Porsche restores Carrera GT and recreates the look of the 917 Le Mans champion

Collector Victor Gómez, from Puerto Rico, turned to Porsche’s special projects division, Sonderwunsch (German for ‘special wish’), for a complex mission: to rebuild and redefine the identity of his 2005 Carrera GT. The super sports car underwent not only an overhaul, but a complete technical restoration in Zuffenhausen, Germany, receiving the “Salzburg” design — a tribute to the red and white livery of the 917 KH, the car that guaranteed the brand its first overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970.

The process required the total dismantling of the vehicle. In addition to the aesthetic renovation, there was a complete reconstruction of the mechanical components, including the naturally aspirated V10 engine and the monocoque chassis, in addition to the reconditioning of carbon fiber parts, which tend to degrade over time. Originally silver, the model was transformed to bear the historic colors, which posed a challenge to the designers: to adapt the stripes of the racing car to the complex curves of the street model.

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Unlike a conventional painting, the project required sketches and 3D projections to ensure that the Carrera GT’s geometry received the undistorted graphics. The team used lasers and manually applied tapes to define the stroke before the final painting in the colors “Guard Red” and white. The finish includes the number 23, the same as the Le Mans winner, sealed under a special film to withstand use on public roads.

To contrast with the vibrant bodywork, exposed carbon fiber elements — such as the roof, columns, mirrors and rear diffuser — received a satin matte finish. The original magnesium wheels were painted in an exclusive shade of “Satin Silver”, keeping the colored Porsche crest in the center, while the engine grilles were painted matte black.

Exclusivity continues in the cabin. The cabin was almost entirely covered in Alcantara in Guard Red, covering the dashboard, steering wheel and console. In contrast, the seats use a black checkered fabric approved by the FIA, similar to that used in the 918 Spyder. Sonderwunsch’s level of detail has even gone so far as to customize even the set of suitcases and the front trunk in the same pattern, finalizing a project that unites modern engineering with track heritage.