2005 PORSCHE CARRERA GT

This Porsche Carrera GT is a sublime driver’s car, which has been used, enjoyed and regularly serviced, and which now presents in highly original condition. It is powered by an astonishing race-bred 5.7-litre naturally aspirated V10, producing up to 604bhp and 435lb-ft of torque, driving the rear wheels through a slick six-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 38,249 miles from new.

Delivered in November 2004 to the US market, this Carrera GT is car number 307 and was supplied to its first owner via Higginbotham Automobiles LLC in Jackson, Mississippi. A clean Carfax report on file shows that this Porsche remained with its original owner for eight years, accruing around 37,500 miles on American soil, before being exported to Europe into a private collection in Belgium.

The necessary specification changes were made to enable it to be registered in the EU, and it remained on the continent until six months ago, when it was acquired by a Porsche enthusiast in the UK - only its third private owner from new. It is currently awaiting its registration documents from the DVLA.

The bodywork presents in excellent condition, with no evidence of any prior damage. Indeed, the vendor states that the car retains its first paint throughout, and it still presents in very good order. There are a few minor chips around the rear air intakes and near the fuel filler cap, and some more noticeable stone chips around the front end as you would expect from road use. The photos also show a small graze under the front bumper on the passenger side. To avoid similar low-ground contact in the future, the car is fitted with a RUF front suspension lift system. It rides on the original five-spoke 19-inch and 20-inch centre-lock alloy wheels, which are in great shape, retaining their red and blue locking nuts for the left and right sides of the car respectively.

Inside, the cabin layout is a triumph of minimalist design, finished in a blend of bare metal, glossy carbon-fibre, and smart Ascot Brown leather upholstery with black leather accents. There is some slight creasing in the leather as you would expect with age, and minor wear to the black leather on the driver’s seat outer bolster, but in general the interior looks absolutely superb. Falling easily to hand in the central structure is the elegant birch and ash wood gear knob, layered and lacquered to produce a beautifully smooth and tactile shifter. There are no faults with any of the electrics, and no warning lights on the dashboard.

The last scheduled maintenance was carried out in March 2020 at 38,001 miles, when technicians at Porsche Centre East-Flanders carried out a full service, including renewal of the gearbox oil and filter.

In June 2018, Porsche Centre East-Flanders also carried out a comprehensive 111-point check on the car, finding no faults whatsoever. At the same time, a clutch reading of 30.8mm was recorded (which is 99.35% of the original width), meaning this major job should not be needed again for many more miles. Prior to this, an annual service was carried out in November 2016 at 37,706 miles. A summary of the maintenance history is included below.

The most recent roadworthiness test was carried out in May 2020 in Belgium; however a UK MOT test will be done before handover to the next owner, so it will have a fresh 12-month certificate. The Michelin Pilot Sport tyres are date-coded to late 2008 at the front and late 2009 on the rear. During the health check just 250 miles ago, the front tyres were recorded at around 4.1mm of tread, and the rears at 3.8mm.

Accompanying the car is the complete US market book pack, including the owner’s manual, stamped warranty and maintenance booklet, and the Porsche Online Pro stereo user guide. The original Becker code cards are present, along with a raft of paperwork covering its early life in the US and the more recent servicing.

This Porsche Carrera GT is a coveted flagship supercar, boasting purity and precision rarely found among the latest performance cars. The incredible response of its naturally aspirated V10 is matched with an absorbing analogue driving experience that is hard to beat once mastered. This particular car is highly original, retaining its first paint, and was thoroughly enjoyed by its first owner in particular, who kept it very well maintained. An eminently usable example; this is a compelling prospect for a Porsche enthusiast who has been seeking a car that they can just get out and drive.

Summary of maintenance history:

• 17/11/2004 - 31 miles (Pre-delivery)
• 27/10/2005 - 5,872 miles
• 19/10/2006 - 13,000 miles
• 14/11/2007 - 22,879 miles
• 10/10/2008 - 26,659 miles
• 24/11/2009 - 33,373 miles
• 28/01/2010 - 33,438 miles
• 21/12/2010 - 37,559 miles
• 14/11/2016 - 37,706 miles (60,683 km)
• 25/03/2020 - 38,001 miles (61,157 km)

Factory specification:

• C02: US-market car
• 197: High-amp battery
• 572: Air-conditioning
• 681: Sound system
• 690: Becker Porsche Online Pro CD and Radio

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

As this car is awaiting UK registration, it cannot yet be run through Collecting Cars’ standard online HPI check process.