Jerry Seinfeld's RUF-Modded Porsche 911S Is Hitting The Auction Block

What’s the deal with Porsches?

Whether you know him as the titular character from the legendary 90s sitcom that bears his last name or through his stand-up specials, you probably know comedian and TV icon Jerry Seinfeld as a well-versed car enthusiast. Although his popular web series has showcased and shared his affinity for cars with notable figures like former President Barack Obama and fellow comedians such as John Mulaney and Norm Macdonald, among others, Seinfeld could be regarded as an unofficial brand ambassador for one particular enthusiast-loved brand: Porsche. 

Over the years, Seinfeld has become more than a mere Porsche collector, as his large collection of the Stuttgart brand’s vehicles has included gems like a Carrera GT, a 959, and the very Porsche 917K that Steve McQueen owned and drove in the 1971 movie Le Mans. 

However, in recent years, Seinfeld has unloaded some Porsches from his extensive collection through both public auctions and covert online sales. In January 2024, the comedian revealed on an appearance on Spike’s Car Radio podcast that a certain silver 1996 Porsche 911 Targa that was up for auction on Bring A Trailer not only belonged to him, but also played a key role on his show. Not only did he buy it new, but he drove it to set every single day during the legendary sitcom's last three seasons on air from 1996 to 1998.

"That is the car that I would drive to work when I was doing the series in the ’90s,” said Seinfeld. “So if you’re a fan of the show, and you want Porsche memorabilia from the show, this would be the piece."

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You can own one of Seinfeld’s old Porsche 911s

Currently up for auction on Bring a Trailer is another opportunity to own one of Seinfeld’s Porsche 911s. From his collection is a special 1971 Porsche 911S Coupe, which is already fetching bids exceeding $500,000 as of this writing, ahead of the auction's conclusion on October 16. According to the seller, Seinfeld took possession of this '71 model back in 2008, and he immediately sent it to Germany to be refurbished and modified by one of the most notorious and well-respected Porsche tuners, known for their monster works of vehicular art: RUF. 

At Pfaffenhausen, the same specialists responsible for the CTR spent three years extensively making this machine a unique piece. Under the hood, the stock 2.2-liter flat-six was taken out and swapped for a twin-plug 3.4L unit with individual throttle bodies, electronic fuel injection, and a RUF exhaust system. To handle the newfound power, RUF added a custom six-speed manual transaxle, additional chassis reinforcement, a RUF/Bilstein suspension system, a G50-spec rear torsion tube, as well as 930-specification disc brakes with drilled rotors and RUF calipers.

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In addition to the extensive mechanical upgrades, RUF also stripped and repaired the body, added flared rear wheel arches, and repainted the car in its original Gemini Blue Metallic. In addition to the wider hips, this 911S also sports a power-operated sunroof, H4 headlights, Euro-style taillights, a singular left-side mirror, and a set of period-correct 15-inch Fuchs alloys finished in grey and satin black. 

Inside, the RUF engineers added to the car’s sporting pedigree by creating a stylish but lightweight cabin with bespoke details. The rear seats were deleted, and lightweight door cards were added, which strip away any unnecessary features from the doors. Despite the lightweight leanings, the front seats are finished in a stylish and seemingly period-correct black leather with Pepita cloth inserts, while a Blaupunkt push-button AM/FM radio is installed in the factory location.

Included in the listing are photos of RUF’s transformation in its various stages, which really showcase the extent and detail that the company went to. In total, the invoice from RUF shows that the full transformation cost Seinfeld €257,883.14 back in 2008, or €367,597.96 (~$426,639.71) in 2025 money.

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Final thoughts

Whether you find Jerry Seinfeld's comedy to be funny or not, his special RUF-tuned 1971 Porsche 911S is more than just a Porsche; it’s a personal statement that blends storied automotive history and craftsmanship. RUF’s extensive modifications not only enhance the car's performance but are a direct reflection of the personal tastes and desires that its famous owner wanted from the machines he drove.

Ultimately, this auction celebrates both Seinfeld's passion for cars and the meticulous artistry of RUF. The way I see it, buyers are willing to spend the big bucks not just for provenance, but also to own a personal artifact of someone they can only know so well.