Car auctions are a way to sell vehicles based on a bidding system with the highest offer securing the deal.
Auctions aren't restricted to the rich and famous as thousands of cars are sold at motor auctions in the UK each week.
Here's what you need to know before attending an auction:
- Be prepared: Do your research on the car you would like to purchase beforehand.
- Check the car: Cars will usually be lined up before the start, so make sure to arrive early to inspect the desired car thoroughly.
- Have a back-up: Be ready for disappointment as your desired motor may be sold to someone else and select a few back-ups.
- Be realistic: Realise that there won't be a "perfect" car at an auction and adjust expectations accordingly.
- Set a budget: It is easy to overspend in the heat of the moment during bidding. Ensure you have set a budget and do not go over it.
Key phrases to look out for:
- ‘No major mechanical faults’ – suggests that there shouldn't be any issues with the car's drivetrain, gearbox, suspension, or engine.
- ‘Specified faults’ – the auctioneer will read out specific faults.
- ‘Sold as seen’ – the vehicle is sold with any and all problems it may have. The auction company will rarely entertain complaints regarding the mechanical or cosmetic condition of these vehicles after sale.
- ‘Sold with a warranted mileage’ - The car is being offered based on the report, which confirms the mileage through an independent check.
It is considered one of the "greatest supercars of this century", and sports a hybrid engine which includes a 4.6-liter V-8 and two electric motors.
The speedy motor can pump out 875 horses which accelerates the vehicle to 60mph in just 2.2 seconds.
On top of that, the Porsche 918 can reach a top speed of 214mph, making it the fastest car the German automaker has ever produced.
The Porsche's lightning speed can be attributed to the Weissach Package which enhances its performance.
The aerodynamics package option makes the car lighter in order to achieve impressive time for laps.
The listing read: "You can make a very strong case for the 918 Spyder being one of the greatest supercars of this century.
“When the model first began leaving the factory in 2013 it was the most advanced car in Porsche’s history, and more than a decade later little has changed."
The Porsche 918 Spyder will be available for car enthusiasts to bid on at Gooding and Company's annual Amelia Island sale.
The auction will kick off Thursday, February 28 and last for two days.
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The bidding for the 918 starts at over £1 million but a fierce competition is expected for the rare speedcar.
The auction house predicts it will sell for £2 million to £2.3 million.
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