The Porsche Carrera Gt, a name synonymous with automotive excellence, remains an icon in the realm of super sports cars. Renowned for its naturally aspirated V10 engine derived from Formula 1, its breathtaking design, and an unparalleled driving experience, the Carrera GT continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide. Recently, a discerning collector in the United States entrusted Porsche Classic with a remarkable project: the comprehensive restoration of their privately owned Carrera GT.
This undertaking was nothing short of extraordinary. The collector’s vision was a complete, bespoke reconstruction, executed to the exacting standards achievable only by Porsche themselves. The process commenced with a meticulous disassembly of the vehicle, reducing it to its individual components. Each part underwent rigorous inspection, with refurbishment or replacement carried out as needed, ensuring every element met factory-fresh specifications.
Oak Green Metallic: An Exclusive Finish for a Legendary Car
To visually complement the meticulously rebuilt engine, transmission, and chassis, the Carrera GT received a full respray in a truly unique color. In collaboration with Porsche Classic, the owner selected Oak Green Metallic, a distinguished hue that first appeared in the Porsche palette in the 1970s. Remarkably, this elegant color was never originally offered for the Carrera GT, making this restoration even more exceptional.
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The bespoke nature of this project extended to the five-spoke magnesium wheels. Inspired by legendary BBS motorsport wheels, the initial concept featured a gold-painted star spoke and a polished rim ring. However, Porsche’s material experts at the Weissach R&D center advised against polishing the rim ring due to potential structural weakening of the material. This necessitated an innovative engineering solution to achieve the desired high-gloss metallic effect for the wheel rims.
Innovation in Wheel Finishing: The Silver Coating
The solution lay in the application of silver, a precious metal, through a groundbreaking process never before employed in series vehicle production. A silver layer was meticulously applied to the wheel rims, creating a visually striking, chrome-like surface finish.
However, silver’s susceptibility to oxidation required a protective measure. Similar to how iron rusts, silver tarnishes when exposed to oxygen and water, developing an undesirable black film. To combat this, the silver-coated rim ring received a protective clear lacquer coating. The star spoke was then painted gold, providing a rich contrast to the silver rim. As a final touch of technical artistry, the central wheel lock, finished in blue and silver, proudly displays the iconic Porsche crest in color.
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The gold accents were thoughtfully integrated throughout the vehicle. The Porsche lettering on the brake calipers, elements within the engine compartment, the intake housings, and even subtle interior details like a gold stripe on the steering wheel’s top center marking, flanked by Oak Green stripes, all echo the exterior’s color palette, creating a cohesive and personalized aesthetic.
Carbon Fiber Rejuvenation: A Labor of Dedication
The restoration extended beyond the surface. Uwe Makrutzki, Manager of Porsche Classic Factory Restorations in Stuttgart, detailed the extensive work on the carbon fiber components: “Due to the tendency of older carbon fiber coatings to yellow and fade, we dedicated 350 hours to meticulously sanding and recoating all carbon fiber parts, including the monocoque itself.” This painstaking process ensured the carbon fiber elements regained their original deep, rich appearance.
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The meticulously restored Porsche Carrera GT was unveiled at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta at the invitation of Porsche Cars North America. A select group of 100 guests, including the car’s owner, witnessed the culmination of this extraordinary project. Porsche Classic also hosted a symposium featuring experts like Alexander Fabig, Head of Customer Center, Uwe Makrutzki, record-winning race driver David Donohue, and Porsche Designer Tony Hatter, providing insights into the restoration process.
Porsche Classic: Preserving Automotive Heritage
Porsche Classic is dedicated to the care of vehicles whose production ended more than a decade ago. This includes iconic models like the 356, 914, 959, 911 (up to type 996), and various four and eight-cylinder models, as well as the first-generation Porsche Boxster (type 986). Since 2016, Porsche Classic has also ensured the genuine parts supply for the Carrera GT, underscoring their commitment to preserving Porsche’s rich automotive heritage. For further information, visit www.porsche.de/classic.
