Porsche Auction Raises $1 Million for United Way COVID-19 Relief Fund
Following a seven-day bidding period and 32 bids, an online auction hosted by RM Sotheby’s for the last Porsche 911 (991) to enter and pass down the serial production line has raised $500,000 (auction hammer price). Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) has decided to match the winning bid to raise the total proceeds to $1 million. The money will be donated to United Way Worldwide, less taxes and fees, to directly aid its work for COVID-19 relief in America.
The winning bidder will receive the 911 Speedster at a special event hosted by Klaus Zellmer, president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America.
With the car comes a unique package of experiences and gift items, including an exclusive tour of Porsche’s engineering and design headquarters in Weissach, Germany, as the guest of Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser and Andreas Preuninger. There is also a bespoke Porsche Design timepiece complete with the chassis number of the 911 Speedster etched onto its casing, accompanied by a specially created single-edition book charting the construction of the last 991 as it entered and passed down the serial production line in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen.
Klaus Zellmer, President and CEO of PCNA, said: “When we began this project, I wanted to use our voice to help raise awareness and funding for the incredible work of United Way. I’m pleased to have helped draw attention to their efforts and I’m deeply appreciative of the generosity and kindness of all the participants and the winning bidder. We are joining in that spirit by making our own donation on top of the winning bid for this special part of our history. We can now look forward to the funds raised making a direct difference to those who need it most right now.”
“Porsche’s generosity will make a real difference as we fight COVID-19 and prepare for the recovery phase in the communities that we serve,” said Brian Gallagher, President and CEO of United Way Worldwide. “United Way is focused on supporting those who need it most right now, and the money raised by this unique sale will go to local healthcare services, food banks, and to providing care and triage for impacted communities. We appreciate the speed and enthusiasm by which Porsche has made all of this possible.”
The final price of the auction lot was $550,000, including buyer’s premium. RM Sotheby’s will donate a significant portion of its buyer’s premium to the UW COVID-19 Fund.
