Porsche Carrera GT (2004)

The Carrera GT's roots can be firmly traced back to its predecessors, the 911 GT1 and LMP1-98 racing cars. In 1998 Porsche planned on a new Le Mans prototype for 1999. The car was initially intended to use a turbocharged flat-6, but was later redesigned to use a new V10 engine, pushing the project back to planned completion in 2000. The V10 was a unit secretly built by Porsche for the Footwork Formula One team in 1992 but had been shelved. The engine was resurrected for the Le Mans prototype and increased in size to 5.7 litres. Unfortunately, the project was cancelled after two days of testing for the first car, in mid-1999, mostly due to Porsche's wish to build the Cayenne SUV with involvement from Volkswagen and Audi, thus requiring engineering expertise to be pulled from the motorsports division. It was also speculated that VW-Audi chairman Ferdinand Piëch wanted Audi's new Le Mans Prototype, the Audi R8 not to face competition from Porsche in 2004.

Porsche did keep part of the project alive showing a concept car at the 2000 Geneva Motor Show, mainly in an attempt to draw attention to their display. Surprising interest in the vehicle and an influx of revenue provided from the Cayenne helped Porsche decide to produce the car, and development started on a road-legal version that would be produced in small numbers at Porsche's new manufacturing facility in Leipzig. Porsche started a production run of Carrera GTs in 2004, the first Carrera GT went on sale in the US on January 31, 2004.The Carrera GT is powered by a 5.7 litre V10 engine producing 612 horsepower. Porsche claims it will accelerate from 0 to 62.1 mph in 3.9 seconds and has a maximum speed of 205 mph although road tests indicated that in reality the car can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds! The Carrera GT has a basic five colour paint schemes which includes Guards Red, Fayence Yellow, Basalt Black, GT Silver and Seal Grey. Custom colours were also available from the factory. A traditional six-speed manual transmission is the only available.

Hints pointing to the cars stillborn Le Mans routes are abundant throughout the car. Attached to this gearbox is a Beechwood gear knob which pays homage to the wooden gear knob used in the Porsche 917 Le Mans racers. In typical Porsche fashion, the ignition is to the left of the steering wheel. This placement dates back to the early days of Le Mans racing when drivers were required to make a running start, hop into their cars, start them and begin the race. The placement of the ignition enabled the driver to start the car with his left hand and put it in gear with his right.

Please note, this vehicle is no longer for sale.

This German-supplied C00 example was delivered new on 31st August 2004 to its first owner by Porsche Centre Rhein-Oberberg. Supplied new in the most frequently presented launch hue of GT Silver over Black leather, it was optioned with a stronger battery, air-conditioning, sound system, and CD-Radio Becker Porsche Pro. The car has seen regular and consistent maintenance from within the Porsche dealer network throughout its life.

This example would remain with its first owner until 2020 when it was purchased from Germany and imported into the UK. The car was returned to its Stuttgart home prior delivery to receive a major, engine-out service. At the same time, the Carrera GT was stripped to a rolling chassis and refinished in Porsche's Dark Blue metallic.

Today the car presents as expected and very much on the button. Having covered just 5,990 miles from new, it presents in exceptional condition throughout. With front lift unavailable at launch, this car has since been retrofitted with KW suspension system, allowing all four wheels to be lifted at the touch of a button. This system is completely reversible and all original suspension components will be included with the sale.

Further accompanying this example are the original handbooks, tool kit and Porsche high-vis jacket, factory car cover, as well as a display with two miniature models, a 2004 German press tour kit, personalised Carrera GT paperweight and a press kit with engine model and VHS tape.

Previously sold by DK Engineering on two occasions, fitted with four wheel axle lift and to recieve a major service with Porsche Reading as part of the sale, this example is available to view at our showrooms just outside London immediately.