Porsche’s Carrera GT can trace its roots back to a stillborn racing program in the late 1990s, when Porsche sought to produce a new Le Mans prototype to replace the GT1. Originally intended to be powered by a 5.5-liter V-10, a change in FIA rules shelved Porsche’s racing plans while the model was in development. Nevertheless, if the car could not be used for racing, Porsche believed it could adapt the platform for use on the road.

The Carrera GT was first seen in concept form on Porsche’s stand at the Paris Motor show in 2000, where it was displayed alongside the rest of its lineup. The concept received a massive amount of attention and over time, bolstered with additional revenue thanks to the then-new Cayenne SUV, Porsche decided to proceed with production of its new supercar. Going head-to-head with the Ferrari Enzo, Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, and even the Ford GT, the Carrera GT quickly proved to hold its own against the competition in what was a very fierce market.

To the trained eye, the Carrera GT’s motorsport roots were instantly palatable. Boasting a full carbon fiber monocoque and subframe produced by ATR Composites of Colonna, Italy, it proved to be just as strong as it was lightweight. The Carrera GT was also fitted with a racing-derived suspension with upper and lower wishbones and inboard, rocker-arm suspension at all four corners, eight-piston monoblock front brake calipers, and four-piston monoblock rear calipers with ventilated and cross-drilled carbon-ceramic brake rotors, all surrounded by forged magnesium-alloy center-lock wheels.

Weighing just 2,755 pounds, the Carrera GT is capable of mind-bending performance, achieving 60 mph in less than four seconds, and can double that speed in just 10 seconds, with a maximum track speed of about 200 mph. To ensure safety and stability at higher speeds, there is a traction-control system, while the underside of the chassis incorporates a thoughtful ground-effects package that draws the car closer to the pavement. A retractable rear wing extends at speeds above 75 mph to aid rear downforce. To prove its over-the-road capabilities, factory test driver Walter Röhrl achieved an astonishing lap of 7:28 at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in July 2004, a Porsche record that stood until 2010.

Initial demand was massive and with production limited, Porsche only allocated one or two examples to each of its dealers worldwide, ensuring that only its best customers would be given the keys to its greatest supercar. While Porsche planned a 1,500-unit production run, only 1,270 examples were delivered beginning in 2004.

Finished in the highly attractive and seldom-seen color combination of Seal Grey over black, it is clear that this Carrera GT has always been cherished and well maintained every day of its life. Originally delivered new to the United States, the car first resided in New Mexico, where it passed through two owners before being purchased by an owner in Arizona and later being sold to an individual in Florida.

Purchased by the current custodian for inclusion in his collection of Porsches in 2009, the car was imported to Switzerland and immediately shipped to Porsche Zentrum Stuttgart, where it was fully serviced. More recently, the car has received a service by Porsche Centre Lausanne and is ready to be driven and enjoyed and remains in exceptional condition inside and out. Furthermore, it is offered with a full set of luggage and its original set of manuals.

Even after more than a decade from when the last example rolled off the line, the Carrera GT can still keep up with today’s current crop of supercars, and its looks have not aged a day. A staple of any Porsche collection, the Carrera GT demands constant respect and attention from its driver, but it rewards the skilled pilot with mind-bending performance and a drive that shall never be forgotten. This Seal Grey example is truly an excellent example of the breed. With under 8,500 miles on its odometer and following a recent service, it would be the perfect acquisition for the Porsche enthusiast looking to sample what is arguably Stuttgart’s most compelling car of the 21st century.