By any measure, Porsche’s brilliant Carrera GT is one of the greatest sports cars ever offered to the public. Its fascinating path to production helps explain why: On the heels of Porsche’s success with the 911 GT1 at Le Mans, the engineers at Weissach focused on a new prototype for the LMP1-98 program. This new design would, rather than employing the familiar 911-based flat-six Turbo of the GT1, utilize a normally aspirated wide-angle V-10 that had originally been created secretly for the stillborn Footwork Arrows Formula 1 project. When the FIA canceled the 1999 Le Mans Prototype class, Porsche needed a platform with which it could hopefully recoup some of its considerable investment. The Carrera GT, in 5.5-liter prototype form, was unveiled to great acclaim at the Paris Auto Show in 2000.

Interest in the prototype was overwhelming, leading Porsche to develop the concept—initially intended as little more than an attention-grabbing technical exercise, or so it was said—into a top-shelf boutique hypercar. Available for deliveries in 2004, the Carrera GT was clearly predicated on the racecar principles of low weight and extreme power, starting with a 220-pound tub of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). The lightweight material also composed the engine subframe and was generously used throughout the breathtaking coachwork, which sprung from the pen of Grant Larson—responsible for the popular Boxster.

The jewellike aluminum V-10, which had grown to 5.7 liters in production form, used an unusual V angle of 68 degrees and employed aluminum pistons and an aluminum intake manifold, titanium connecting rods, and a forged crankshaft to maintain a low weight of 452 pounds. Dry-sump lubrication allowed for the mid-mounted motor to lie very low within its subframe, and a carbon ceramic clutch and low-mass flywheel contributed to free-revving low-inertia performance encapsulated by a redline of 8,400 rpm. Developing 605 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 435 pound-feet of torque, the V-10 was mated to a six-speed manual transaxle (the sole gearbox offered).

The end result of such impressive technology was earth-shattering performance, with the Carrera GT reaching 60 mph from standstill in just 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 205 mph. Cross-drilled ceramic-composite disc brakes with huge 14.96-inch rotors anchored lightweight magnesium wheels, and an ingenious suspension system derived from the 911 GT1 ensured superior cornering and balance.

GT NUMBER 0852

Given the Carrera GT’s highly impressive technological specification and incredible looks, it is no wonder that each of the 1,270 cars built is treasured today. This example, GT number 0852, was completed on 7 June 2005 and is one of a mere 644 sold new in the United States between 2004 and 2007. Delivered in GT Silver Metallic with a Dark Grey interior, it features full leather extra-tall sport seats (built around advanced CFRP and Kevlar shells); the rich leather continues upon the doors, dashboard, and steering wheel. At the center of the cockpit is a gear selector knob made of birch and ash—Porsche’s subtle nod to the wooden shift knob on their world-beating 917.

Despite its uncompromising, racecar-inspired performance brief, the Carrera GT sacrificed neither style nor features. Its removable lightweight hardtop lends the car a breathtaking fastback appearance, though whether it was fixed in place or removed, the occupants’ roll-over hoops and arching meshed cam covers contributed to voluptuous curves throughout the design. A host of amenities were available to GT buyers, and this car was ordered new with manual air conditioning, a sound system, a Dark Grey luggage set (which is no longer with the car), and the Porsche Online Pro CD radio console.

Since its delivery to southern California during July 2005, GT number 0852 has lived a life of careful use among a short chain of enthusiast owners. In the care of one of these owners, the Porsche was treated to the fitment of custom interior upholstery; while Dark Grey was retained on the seat buckets, the seat inserts were retrimmed in cognac leather (with diamond stitch detailing), and the center console, dashboard, steering wheel, and door armrests were also finished in this attractive color. As presented today, the car shows fewer than 5,855 miles at cataloguing time and remains poised to give its next fortunate custodian many miles of fair-weather enjoyment. It is accompanied by owner's manuals in pouch, as well as a spare key.

The title of “last great analog supercar” is hotly contested, but the Porsche Carrera GT sits at the top of the list for countless enthusiasts. Advanced in design and in its use of cutting-edge materials, the Carrera GT offers a purist driving experience unlike anything built by major automakers today. The opportunity to purchase one new is behind us—but exceptionally maintained and seldom-driven examples such as this one, clad in the model’s quintessential shade of GT Silver Metallic and displaying fewer than 5,855 miles at time of cataloguing, offer discriminating enthusiasts a compelling opportunity to enjoy one of the century’s greatest automobiles.