Want a Replica of the Only Race Car Apple Ever Sponsored? It’s Yours for $500,000

Nascar and car racing, in general, has captured the imagination of many Americans, offering them insight and guidance in regards to which vehicle makes were the best. But racing has also been a massive tool for product promotion. Since at least 1970, corporations have sponsored vehicles with the intent of promoting their products to fans and viewers across America. And Apple is no exception.

Apple has, in its 35-years, only ever sponsored one vehicle in the entirety of its history. The notion of sponsoring a car of their own came about in 1980. At the time, Steve Jobs needed a significant fixup on his Porsche 356. One of the closest entities that had the tools to fix this was Dick Barbour Racing, a California-based Porsche dealer who had previously funded and submitted racing vehicles in some fairly significant car races, including the Le Mans (the famous 24-hour race featured in Ford Vs Ferrari). Jobs visited their garage with Steve Wozniak in tow, and found the owner, Barbour, to be exceptionally amenable.

Soon, Jobs had decided that he would sponsor Barbour’s vehicle in coming races. And so a relationship developed. Barbour drove a Porsche 935 K3 for more than a few years with the Apple logo printed on the side. It would run Le Mans as well in its own time, only lasting about 13 hours in the 24-hour race. In doing so, it developed quite a cult following among driving fans, known to many as “the Apple Car.”

The Apple Car only ran a few races before being retired. It was eventually acquired by radio personality Adam Carolla, who kept the vehicle in his possession. But for those who are wanting their own replica of the Porche 935 K3 that Barbour and his team drove, you’re in luck! A replica is available for purchase for $499,000.

The car looks exactly like the original model, but has had some significant changes, including 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six making an incredible 700 horsepower, a GT2 6-speed transmission, and a double wish-bone 993 rear suspension module.

The creators claim that the replica’s top speed can reach over 200 miles per hour. If a driver wanted, it could be competitive on a racing circuit with the right team taking care of it. But for most fans, just the opportunity to own it would be enough.