On December 10, 2015, music enthusiasts and collectors around the world were captivated as Janis Joplin’s iconic 1965 Porsche went up for auction at RM Sotheby’s in New York City. This psychedelic masterpiece, known for its vibrant artwork and association with the legendary singer, far exceeded expectations by selling for an astonishing $1.76 million.
The story behind this remarkable vehicle is as colorful and captivating as Janis Joplin herself. In the mid-1960s, during a time when rock stars flaunted their expensive cars, Janis Joplin chose to invest in a humble 1964 Porsche 356 C Cabriolet from the Beverly Hills dealer Estes-Zipper. Purchasing the car for a mere $3,500, Joplin saw the potential for something extraordinary.
Initially, the Porsche was a dull Dolphin Grey, one of the nine colors available at the time. However, Joplin’s creative spirit couldn’t resist the temptation to transform her beloved car into a true reflection of her vibrant personality. With the help of her roadie, Dave Richards, Joplin embarked on a journey to personalize her Porsche. Armed with $500 and a blank canvas, Richards unleashed his artistic prowess and created what he referred to as “The History of the Universe.” The psychedelic spirit of the era came alive on the car’s surface as Richards painted striking images of Big Brother and the Holding Company, breathtaking California landscapes, the enigmatic Eye of God, Janis’ astrological sign (Capricorn), skulls, mushrooms, and butterflies, among various other captivating motifs.
To preserve Richards’ artwork, a final layer of clear-coat was meticulously applied, ensuring the longevity of this unique creation. Janis Joplin’s Porsche quickly became a symbol of her individuality and artistic expression. She drove it every day, turning heads wherever she went. Fans were so enamored with the car’s distinctive appearance that they often left notes for Janis under the windshield wipers, a testament to the profound impact she had on her followers.
Tragedy struck in 1969 when Joplin’s beloved Porsche was stolen during a gig at the Winterland Ballroom. The thief, realizing his mistake, attempted to spray paint over the mesmerizing mural. However, before he could complete his task, the police recovered the stolen vehicle. Thanks to the expertise of a body shop, Richards was able to remove the vandal’s paint without causing significant damage to the artwork, thus preserving the integrity of “The History of the Universe.”
Sadly, on October 4, 1970, the world lost Janis Joplin when she succumbed to a heroin overdose at the age of 27. Following her tragic passing, her manager, Albert Grossman, took possession of the Porsche. For over two years, he used it as a courtesy car on his estate. Unfortunately, as time went by, the car fell into disrepair, and in 1975, Grossman returned it to Joplin’s family. Janis Joplin’s siblings, Laura and Michael, received the car from Grossman, with Michael becoming its daily driver in Ohio.
Over the years, the paint job began to show signs of wear, prompting Michael to embark on a restoration project. He meticulously rebuilt the original engine and restored the car to its original Dolphin Grey color, considering its historical significance as a sought-after Porsche 356 C.
In the 1990s, Janis Joplin’s siblings decided to honor their sister’s legacy by restoring her Porsche to its former psychedelic glory. They commissioned artists Jana Mitchell and Amber Owen to replicate the extraordinary artwork known as “The History of the Universe.” Armed with numerous period photographs, they meticulously recreated every detail, ensuring that the car’s unique charm was authentically captured.
Since the restoration, Janis Joplin’s Porsche has graced the halls of several prestigious museums, captivating audiences with its vibrant presence. Its longest display was at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio, where it remained for an impressive two decades. The car’s historical significance and the remarkable story behind it make it a treasured piece of music history.
In 2015, Joplin’s heirs made the difficult decision to part ways with this iconic vehicle. They chose to auction it, with the intention of using the proceeds to support charity programs in their sister’s memory. The auction took place on December 10, 2015, at RM Sotheby’s “Driven By Disruption” sale in New York City. Anticipation and excitement filled the air as collectors vied for the chance to own a piece of music history. Despite initial estimates ranging between $400,000 and $600,000, the winning bid shattered all previous records for the sale of any Porsche 356 in a public auction, reaching an astounding $1.76 million.
As is customary, the buyer’s identity was not revealed immediately. However, in September 2016, it was reported by Tim Collins of WBCK Radio that the owner was a woman who purchased the car as a 60th birthday present to herself. The report also stated that the owner is in the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek, Michigan area. Viable information as the Porsche has been displayed at the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, Michigan in October 2016 and, most recently in May 2017.
(via vintag.es)
