[imagesource: Bonhams]

Diego Armando Maradona lived hard and fast.

I mean, when Liam Gallagher says you’re partying hard then you know you’re cutting loose.

Maradona’s time in Naples, and his descent into cocaine addiction, has been documented, but his time playing in Spain is largely forgotten.

His final year in Europe was spent at Sevilla FC, and his on-field performances were a little underwhelming, with just five goals across 26 appearances.

The man only travelled in style, though, and in November 1992 a Porsche 911 Type 962 Carrera 2 Convertible Works Turbo Look was delivered to him.

A Bonhams auction starting today presents the perfect crossover for Argentinian Porsche fans, with the rare vehicle now up for grabs.

CNN reports:

According to Bonhams, the car has a top speed of almost 162 miles per hour (260 kph) and is one of just 1,200 variants produced over a two-year period.

It has been owned by the current vendor since 2016 and has covered roughly 74,560 miles (120,000 km).

“We are delighted to present this quintessential 90s Porsche with its very colorful and unique provenance, which will appeal to many football enthusiast collectors worldwide,” said Paul Darvill, European Auctions Manager at Bonhams.

We will assume they’ve checked for any hidden compartments, which rules out the buyer finding a stash to rival a Saldanha bust.

Auctioneers believe it could fetch between $180 000 and $240 000 (R2,7 million and R3,6 million)

More details via Robb Report:

Finished in elegant silver and with black leather interior, it’s powered by an air-cooled 3.6-liter Carrera 2 engine that could churn out 250 horses and push the car to a top speed of 124 mph, according to the auction house…

The cabriolet was the top-of-the-range 911 available during the early ‘90s… and is described as being in “practically original” condition.

Perhaps my favourite bit of information comes via the Bonhams listing for the vehicle:

The Porsche was a regular sight on Maradona’s drive to and from football training. It also proved that Maradona’s right foot was as dominant in the car as his left was on the ball, as he was famously stopped by armed police for jumping a red light and speeding at 180km/h in the city centre.

Classic Diego.

[sources:cnn&robbreport&bonhams]