by Factory Restoration of an Iconic Supercar
One of the most coveted supercars of the modern era, the Porsche Carrera GT, has been brought fully back to life by Porsche itself. This project, carried out by the Porsche Sonderwunsch division under the Factory Re-Commission program, returned the car to a true ‘zero-kilometer’ state. The restoration includes not only technical updates but also a special racing livery inspired by historic competitions and a completely redesigned interior.
Inspired by Victory and Plans for Use
The work was commissioned by collector Victor Gomez from Puerto Rico. He was inspired by the image of the Porsche 917 with the Salzburg livery that won the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans. The restored Carrera GT is painted in Indian Red with hand-painted white graphics and bears the number 23, echoing the look of the legendary race car. Unlike many restored cars that end up in closed collections, this supercar will not sit in a garage. Gomez intends to drive it regularly. That is why Porsche coated the unique paint layer with a clear protective film.
Exterior and Interior
The new livery is combined with matte black carbon fiber accents on the air intake grille, mirrors, pillars, roof, engine cover, and diffuser. The original alloy wheels were retained but repainted black to harmonize with the updated exterior. The interior underwent a complete transformation. Key surfaces such as door panels, dashboard, center console, headliner, and front trunk are now upholstered in Indian Red Alcantara. The steering wheel was also re-trimmed to match the overall theme. The red palette is complemented by matte carbon accents and durable black fire-resistant fabric borrowed from the 918 Spyder.
Depth of the Restoration
This was not a cosmetic repair. The restoration required a complete disassembly of the supercar, recoating of its carbon fiber parts, and a full rebuild of the atmospheric V10 engine. The donor car was Victor Gomez’s own 2005 Carrera GT, which originally left the factory in silver. Although Porsche does not disclose how many kilometers the car had before restoration, the final product is a functionally new car. Gomez, who also runs a large car dealership group, highly praised the team’s work, noting their passion and attention to detail.
Historical Context of the Model
The Porsche Carrera GT, produced from 2003 to 2006, was the pinnacle of the brand’s model range at the time. It pushed the boundaries of what was possible with its carbon fiber monocoque and 5.7-liter V10 engine. This engine produces 603 horsepower and sends power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Capable of reaching 330 km/h, the Carrera GT is often cited as one of the last truly analog supercars—a high-revving V10 paired with a clutch pedal and without electronic safety systems. Its successor, the 918 Spyder, marked the transition to electrified performance, appearing in 2013 with a hybrid powertrain. The future of an electric supercar like the Porsche Mission X concept remains uncertain for now.
Such factory restoration projects highlight the growing value of cars that have already become classics. They demonstrate that for modern collectors, it is important not only to own a rare specimen but also to give it a new life according to personal preferences while preserving historical authenticity. The owner’s desire to actively use the car, not just store it, indicates a shift in the approach to collecting, where the emotions of driving play a key role. It also shows manufacturers’ willingness to support their heritage by offering customers unique services that go far beyond standard service.
