• Porsche’s landmark hypercar; an icon of its era
• One of only 1,270 Carrera GTs built
• Equipped with a 612 PS dry-sump V-10 and six-speed manual gearbox
• Developed from Porsche’s Formula 1 and Le Mans programmes

Launched at the Geneva Salon in 2003, the Porsche Carrera GT was arguably the most extreme road-legal model in the Stuttgart firm’s history. Unsurprisingly, the German hypercar was received with unrivalled enthusiasm and a rush of orders.

Powered by a quad-cam 5,733 cc V-10, the Typ 980 owed its existence to Porsche’s long-standing involvement in motorsport. The engine could trace its origins to a project initially intended for use in Formula 1 but—after Porsche withdrew its plans to enter the sport—it was later resurrected for an entry at Le Mans in 2000. A lack of engineering resources—twinned with the need to press ahead with the Cayenne SUV—meant that the plan was dropped, although it did lead to the 5.5-litre V-10 prototype engine being unveiled in Paris in September 2000.

While the Cayenne diverted attention away from the project, it was the success of that SUV that enabled Stuttgart to finally develop the production Carrera GT. And for anyone fearing that the launch of a large off-roader meant Zuffenhausen had abandoned its sports-car roots, the Typ 980 was proof that the firm remained as focused as ever.

According to Porsche, the only modifications to convert the race engine for road use were centred on emissions and noise regulations. Developing 612 PS and 590 Nm of torque, the dry-sump V-10 was mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, and delivered electrifying performance. The new supercar could storm from 0-200 km/h in 9.9 seconds, while top speed was 330 km/h. Ventilated carbon-ceramic discs, state-of-the-art inboard suspension, plus 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels were standard, as were traction control and anti-lock brakes. The Carrera GT was very much an analogue machine, but that is not to say it was old fashioned.

The stunning body was Porsche’s first carbon fibre monocoque, with construction subcontracted to aerospace specialist ATR Composites. Clever aerodynamics included a rear wing that deployed automatically (a Zuffenhausen trademark since the 964). A carbon undertray with ducts leading to a rear diffuser also ensured that the car remained glued to the road, while the scalloped flanks directed air to the three radiators. As a Porsche, practicality and comfort were also key, so the cockpit was trimmed in supple leather, while Targa roof panels combined the advantages of fixed-head motoring with the sensory delights of an open car.

Delivered to Porsche Leipzig in Germany in October 2005, chassis 000079 was specified in GT Silver Metallic over an Ascot hide interior with a matching luggage set. It was bought by the consignor, who became its third owner, in December 2018. The car benefitted from four new tyres, a battery, paintwork rectification, replacement ignition coils and spark plugs, a starter motor, and a service at Porsche Stuttgart in late 2021, during which the clutch was also inspected. In April of the following year the radiators were replaced, with the total cost for all the work amounting to more than €27,000. Additionally, a larger driver’s seat was fitted at a cost of more than €16,000. The odometer displayed 35,611 kilometres at the time of cataloguing, and the car is accompanied by handbooks and a partial luggage set.

As the only production model equipped with the astonishing quad-cam V-10, and with a limited production run of just 1,270, this incredible hypercar is one of the most collectible Porsches of all time.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mu22.