Walter Payton's Porsche to be auctioned in Schaumburg
When Jarrett Payton looks at his father's classic Porsche, many memories of the famed Chicago Bears running back come to mind.
But one that trumps them all is Walter Payton's lessons about the value of working hard for something, earning it and then putting in the time and effort to maintain it well.
“My earliest recollection of the car is being just 4 or 5 years old and seeing how much it meant to dad,” said Jarrett. “Even as a little guy, I was taught to be careful and to never bounce balls around it. Dad wanted to pass on that attitude of care and respect.”
Walter purchased the 930 Turbo new in 1979 after his first five successful years in the NFL. “This was his first big-name sports car,” Jarrett said.
The Porsche packs a turbocharged 3.3-liter six-cylinder engine, but the Super Bowl winner was always looking for an edge to move faster. Walter had upgraded components installed, including a Ruf intercooler along with Borla stainless steel exhaust and chrome Gotti five-spoke wheels.
Inside the cabin, Payton added an Alpine stereo and Nakamichi speakers for the best in audio quality.
After retiring from the Bears as the NFL's all-time leading rusher, Payton started several successful businesses in the suburbs. “Everything dad did after football revolved around Schaumburg,” recalls Jarrett. “I remember so many trips with him in the car to his office or to spots to grab a bite to eat. Everywhere we stopped, people wanted a picture of the car, or dad with the car. That father/son time was so special to me.”
Walter's health declined rapidly after he was diagnosed with cancer in the late 1990s. The Hall of Famer died in 1999. He willed the special ride to Jarrett, but specified his son would not get the Porsche until he turned 25 — the same age Walter was when he purchased the car.
At the time, Jarret had never driven it before — and had never driven a car with manual transmission.
“I was out in a little pickup truck practicing to get it down,” laughs Jarrett, thinking back to the first drive learning a stick shift in 2005. He got it quickly sorted out and in very recent months, has taking time to share the road with his 6-year-old son, Jaden.
“This summer we made several trips in the car together and I could just see the joy on his face; his eyes wide open and cracking a big smile. We talked about taking care of stuff that is precious to you, just like grandpa did.”
After much thought, Jarrett has made the decision to let someone else cherish the special car and is offering the Porsche for sale at the upcoming Mecum auction to be held Oct. 25-27 at the Schaumburg Convention Center. The sweet ride will be sporting Lot number S134, a nod to Walter's 34 jersey number.
“We've always shared my dad with the world,” Jarrett said. “That would bring me even more joy to know that someone loves it like him and will take care of it the way he did.”