The Collecting Cars online auction platform has seen a special 2004 Porsche Carrera GT achieve a big sale.
Already a desirable modern classic, being originally owned by a Formula 1 World Champion added to the Porsche’s collectability.
Once belonging to Jenson Button, the mid-engined Porsche supercar sold for a considerable €820,500 (£703,000 or $970,000).
What would a Formula 1 veteran drive?
Competing in more than 300 Formula 1 races between 2000 and 2017, Jenson Button racked up 15 grand prix wins. This included clinching the 2009 Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship with the Brawn GP team.
However, it was earlier in his career that Button purchased the Porsche Carrera GT. In 2004, the British driver was competing for the British American Racing team.
When your company car is a 3.0-l V10-powered Formula 1 racer, a Carrera GT was perhaps the closest road-going equivalent.
Unadulterated performance
Matching a lightweight chassis with a 5.7-l naturally aspirated V10, Porsche created a hardcore machine with the Carrera GT. With 603 hp, and 435 lb-ft of torque, the mid-engined Porsche could hit a top speed of 205 mph.
A six-speed manual transmission added to the driver appeal, with carbon ceramic brakes standard equipment.
When ordering his Carrera GT, Button opted for Seal Grey paintwork, complemented by a Terracotta leather interior. A Porsche car cover, matching leather luggage, and covers for the removable roof panel were all included.
Extra collector’s item included
Button later sold the Porsche but the car was offered for sale with a letter confirming his tenureship. A special pewter sculpture of the V10 engine, gifted to those who ordered a Carrera GT, features Button’s name engraved on it.
Along with having been owned by a Formula 1 World Champion, the Carrera GT was backed by an extensive service history. This included a recent new ceramic clutch, along with the replacement of all three radiators.
Interest in the Porsche was strong on Collecting Cars, with 37 bids received. This culminated in the winning bid, with a value more than doubling the original price of the Carrera GT.
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