Janis Joplin's psychedelic 1964 Porsche sells for $1.76 million

A 1964 Porsche 356 Cabriolet that Janis Joplin once owned sold at an auction Thursday night for a whopping $1.76 million. That's a lot higher than the $600,000 top estimate going into the Sotheby's sale.

The singer had bought the car (originally white) in 1968 and had it colorfully painted with a psychedelic kaleidoscopic mural that featured everything from eyes and mushrooms to skulls and birds. The customization also features her astrological sign, Capricorn, and a scene of northern California. The vehicle was closely tied to Joplin, who could be seen driving around in it often in the late '60s.

"Janis drove everywhere, all around San Francisco and down to Los Angeles when she was recording there," said Laura Joplin, the singer's sister, who is a biographer. "Wherever Janis went in the car, her fans recognized it. When she parked it and returned, there was always at least one note under the wipers."

After she died of an overdose in 1970, Joplin's manager, Albert Grossman, drove the Porsche for years. The singer's family took ownership of it 1973 and had it restored in the early '90s. It has been on display at the Rock and Roll Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Cleveland, Ohio, since 1995.