Janis Joplin's 1964 Porsche brings $1.7 million at auction

WHAT: The 1964 Porsche 356 C 1600 SC Cabriolet painted for rock icon Janis Joplin that sold for $1.7 million at Sotheby’s in December was a used car when acquired by the star. Spotted in a used car lot in 1968, the then-undecorated vehicle was custom-painted by a friend, a roadie with her band Big Brother and the Holding Company.

MORE: Collectors went wild for the psychedelically embellished car painted, per Joplin’s request, with a “history of the universe” theme. Seven bidders duked it out in phone bidding.

SMART COLLECTORS KNOW: Items connected with the famous and linked to their persona interest collectors most. As an example, this car fits the Joplin image — a staid sedan would not.

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HOT TIP: The psychedelic Porsche was one of the first widely known “art cars.” Sold by Joplin’s brother and sister, the vehicle had been on display for 20 years at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland.

BOTTOM LINE: The sale price marks a record for any Porsche 356 sold at auction.