Porsche stunned enthusiasts when it revealed the Carrera GT prototype at the Louvre in Paris on September 28, 2000, marking its bold return to the supercar arena after years of absence. In the 1990s, rivals like the McLaren F1 and Ferrari had set new benchmarks, and many believed Porsche had fallen behind. The Carrera GT proved otherwise, signaling a fresh era with a ground-up design rooted in Porsche’s racing heritage.
Its origins lay in the canceled 2000 Le Mans prototype program, which provided the foundation for its 5.7L naturally aspirated V-10. With advanced components like titanium rods, forged pistons, and Porsche’s VarioCam system, the engine produced 605 horsepower and 435 lb-ft of torque. Power was delivered via a compact Ceramic Composite Clutch and six-speed manual gearbox, optimized for a low center of gravity.
A technological showcase, the Carrera GT pioneered a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis and cutting-edge aerodynamics with a 0–60 mph time of 3.8 seconds and a 205 mph top speed.
Production ran until 2007, during which only 1,207 had been completed, with fewer than sixty Carrera GTs finished in a paint-to-sample color, with perhaps half that figure or less destined for the US market.
One of these paint-to-sample finished Carrera GTs is currently up for grabs on RM Sotheby’s. This 2005 Carrera GT, bearing serial number 1080, is finished in Carrara White with matching wheel spokes and contrasted by black brake calipers. Inside, it features Natural Dark Grey leather, deviated stitching, optional carbon fiber trim, and the rare carbon shift knob. Completing the package is the factory luggage set, raising its original MSRP to over $500,000, one of the highest for the model.
Delivered new in Florida, it was soon exported to Germany, where successive owners carefully maintained it at Porsche dealerships. It underwent major servicing, a bumper swap to European specification, and later received a KW nose lift kit. Reimported to the US in 2024, it had its suspension wishbones replaced under recall and new tires fitted. With under 6,300 miles, this paint-to-sample Carrera GT represents one of the rarest and most collectible modern Porsches.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
