Thursday night in New York, RM Sotheby’s inaugural ‘Driven by Distraction’ collectible car auction drew hordes of classic car enthusiasts. Collectors were particularly interested in a Flower Power relic, singer Janis Joplin’s famous psychedelic Porsche.
Still in running condition, the 95 hp Porsche 365C Cabriolet convertible from 1964, was originally white, but later custom-painted for her courtesy of her roadie, Dave Richards. The brilliant psychedelic butterflies and jellyfish adorning the sports car reflect the mood of the times Joplin lived in.
Auctioneers were expecting a final bid somewhere in the region of $400,000 – $600,000 but were pleasantly surprised when bidding went upwards of three times that sum. By the end, the Porsche driven by the Queen of Rock was sold for a staggering $1.7 million.
Joplin died in 1970 at the age of 27. The Porsche was since in the possession her family, who had put it up for auction.