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“Oh Lord, won’t you buy me…” Janis Joplin’s Porsche to be auctioned.

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And to think that I saw in in Cleveland, Ohio….

Janis Joplin‘s Porsche, which was parked outside the Hollywood hotel where she died, will be auctioned off later this year in New York City. I saw it at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, where it has been on display since 1995. At that time, a photographic portrait of a nude Joplin hung outside the men’s room on the basement level of the museum. Perhaps it’s still there. According to SFGate.com:

The iconic 1965 Porsche 356C 1600 Cabriolet, which the Texas-born rock star purchased in 1968 and had it painted with a “kaleidoscope mural,” is a featured lot at RM Sotheby’s Driven by Disruption auction that kicks off Dec. 5. It is expected to bring in more than $400,000, according to a news release.

“Janis Joplin’s 356C is without question one of the most important Porsches of all time,” said Ian Kelleher, Managing Director of RM Sotheby’s West Coast Division. “It’s a fantastic automobile that transcends art, pop culture and social movements, and is as groundbreaking and stunning as the renowned singer was herself.”

The singer’s brother, Michael Joplin, said, “Besides Janis’s music and legacy, her Porsche is the most visual and important piece of memorabilia that exists. Like most people and their car of choice, her Porsche is a direct link to Janis.  She drove it everywhere – and with everyone that was anyone in the San Francisco music scene – with the top down and her feathers flying. Her music, life and car are a part of rock and roll history,” in the release.

Joplin decided that the original pearl white finish of the Porsche was too plain, and had Dave Richards, a friend and roadie customize the paint job. The colorful artwork includes jellyfish and butterflies and represents “The History of the Universe.” The Porsche has been remodeled more than once through the years.

The Porsche is being offered for sale by the Joplin family. The six-day auction will include 30 “creatively styled and pioneering motor cars,” including a 2006 Lamborghini Concept S.

I am glad that I saw this little bit of history at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, before it disappears from public view.

-Bill at

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