Why Is Magnus Walker Selling His Legendary Porsches?
About this episode
Magnus Walker reflects on his 35-year journey as a Porsche collector, sharing why he's selling 18 of his iconic cars through an online no-reserve auction with Arm Sotheby's. He discusses the emotional and practical reasons behind downsizing, emphasizing a shift from acquiring to curating and experiencing new things. Magnus also touches on his unique approach to collecting—favoring variety and personal thrill over perfection—and how this auction includes rare cars and memorabilia, marking a new chapter in his automotive passion.
Porsche 911
"I saw a beautiful 9-11 on the side of the road."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that has been around for a long time. It has a unique shape and the engine is located at the back, which makes it special and fun to drive.
The Porsche 911 is a legendary sports car first introduced in 1964, known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout. It has become an icon in automotive culture and is highly sought after by enthusiasts.
Porsche 718
"Yes. I mean, I mean, the stream. Jerry was just asking me about the green 718 when you guys letting that guy go any minute."
The Porsche 718 is a sporty car made by Porsche that has its engine placed in the middle of the car. It drives well and is popular among people who like fun, fast cars.
The Porsche 718 is a mid-engine sports car series from Porsche, including models like the Cayman and Boxster. It's known for its agile handling and turbocharged flat-four engines in recent versions.
slant nose
"It was a 1974 red slant-nosed conversion look alike. Mine had chrome wheels. And you know, you either love slant noses or you don't."
A 'slant nose' is a special front look on some Porsche cars where the headlights pop up instead of being round and fixed. It makes the car look different and sportier.
The 'slant nose' refers to a modified front end of the Porsche 911 Turbo (930) that replaces the traditional round headlights with pop-up headlights and a flat, slanted front hood. This design was inspired by Porsche's 935 race car and is also called 'Flachbau'.
car purists
""The purists that want to go to Pebble and have someone with white gloves and Q-tip to judge it. And in the Porsche world, tell you what's the wrong shade of CAD plating.""
Car purists are people who like cars to stay exactly how they were made and don't want any changes or upgrades.
Car purists are enthusiasts who prefer vehicles to be kept or restored to their original factory condition without modifications, valuing authenticity and originality.
Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
""The purists that want to go to Pebble and have someone with white gloves and Q-tip to judge it. And in the Porsche world, tell you what's the wrong shade of CAD plating.""
Pebble Beach is a fancy car show where people bring very old and special cars to be judged on how nice and original they are.
Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is a prestigious annual car show held in Pebble Beach, California, where classic and collector cars are judged for their authenticity, condition, and historical significance.
air-cooled
"Front engine, mid-engine, rear-engine, air and water cooled."
Air-cooled means the engine is cooled by air instead of water or liquid. This was common in older Porsches and makes the engine sound and work differently.
Air-cooled engines use air flowing over the engine to remove heat instead of liquid coolant. Porsche used air-cooled engines in many classic models, which affects sound and maintenance.
rear-engine
"Front engine, mid-engine, rear-engine, air and water cooled."
Rear-engine means the engine is in the back of the car. This is less common but some sports cars have it to help with how they drive.
Rear-engine layout means the engine is located at the back of the car, behind the rear axle. This layout is less common but used famously by Porsche 911 models, affecting handling characteristics.
front-engine
"Front engine, mid-engine, rear-engine, air and water cooled."
Front-engine means the car's engine is in the front part of the car. This is how many cars are built and it changes how the car drives and how much space there is inside.
Front-engine refers to a car layout where the engine is located at the front of the vehicle, typically ahead of the passenger compartment. This is a common layout that affects handling and interior space.
water-cooled
"Front engine, mid-engine, rear-engine, air and water cooled."
Water-cooled means the engine uses liquid to keep it from getting too hot. Most modern cars use this system because it works well.
Water-cooled engines use liquid coolant circulated through the engine to manage temperature. Modern Porsches and most cars use water cooling for efficiency and emissions.
mid-engine
"Front engine, mid-engine, rear-engine, air and water cooled."
Mid-engine means the engine is placed in the middle of the car, usually behind the seats. This helps the car drive better and be more balanced.
Mid-engine layout places the engine near the middle of the car, usually behind the driver but ahead of the rear axle. This layout is favored for balanced weight distribution and improved handling.
RM Sotheby's
"If you go to Arm Sotheby's, you just go to upcoming auctions and click on Magnus Walker."
RM Sotheby's is a company that sells rare and special cars by auction, where people can bid on them to buy.
RM Sotheby's is a well-known auction house specializing in classic and collector cars, often hosting high-profile auctions both in-person and online.
Bring a Trailer
"...since it's an online auction, there's just a countdown like a bring a trailer..."
Bring a Trailer is a website where people can buy and sell cool cars and car parts by bidding against each other online.
Bring a Trailer is a popular online auction platform specializing in classic, enthusiast, and collector cars, where users bid on vehicles and automotive memorabilia in timed auctions.
no reserve
"...the highest bidder wins. But the big, big thing here is everything is no reserve."
No reserve means the seller will sell the item to whoever bids the most, no matter how low the price is.
A no reserve auction means there is no minimum price set for the items being sold, so the highest bidder wins regardless of the bid amount, which can lead to potentially lower prices for buyers.
Porsche Rs Carrera
"... SC. G-body, right? So we all know the iconic 73 RS Carrera Porsche made 1580 of them, 7475 G-body, 27 RSMA5 ..."
The Porsche Carrera RS is a special, very fast version of a Porsche car made in the 1970s. It was built to be light and quick for racing and has a unique back spoiler that looks like a duck's tail. People talk about it a lot because it's rare and very special.
The Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7, introduced in 1973, is one of the most iconic and collectible Porsche models ever made, with only 1,580 units produced. It was designed as a lightweight, high-performance version of the 911 for racing homologation, famous for its distinctive 'ducktail' rear spoiler. The podcast likely references its legendary status and rarity.
mechanical fuel injection
"Porsche's last production mechanical fuel injected engine. These were delivered from the factory Sunroof Delete manual window limited slip."
Mechanical fuel injection is a way to get fuel into the engine using parts that move without computers. It was used in older cars to help them run better.
Mechanical fuel injection is a system that delivers fuel to the engine using mechanical components rather than electronic controls. It was common in older performance cars before electronic fuel injection became standard.
limited-slip differential
"manual window limited slip. So that is a rare call. Yeah, that's cool. That went to friends and family, right?"
A limited-slip differential helps the car's wheels get power better so it can turn corners faster and not slip as much.
A limited-slip differential (LSD) is a drivetrain component that helps distribute power to the wheels more effectively, improving traction during cornering or slippery conditions.
VIN numbers
"So I go, send me the VIN numbers 91169023 something like that. I get out the red book, the Porsche Bible, and I'm looking through 911769 didn't exist."
A VIN number is like a car's fingerprint. It helps people know exactly which car it is and where it was made.
VIN numbers (Vehicle Identification Numbers) are unique codes assigned to each vehicle for identification purposes. They provide information about the car's manufacturer, model, and production details.
Pelican
"And I just happened to stumble onto a thread on Pelican in 2008 that told the whole story about this car."
Pelican is a website where people who love Porsche cars talk and share information about them.
Pelican is an online community and forum focused on Porsche enthusiasts, where members share information, stories, and technical advice about Porsche cars.
Porsche 911 GT2
"for the US market, Porsche made 184 GT2s. Let's scroll through, see a few photos. These things are nuts."
The Porsche 911 GT2 is a special fast sports car made by Porsche. It has a strong engine and is made for people who like very quick cars.
The Porsche 911 GT2 (996 generation) is a high-performance variant of the 911, known for its powerful turbocharged engine and rear-wheel drive layout, making it a very fast and challenging sports car.
Porsche Carrera GT
"They made more Carrera GTs in 2002 than they did 996 GT2s. Yeah. So there's an example of a car"
The Porsche Carrera GT is a very special and rare fast car made by Porsche. It has a strong engine and is known for being exciting to drive.
The Porsche Carrera GT is a limited-production supercar introduced in 2002, featuring a V10 engine and a carbon fiber chassis, celebrated for its raw driving experience and rarity.
leather interior
"leather interior, leather everywhere, leather on the AC vents, leather on the CD, leather on the shifter, full, full leather."
Leather interior means the inside parts of the car, like the seats and dashboard, are covered with leather, which is a soft and nice material.
Leather interior refers to the use of leather material for the car's seats, dashboard, and other trim areas, often indicating a premium or luxury finish.
daily driver
"this is a daily driver car. Yeah, yeah. You can daily that. Absolutely. No problem."
A daily driver is a car you can use every day without problems, like going to work or running errands.
A daily driver is a car that is reliable and practical enough to be used every day for regular transportation.
RaceDeck
"Let's talk about race deck over two decades ago. Race deck was invented, cost effective, durable, truly do it yourself. Modular flooring system."
RaceDeck makes special floor tiles that you can put in your garage to protect the floor and make it look nice. They are strong and easy to put in yourself.
RaceDeck is a company that manufactures modular garage flooring systems designed to be durable, cost-effective, and easy to install for automotive enthusiasts and professionals.
self draining
"He could use some race deck. Yes, self draining. Jorgen Mahler, the founder and Porsche nut came up with this modular garage flooring system..."
Self draining means if water or other liquids spill on the floor, they can flow away instead of making puddles, so the floor stays dry.
Self draining refers to the design feature of the flooring system that allows liquids such as water or oil to drain away easily, preventing puddles and maintaining a clean surface.
Porsche 356
"... garage shop at race deck dot com. Use code spike 356. See what we did there. See that. I get it for a..."
The Porsche 356 is an old sports car made by Porsche, known for being their very first car. It's famous because it was small, fast, and fun to drive, and many people still love it today. The podcast probably mentioned it as a cool classic car or as a fun name for a discount code.
The Porsche 356 is Porsche's first production automobile, produced from 1948 to 1965. It is significant for establishing Porsche's reputation for lightweight, nimble sports cars and remains highly collectible today. The mention in the podcast likely references its iconic status or a promotional code playing on the model number.
Porsche certificate of authenticity
"It does have a Porsche certificate of authenticity. So if you go around to the passenger side or zoom in and grab it, pick that up right there. It's a Porsche C of A that shows numbers matching engine, shows the original color and a bit more info there."
This is a special paper from Porsche that proves a car is real and original. It tells you things like the car's first color and engine number so you know it's the real deal.
A Porsche certificate of authenticity (C of A) is an official document from Porsche that verifies key details about a specific car, such as its original color, engine number, and whether it has matching numbers. It is important for collectors to confirm the originality and provenance of the vehicle.
Momo
""3500 dollar Momo Pratipo steering wheel. Old Boyer watches. Vic Alford's underwears.""
Momo is a company that makes special car parts like steering wheels that many car fans like to use.
Momo is an Italian company known for producing high-quality automotive accessories, especially steering wheels and racing equipment.
Bentley Flying Spur
"I think the cars are amazing. Continental GT? Maybe Flying Spur, maybe something with a coop."
The Bentley Flying Spur is a very nice and fast car that has lots of room inside for passengers.
The Bentley Flying Spur is a luxury sedan offering a blend of performance and comfort with a spacious interior and powerful engine options.
Bentley Continental GT
"I think the cars are amazing. Continental GT? Maybe Flying Spur, maybe something with a coop."
The Bentley Continental GT is a fancy car that is very fast and comfortable for long drives.
The Bentley Continental GT is a luxury grand tourer known for its powerful engine, refined interior, and high performance.
drivetrain
"And I've driven the Continental GT and I think that drivetrain is great, but the body in my mind is looking a little tired."
The drivetrain is the part of the car that helps the engine make the wheels move.
The drivetrain refers to the group of components that deliver power from the engine to the wheels, including the transmission, driveshaft, and differential.
boy racer
"I know they've got this super sport on which, to me, there's too much diffuser and little boy racer gimmicky stuff."
A boy racer is someone who makes their car look or sound very loud and flashy, sometimes in a way that others think is silly.
The term 'boy racer' refers to cars or modifications that are flashy or aggressive but often seen as immature or over-the-top by enthusiasts.
diffuser
"I know they've got this super sport on which, to me, there's too much diffuser and little boy racer gimmicky stuff."
A diffuser is a part under the back of a car that helps it stick to the road better when driving fast.
A diffuser is an aerodynamic part located at the rear underside of a car that helps manage airflow to reduce drag and increase downforce for better stability.
McLaren
"replacing Wayne Bruce, who came from McLaren to Bentley and now Angus"
McLaren is a company that makes very fast and fancy sports cars and race cars.
McLaren is a British automotive manufacturer famous for producing high-performance supercars and Formula 1 racing cars.
Bentley Bentayga
"...e Continental GT, keep the Flying Spur, keep the Bentayga. They can do a fourth model, but do something tha..."
The Bentley Bentayga is a big, fancy car that can drive on rough roads but is also very comfortable and powerful. It's made by Bentley, a company known for luxury cars, and is one of their newer models. The podcast talks about it as part of Bentley's group of cars.
The Bentley Bentayga is a luxury SUV introduced in 2015, combining Bentley's signature opulence with off-road capability and strong performance. It represents Bentley's entry into the growing luxury SUV market and is often discussed for its blend of comfort, power, and exclusivity. The podcast mention likely relates to Bentley's expanding model lineup.
Lotus Esprit
"...y. Gran Turismo Finland wants to know, how's your Esprit? Oh, the Esprit went away a long, long time ago...."
The Lotus Esprit is a cool sports car from England that looks like a sharp triangle and has its engine in the middle. It was in some famous movies and is known for being fun to drive. The podcast says they don't have one anymore because they stopped making them a while back.
The Lotus Esprit is a British sports car produced from 1976 to 2004, known for its sharp, wedge-shaped design and mid-engine layout. It gained fame through appearances in films like James Bond and is celebrated for its handling and unique styling. The podcast's mention of the Esprit 'going away a long time ago' likely refers to its discontinuation and rarity today.
Porsche 914
"...at I'm keeping, my other 67S, obviously 277, the 914, the 76 Turbo, the first US one ever sold, 1989,..."
The Porsche 914 is a special kind of sports car made a long time ago that has its engine in the middle, which helps it drive well. It has a roof you can take off, making it fun to drive on nice days. The podcast talks about a rare fast version that was the first one sold in the US.
The Porsche 914, produced from 1969 to 1976, was a mid-engine sports car developed jointly by Porsche and Volkswagen. Known for its distinctive targa top and balanced handling, the 914 has gained a cult following despite mixed initial reception. The mention of a '76 Turbo, especially the first US one sold, highlights a rare and sought-after variant.
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