Janis Joplin’s custom Porsche to be unloaded

It’s being sold by the Joplin family and is expected to bring more than $400,000.

For the past 20 years the auto has been displayed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and other museums.

Janis Joplin’s Porsche, heavily stylized with colorful paintings, can be yours thanks to an auction by RM Sotheby’s coming to New York.

Joplin purchased the Porsche in September 1968 but was not a fan of the car’s original Pearl White coloring. It was a well-known sight within the California music scene in the 1960s, mainly due to its mural, which was painted by Dave Richards, a friend of Joplin’s and a roadie with her band.

Joplin’s family is supportive of the sale. The painting, depicting “The History of the Universe”, includes images of butterflies and jellyfish, as well as portrayals of Joplin and her band.

Janis Joplin may have sung: “my friends all drive Porsches”, but the blues and soul singer owned one of the cars herself.

The auto has been restored a couple of times over the years, most notably in the 1990s. “Wherever Janis went in the vehicle, her fans recognized it. When she parked it and returned, there was always at least one note under the wipers”. Meanwhile, her brother Michael added, “Besides Janis’ music and legacy, her Porsche is the most visual and important piece of memorabilia that exists”.

“After its psychedelic paintwork had been completed, she drove and actively enjoyed the Porsche up until her untimely death”, said Kelleher. Joplin drove it until she died in L.A.in October 1970.

As a prelude to the Driven by Disruption sale, an exclusive six-day exhibition will open over the weekend of December 5 in Sotheby’s 10th floor galleries.