Porsche France has revealed the exclusive 911 Carrera GTS Le Mans Centenaire Edition, which pays its respects to 100 years of the 24 Heures du Mans.
Porsche will produce 72 examples – one for each year it has participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Each will be priced at €237,819 (~$391,800) including taxes, and will be for French buyers only.
The special edition has unique design elements inspired by the Porsche 365 SL and 911 GT1, both of which played a big part in Porsche’s history at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Born in Le Mans. Manufactured in Zuffenhausen*.
Depuis 100 ans, les @24hoursoflemans nous animent. Aujourd’hui, nous rendons hommage à la plus belle course avec une création exclusive : la 911 Carrera GTS Le Mans Centenaire Edition. pic.twitter.com/PgAMUkJEyT— Porsche France (@Porsche_France) June 29, 2023
The model is based on the 911 Carrera GTS (packing 353kW), which offers either a seven-speed manual gearbox or eight-speed PDK.
“We are very proud to present today this model 100 per cent dedicated to the French market,” said Marc Meurer, president of Porsche France.
“The 911 Carrera GTS Le Mans Centenaire Edition is the result of a common know-how and passion between our Porsche France teams and the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur.”
This model has been in the making since 2020 and was a collaboration between Grant Lasson (who designed the first Boxster), Porsche France’s product team, and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (which organises the 24 Hours of Le Mans).
“The history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is intimately linked to that of Porsche. A prestigious brand, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year,” said Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest.
“This limited series exclusively dedicated to France is a superb tribute to the largest endurance race in the world.”
“Thank you to Porsche for continuing to make all car enthusiasts dream and for its commitment to endurance.”
The special edition features 25 unique elements including a hand-milled badge on the rear grille, as well as custom badging with the Circuit de la Sarthe finished in blue, white and red.
Unique Sport Design side skirts, and Graphite Blue leather GT-sport steering wheel with a 12 o’clock marking are also included.
Porsche’s colour studio, alongside the owner of the 1951 365 SL, created the Le Mans Silver shade which finishes the exterior.
According to the brand, the colour has been modernised to create a unique grey that pays tribute to motorsport in the 1950s.
The Aurum wheels, unique quarter panels, and red belts are inspired by the 911 GT1, which won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1998 with two French drivers at the wheel.
The vehicle wears an exterior number 46 from the 1951 race winning Porsche 365 SL.
Inside, it has a Graphite Blue leather upholstery throughout. Porsche has embossed the 24 Hours of Le Mans logo on the headrest and the Circuit de la Sarthe on the top of the centre console.
Porsche also uses decorative inserts from the 2023 Carrera behind the wheel as well.
Each customer that purchases this special edition model will also receive a specific key case, a specific inner cover, and a personalised book of photos showing their vehicle at the factory and in the Exclusive Manufaktur workshops.
Porsche has set 14 records at the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 1951, and has 19 overall victories and 110 class victories throughout its involvement in the race.
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