This is the unbelievably special 2005 Porsche Carrera GT! One of just 42 total examples painted in ‘Guards Red’ from the factory for North America, and one of just 1,270 examples produced for the entire world from 2003-2007. The Carrera GT was designed by Dutch automobile designer, Harm Lagaay, and was originally codenamed ‘Project Code 980’ before going into production in 2003. Both Porsche themselves, and VW-Audi chairman, Ferdinand Piëch, we’re seeking to develop a new Le Mans prototype for the 1999 season. Initially, plans to incorporate a turbocharged flat-six engine were drawn up for this new mysterious prototype, however, a secretly built V10 unit that was developed in 1992 was ultimately revived for the project. This engine was originally supplied by Porsche for the Footwork Formula One Team, but was shelved until the late 90’s where it would later be used for Project Code 980 (a.k.a. The Carrera GT). The Le Mans prototype project was canceled only two days after testing in mid-1999, in order to direct focus on other projects at the time. The V10 unit that was being tested in that prototype would live to see another day in the year 2000, during the Paris Motor Show. This time, it was based around a new concept car called the Carrera GT, and the engineers at Porsche wound up boring the engine up to 5.7L. The concept ended up generating an influx of interest, and it was decided to go ahead and produce the Carrera GT, and that was clearly a great decision to make! Despite being 16 years old, the Carrera GT’s performance and styling are both easily comparable to supercars of today’s era. The GT is equipped with a visceral 5.7L V10 980/01 DOHC V10 engine that produces about 603hp, which is all sent through a 6-speed manual transmission. Thanks to an extensive use of carbon fiber and advanced engineering, the total weight of the Carrera GT amounts to just 3,042lbs.
How many made? 1,270 built, only 42 painted this color for North America!
Engine: 5.7 L (5,733 cc) 980/01 DOHC V10 - 603hp
Debut: 2000 Paris Motor Show
Top Speed: 205mph
0-60mph: 3.9 seconds
Photo Credit: @am_media_ny
Research: @rarecarsonly