Year: 2005
Manufacturer: Porsche
Model: 980
Model Variant: Carrera GT
Exterior Color: Black
Interior Color: Dark Grey
Current Mileage: 3,900 miles
Version: U.S.
Chassis #WP0CA29805L001105
Engine Capacity/Power: 5.7 liter, 4-valve DOHC V10 / 603BHP
Transmission: 6-speed manual Dry Clutch
Dual plate ceramic Top Speed: 208MPH
Designer: Jason Hill (concept) Harm Lagaay (production)
Limited Series: 1 of 644 for U.S.
Production Order: GT0392
Parent Company: Volkswagen Group
Public Debut: 2000 Paris Auto Show, Place Charles-de-Gaulle
Predecessor: 911 GT1
Successor: 918 Spyder
Years Produced: 2004 – 2007
Examples Produced for U.S.: 644
Total Production: 1,270
Books & Tools: Yes
CarFAX: Yes
Etc. XT-Sized Seats, Ceramic Composite Brakes & Clutch, Pushrod-Activated Inboard Coilover
The Porsche Carrera GT was among the group of Supercars produced by Porsche from 2004 through 2007
at a new factory in Leipzig, Germany. The Carrera GT was Porsche’s response to market segment
competition in the form of Ferrari Enzo, Pagani Zonda, Koenigsegg CCX, McLaren-Mercedes AMG SLR and
other Supercars of the time and was a radical departure for the company so associated with normally
aspirated
and turbo charged six-cylinder engines in their 911 line ups.
Porsche followed a whole new route with the Carrera GT creating a hybrid development of the 911 GT1
and LMP1 98 cars of the late 90s by introducing a normally aspirated
5.7 liter dual overhead cam V10 610BPH engine which was originally slated to be a Formula One
engine in a Footwork chassis integrated with a radically different 107” long wheel base road going
car.
Very little is shared from the 911 range with the Carrera GT however as it was a completely clean
sheet of paper designed by Porsche Style Department head, Harm Lagaay, the Dutchman who also
designed other Porsches of the period including the 924, 968, 993, Boxster, Cayenne and 996. Lagaay
retired on completion of the Carrera GT, which by far stands as his most impressive achievement, in
2004.
Compared to the 911 models, the Carrera GT is a long car with full aerodynamic treatment around an
all-carbon fiber monocoque with the subframe produced by Italian company ATR Composites Group. All
Carrera GTs feature a traditional six-speed manual transmission with homage to the Porsche 917
polished beach wood shift knob.
At speeds over 70MPH, the dramatic rear wing raises to aide stability and reduce lift at the rear.
A huge radiator, five times larger than a comparable 911 Turbo of the time, aides in keeping the
big engine temps in check and suspension is derived directly from racing.
Porsche limited colors of the Carrera GT to Basalt Black, GT Silver, Seal Grey, Fayence Yellow and
Guards Red with custom colors made by the factory tailor made to client’s wishes.
The racing prototype nature of the Carrera GT makes it necessary to have an experienced hand at the
wheel. The clutch is derived directly from racing and is razor thin mated with the 603BHP engine
which may catch an inexperienced driver out causing loss of control and spinouts as it accelerates
like a rocket, 0 to 60MPH in 3.5 seconds.
The Carrera GT is all business inside the cockpit, not much on the creature comforts with full race
inspired leather seats, the instrument cluster is very reminiscent of previous Porsches and aside
from air conditioning, there isn’t much in the way of luxury appointments as with most supercars,
the emphasis is on performance and safety rather than comfort.
The cars are solidly built and full of weight saving carbon fiber touches throughout. The racing
inspired touches such as the foot pedal cluster, key on the left of the steering wheel and Beech
Wood shift know are derived directly from Porsche’s racing past. The one diversion from this is the
removable hard top which creates an instant open top driving experience. The roof panels
conveniently stow away, out of sight under the front bonnet.
“At Curated, we do not acquire cars simply for inventory but rather based on what the car is.
We love interesting provenance, very low production, very low mileage, very special and often weird
cars.”
John Temerian, Jr.
Curated co-founder