Porsche’s exclusive “Sonderwunsch” (Special Wishes) division has completed a striking restoration of a 2005 Carrera GT, transforming it into a vivid homage to the legendary 1970 Le Mans-winning 917 short-tail race car. The project, commissioned by Puerto Rico-based collector Victor Gómez, represents a high-end service where Porsche fully disassembles, rebuilds, and redesigns existing vehicles.
A Radical Transformation
The Carrera GT, originally silver, now wears a striking Guards Red livery inspired by the iconic Salzburg Design of the 917. This includes the number 23, black accents on the roof, pillars, and mirrors, and an aggressive color scheme that extends throughout the interior. The cabin is largely covered in red Alcantara, with matte black detailing providing contrast.
Beyond Cosmetics: A Full Rebuild
This isn’t merely a cosmetic upgrade. Porsche’s Sonderwunsch team completely disassembled the 20-year-old Carrera GT, including a full engine rebuild and refinishing of carbon fiber components. The goal was to restore the car to near-factory condition while simultaneously executing a bold, personalized design.
The Sonderwunsch Program
Porsche’s Sonderwunsch program caters to ultra-high-net-worth clients seeking bespoke vehicle modifications. The service is expensive, with Porsche reportedly charging upwards of $40,000 for specialized paint options alone. The Carrera GT project demonstrates the brand’s willingness to undertake extreme personalization requests, from full restorations to radical redesigns.
This project highlights a growing trend: luxury automakers increasingly offer exclusive customization services as a premium revenue stream. While some purists may balk at such modifications, it caters to a niche market willing to pay for extreme exclusivity and personalized design. The exact cost of the full restoration remains undisclosed, but it is safe to assume that it reaches well into six figures.
The Carrera GT’s transformation proves that Porsche is willing to push boundaries with its Sonderwunsch division, catering to the most demanding clients who seek vehicles that are as unique as they are expensive.
