Sierra Sesay
Get ready to seize an opportunity to own one of the scarcest versions of Porsche’s final supercar.
In Gooding & Company’s upcoming Amelia Island auctions, enthusiasts can anticipate the appearance of a 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach adorned in the distinctive Gulf Oil livery. This high-performance marvel, cloaked in iconic racing hues, stands as one of merely two units to roll out of the factory bedecked in these legendary colors.
Throughout the years, Porsche race cars have proudly displayed various renowned racing liveries. While classics like the Martini and Sunoco color schemes are well-known, the pinnacle of prestige is undoubtedly held by the distinctive orange-over-blue design of Gulf Oil. This iconic livery gained legendary status as it adorned Steve McQueen’s 917K in the 1971 film “Le Mans.”
It comes as no shock that many Porsche enthusiasts have expressed a desire to have their cars adorned in these iconic colors. However, the automaker hasn’t always readily agreed, particularly after severing ties with Gulf Oil, as mentioned in the listing. The rarity of the 918 Spyder in this livery is underscored by the fact that only two units were crafted in this style, and only after the undisclosed Canadian owner secured explicit approval from Gulf Oil. Notably, this isn’t a simple wrap – the entire design, complete with Gulf logos, was meticulously painted directly onto the aerodynamic body of the vehicle.
Beyond its striking livery, the 918 Spyder encapsulates automotive excellence. Debuting in 2013, this model marked a watershed moment in Porsche’s history, boasting unprecedented technological advancements. Over a decade later, its status as one of the greatest supercars of the 21st century remains unchallenged. The 918 Spyder’s enduring allure lies not only in its captivating design but in its unwavering position as a benchmark of automotive innovation, a testament to Porsche’s commitment to pushing boundaries and defining the epitome of performance.
Out of the 918 of these beauties made over two years, each 918 Spyder packs a punch with a hybrid setup – a 4.6-liter V-8 and two electric motors – giving it a hefty 875 horsepower. The one we’re talking about here comes with the cool Weissach aerodynamics package, focusing on shedding some weight. With all these goodies, it can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.2 seconds and max out at 214 mph. But let’s be real, considering the likely auction price, the lucky new owner might be more into admiring its rarity than pushing those speed limits.
Get ready for the excitement as Gooding & Company’s yearly Amelia Island auction revs up this Thursday, spanning two thrilling days. The starting bid for the stunning Gulf Oil liveried 918 is set at $1.3 million, but securing this beauty will likely require a more substantial investment. With expectations high, the auction house anticipates the supercar to change hands within the impressive range of $2.5 million to $3 million.
Aleen Brown