You Can Buy A Porsche 919 Hybrid At Auction Next Month, But There’s A Big Caveat

The Porsche 919 Hybrid had an impressive career as the LMP1 racer racked up 17 wins and numerous accolades during its time in the spotlight.

While the car was retired a few years ago, one is going up for auction next month. However, there’s a huge caveat as this particular model is a showcar.

Being offered by RM Sotheby’s, the model is one of 13 showcars that was built by Porsche in 2014 for promotional purposes. As a result, it’s simply a 1:1 scale model that doesn’t drive.

Also Read: Le Mans-Winning 919 Hybrid Driven On Public Roads To Its Retirement At The Porsche Museum

That being said, it’s incredibly realistic as the showcar was created using the same CAD data as the racecar. Given this, it’s little surprise the vehicle looks the part and even features a livery similar to the 919 Hybrid which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2015. This level of attention to detail was needed as the scale models were used for promotional events as well as exhibited at races, auto shows and Porsche Experience Centers.

Of course, a closer inspection will reveal this isn’t the real deal as it features closed off intakes and a simulated greenhouse. The model also lacks a powertrain and is essentially a fiberglass shell mounted on a steel frame.

Despite that, it’s undeniably cool and RM Sotheby’s notes the auction is a “unique opportunity for any museum or collector to add an incredible piece representing Porsche’s overwhelming success in modern sports-car racing” to their collection. It’s hard to argue with that and it’s worth noting Porsche Asia Pacific auctioned off one of the scale models for charity in 2015.

Picture credits: RM Sotheby’s