Style of the 356 SL and 911 GT1 Combined
Porsche France gave us a clue about a new 911 edition on social platforms earlier this week, with some believers presuming it was the much-anticipated, traditional-inspired ST. Unluckily, they were wrong, but the Carrera GTS Le Mans Centenary Edition still earnestly pays homage to Porsche’s prior models via 356 SL and 911 GT1 inspired designs. Discernably, as epitomized by its long-winded name, this unique build commemorates 100 years since the first endurance race, taking place over May 26- 27, 1923.
Exclusively limited to the French market, Porsche is selling only 72 units of their classic 911 Carrera GTS to commemorate 72 years that the German manufacturer has been taking part in the renowned 24-hour race. One could choose either seven-speed manual transmission or eight-speed PDK as options; and both will include an ample list of accessories by default. But how much would it cost? €237,819 which converts roughly to $259,600 at today’s conversion rate.
Today at the Le Mans Classic 2023, Porsche unveiled the new 911 Carrera GTS, which comes with around 30 options as standard equipment. The car features a brand new Le Mans Silver paint, complete with a “46” logo in homage to the number on the 356 SL that won its class at Porsche’s first appearance at Le Mans in 1951. To achieve this modernized version of the original finish, Porsche worked with the owner of the 356 SL and Rod Emory of Emory Motorsports, who spent four years restoring the car. The result is a new gray shade that pays tribute to the classic car.
As for the awe-inspiring side louvers, gorgeous gold wheels, and scarlet seatbelts, they pay homage to the 911 GT1’s astounding victory at the 1998 Le Mans. It further features a Graphite Blue cabin with chalk accents on the steering wheel and an embossed Le Mans racetrack pattern on the middle armrest, coupled with the inscription 1923-2023. Porsche France also adorned the interiors’ middle parts with velour seating materials as well as added the special edition’s full name onto the side sills and fastened it to a plaque mounted on the dashboard’s passenger side.
The Carrera GTS Le Mans Centennial Release stands as one of many localized limited-run editions produced by Porsche within recent times, comprising of the 2023 America Version that was likewise inspired by the Carrera GTS but came in a convertible setting.
Source: Porsche
