2005 Porsche Carrera GT at Goodings Amelia Island Auction

2005 Porsche Carrera GT at Goodings Amelia Island Auction

Estimate: $875,000 - $1,100,000
Chassis: WP0CA29805L001234
Less than 900 Miles Since New
One of 644 Carrera GTs Built for the US Market
One of Just 44 Examples Finished in Seal Gray in 2005
Powered by Race-Derived V-10 Engine Capable of over 205 MPH
Exceedingly Original and Unmodified Example

5,733 CC DOHC V-10 Engine
Bosch Electronic Fuel Injection
605 BHP at 8,000 RPM
6-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Carbon-Ceramic Ventilated Disc Brakes
4-Wheel Independent Suspension with Pushrod Linkage and Coil-Over Shock Absorbers


PROVENANCE
Ken Lingenfelter, Michigan (acquired new in 2005)
Private Collector, Texas (acquired from the above in 2013)
Matthew Proman, New York (acquired in 2015)
Current Owner

THIS CAR
Rare, powerful, and ferociously quick, Porsche’s stunning mid-engine Carrera GT was introduced at the 2003 Geneva Auto Show to immediate acclaim. Developed out of the canceled LMP1-98 prototype program, the Carrera GT, known internally as project code 980, was Porsche’s first supercar since the 911 GT1, and in all respects it was a showcase for the Stuttgart firm’s engineering prowess.

Each Carrera GT possessed an advanced carbon-fiber monocoque chassis and subframe, motorsport-derived pushrod-actuated suspension, carbon-ceramic cross-drilled ventilated disc brakes, and a spectacular, normally aspirated 5.7-liter V-10 engine that had its genesis in Porsche’s Footwork-Arrows Formula 1 program of the early 1990s. This four-valve-per-cylinder, dry-sump, fuel-injected power plant produced 605 bhp at 8,000 rpm, and 435 lbs./ft. of torque at 5,750 rpm, all delivered through an ingeniously engineered low-mass, small-diameter, twin-plate ceramic clutch to a six-speed manual transaxle. The racing origin of the GT’s engine accounts not only for its low 472 lbs. of overall weight, but the unmistakable shriek that it emits as its 8,400 rpm redline is approached. Center-lock forged magnesium alloy wheels – with a diameter of 19″ in front and 20″ in the rear – reduced unsprung weight and included a tire-pressure monitoring system. Using its electronic traction control, the Carrera GT accelerated to 60 mph from standstill in just 3.5 seconds and reached a top speed in excess of 205 mph.

In true Porsche fashion, the Carrera GT was designed to be a comfortable and reliable, real-world automobile – equally at home on road or track. Its twin removable roof panels can be stored under the front trunk lid, turning the Carrera GT into a delightful open-air sports car. Air buffeting was all but eliminated with a glass panel that fits between the supportive bucket seats. The luxurious and highly functional interior included the usual Porsche amenities, including leather upholstery, a Bose sound system, and air-conditioning.

While 1,500 examples were originally planned, Porsche had built just 1,270 Carrera GTs at the Leipzig, Germany, factory when production concluded in May 2006. The Carrera GT’s visceral performance, analog character, and motorsport quality construction stand in stark contrast to the latest crop of hybrid supercars. The appeal of these extraordinary cars is palpable. Serious collectors have come to recognize the Carrera GT as one of the last great expressions of the traditional, high-performance mid-engine sports car. As expected, a majority of the cars were finished in silver; for the 2005 model year, however, the Carrera GT was offered in six catalogued colors. Among the rarer hues was Seal Gray, which beautifully highlights the GT’s purposeful design; just 44 cars were completed in this color in 2005, including the example offered here.

This Carrera GT was first titled in April 2005; astonishingly, it has covered less than 900 miles since. The car accumulated about 750 miles over eight years with its first owner. Less than 120 miles were added by the GT’s next caretaker in just under two years. A total of 876 miles had been accrued when it was purchased by the consignor. Under its current ownership, the Carrera GT has been thoroughly inspected by Porsche of Roslyn in New York and received its annual service (January 2017) by Porsche of Warrington, Pennsylvania.

Fit for the preservationist and purist alike, this Carrera GT retains its original tires; its tool kit is present in its proper roll-up pouch, and the manual set remains in its leather folio. A leather travel bag and color-coordinated interior storage pouches are also included with the sale. The Seal Gray metallic finish is beautifully complemented by the GT’s dark gray leather seats, which appear essentially as new. Portions of the carbon fiber monocoque remain exposed and surround the passenger compartment, and satin-anodized aluminum details complete the purposeful yet inviting cockpit.

Today, more than a decade after the last Carrera GT rolled out of the factory, these magnificent cars have come to be regarded as among the most exciting road cars ever built. Their prominent place in the hierarchy of the Porsche legend is more than assured.


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