2000 Porsche Carrera GT Prototype Convertible

On September 28th of 2000, Porsche introduced their Carrera GT to the world at the Louvre. The Carrera GT grew from the unrealized LMP 2000 project, which had been started by Porsche Motorsport Chief Herbert Ampferer during Porsche's one-year hiatus from the top level of sports car racing. Their turbocharged engines had been successful in the GT1 category from 1995 through 1998, however, Porsche intended to switch to normally aspirated power for their all-new machine. Powering the LMP 2000 was a development of the Type 3512 3.5-liter V10, used in the Arrows Footwork F1 program. The engine was enlarged to 5.5-liters and given two gear-driven camshafts per cylinder bank. The drivetrain and suspension components were borrowed from the GT1-98 project and installed in a new carbon fiber tub built in the UK by Lola Composites.

The project showed tremendous promise during initial testing, however Porsche chief Dr. Wendelin Wiedeking decided to halt the project in November of 1999. It was labeled a 'business decision' as the company focused their resources and funds on the development of the Cayenne SUV.

Competition has always been part of Porsche's DNA and it wasn't long before Dr. Wiedeking allowed the engineers to build a top-line sports car. One of the first decisions made was to integrate the V-10 engine from the LMP 2000 car into the model. Two Carrera GT prototypes were built, intended solely as concept cars, both using parts sourced from the company's racing bins. The GT1-98 program had much to offer, including the gearbox and suspension components. The space frame chassis was comprised of high-strength aluminum and 15-inch carbon ceramic brakes were placed behind newly designed, center-lock, aluminum 19- and 20-inch wheelbase wearing 265 and 335 section-width Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Even though they were merely concepts, Porsche still fitted them with ABS braking and power system.

The styling for the new supercar was assigned to a team headed by Harm Lagaay. Both Porsche's newly opened Los Angeles-based US design studio and the German styling department were given two days to sketch concepts that would express the qualities necessary for the new Carrera GT. The winning design had to express the extreme aerodynamic and technical requirements of the project while looking as much like a member of the Porsche family as possible.

Two prototypes were built, but only one of the two was assembled as a running automobile. Both cars were similar, yet different, from the production Carrera GT, which it shares almost no components.

This particular example, chassis number 9R3/M 001, is the working prototype example. It has a state-of-the-art high-definition screen instead of instrumentation, and machined billet aluminum projector-style headlights. The engine is a 5500cc dual overhead cam V10 engine fitted with electronic fuel injection and offering nearly 560 horsepower. There is a six-speed manual transaxle, and carbon ceramic disc brakes.

This hand-built supercar was purchased by Mr. Jerry Seinfeld directly from the company in January of 2007. He has been car's sole private owner. It was the only working prototype example, however, Porsche removed the ECU from the engine-management system prior to it entering Mr. Seinfeld's collection. Thus, it remains un-drivable.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2016