Ask anyone what they consider to be the ultimate Porsche and they'd most likely respond with some sort of 911. While that's technically true, there have been times when Zuffenhausen whips up something so exceptional it sends the famed sportscar spiraling into second place. The 959 and 918 hybrid are fine examples of this and, good as they are, neither has lived up to the awe-inspiring Carrera GT of the 2000s.
Designed to be the sharpest driving tool in the shed, Porsche engineered the SLR slayer to be as light as possible. A curb weight of 3,042 pounds makes it lighter than a modern-day Golf GTI, which is seriously impressive considering the 5.7-liter naturally-aspirated V10 has 605 horsepower - and no driver aids. Despite an MSRP of $450,000 when new, Porsche only offered the Carrera GT in five shades: GT Silver metallic, Basalt Black, Fayence Yellow, Guards Red, and Seal Grey.
However, a few of the 1,270 examples were specified with Porsche's exclusive paint-to-sample option.
The vivid example you see before you is one such example. Painted in Porsche's iconic Signal Yellow, this is the only Carrera GT in the world to sport the goldenrod-aping hue. While passers-by won't be able to tell this apart from the aforementioned Fayence Yellow, this one-of-one Carrera GT is set apart by rich golden tones that shine through in the sunlight.
The paint-to-sample option is very expensive. Currently, the addition will set you back an extra $11,430 ($14,670 for paint-to-sample Plus) on a base 911. Despite the hefty price tag, it appears to be a popular addition amongst Porsche aficionados.
We're guessing money wasn't an issue when the first owner specified this gorgeous Carrera GT. Offered for sale by Graham Rahal Performance, this 2005 model has covered an impressive 7,814 miles over its life. As always, we're delighted to see a car like this used properly - some Carrera GTs aren't so lucky.
Listed on DuPont Registry for $2,699,995, the 17-year-old supercar will be sold with its pristine removable top. The desirable carbon-ceramic brake package (with red calipers) will certainly intrigue collectors, but we're guessing not many will be taken with the aftermarket multi-spoke wheels. They do, at least, retain the signature color-coded center locks.
Inside, it's austere in typical Germanic fashion. Black leather practically covers every surface in the snug cabin which is uplifted by metal trim inlays and the gorgeous beech wood gear shifter. This is no luxury roadster, though, and the unforgiving bucket seats and carbon fiber door inlays remind you of this.
Interestingly, this Signal Yellow Porsche isn't the first unique Carrera GT we've seen in recent weeks. An example spotted for sale in Miami was resprayed Rosso Fuoco to match its former keeper's extensive collection of Prancing Horses. While it's unique, it doesn't have the originality of the subject of this article. That can't be said of the white-painted Enzo that's going up for auction very shortly.