Porsche Carrera GT

The development of the Carrera GT prototype was internally dubbed SCM (Super Car Millennium). A small team of designers, based in Huntington Beach, California, were tasked with creating project SCM. They considered all manner of engines, and as this was intended to be a one-off show car, chose the exotic 5.5-liter V10 created for project 9R3. So fantastic was the reaction to the prototype driven along the Champs-Élysées to the 2000 Paris Motor Show that the approval of a production version was a foregone conclusion. With production commencing in 2003, the Carrera GT became the standout supercar of the 2000s. With a back-to-basics approach, and perhaps with lessons learned from the technology-laden 959, the Carrera GT features a more analog engineering approach when compared to its supercar contemporaries. The normally aspirated, quick-revving 5.7-liter V10 is mated to a six-speed manual transmission housed within a carbon fiber monocoque chassis. A lack of electronic driving aids all combine to provide the driver with the most visceral, exciting sound and performance possible outside of the race track.

After three years of production Porsche announced, in typical Germanic fashion, on 6 May 2006 that “Production of the Carrera GT at Porsche’s facility in Leipzig, Germany, concluded on Saturday… bringing to a close the latest series in a line of ultra-exclusive and ultra-performing automobiles from Porsche.” Worldwide 980 Carrera GT production totaled 1,270, the vast majority of which were finished in GT Silver and produced in the first two model years. This Carrera GT hails from the final production year sporting a limitation number of 1183, less than 100 from the end. Furthermore, the left-hand-drive C16 U.K.-market example is finished in rare Guards Red, a color that comprised approximately six percent of total Carrera GT production and echoes the scarlet shade that Porsche recommended for privateers in Italian road races like the Targa Florio to fool fans into mistaking them for Italian teams. The exterior color is complemented by the highly attractive Ascot Brown and Black full leather interior.

As Porsche’s halo supercar of the decade, the options list was minimal. In fact, the Carrera GT U.K. Price List stated that, “In order to minimise the vehicle’s weight for possible competition use, the Carrera GT is delivered as standard without air conditioning and without an audio system. However, these items, together with all other personalisation features, are available as no-cost options.” This example features both the XT (15 mm extra width) driver and passenger side carbon fiber bucket seats and the Becker Porsche Online Pro CD Radio with BOSE and air conditioning options added back during the ordering process.

With production complete on 9 January 2006 and invoiced to Porsche Centre Sutton Coldfield a month later, the Guards Red Carrera GT found its first owner on 1 March. The acquisition of the new supercar was likely the highlight of the new owner’s year and almost assuredly the highlight of anyone’s day who saw the new, bright red supercar traveling on U.K. roads that spring. The consignor notes that limitation number 1183 has had only three careful private owners over the past 19 years, most recently in Germany. Prior to consignment at 10,145 kilometers, the car was delivered to Porsche Zentrum Aachen for a €20.000 engine-out Major Service that included a new crankshaft seal, fresh brake fluid, and N-Spec Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. Furthermore, it also features the recent completion of the critical APA3 suspension recall campaign. It should be noted that this special Carrera GT has enjoyed diligent service by authorized Porsche service dealers from new.