Porsche revealed a special vehicle today, the 911 GTS Le Mans Centenaire Edition. The special edition paying tribute to the illustrious history of Porsche in motorsports, specifically commemorating their debut at Le Mans in 1951 and the remarkable achievement of the Porsche GT1 prototype, which secured a one-two overall finish in 1998. This limited edition model is based on the formidable 911 GTS, renowned for its impressive performance, delivering 473 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque.
Developing the 911 GTS Le Mans Centenaire Edition involved three years of meticulous craftsmanship, blending the expertise of various entities. Porsche France and the Le Mans organizing body ACO collaborated with Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and Grant Larsson, Porsche’s head of Special Projects, to bring this special edition to life. Notably, they also enlisted the assistance of Cameron Healy, a passionate Porsche collector from Philadelphia, who owns the historic 356 SL, and Rod Emory, a Porsche 356 restorer based in Los Angeles.
One of the distinguishing features of this special edition is the Le Mans Silver paint, specially formulated to provide a captivating backdrop for the racing roundel, drawing inspiration from the iconic #46 356 SL. Additionally, the design incorporates several elements reminiscent of the GT1 prototype, such as the Arum wheels, louvers in the rear three-quarter windows, and red seat belts. The PDLS Plus headlights feature tinted covers, while the black satin finish door sills proudly bear the edition’s name. The body-colored diffuser accents add a touch of sophistication. On the engine cover, a hand-milled badge showcases the race logo and signifies the centenary of the event, spanning from the inaugural edition to the present day.
Stepping inside the 911 GTS Le Mans Centenaire Edition, drivers and passengers are greeted by a luxurious Graphite Blue leather interior. The exquisite craftsmanship is evident in the Chalk thread stitching that adorns the entire cabin, extending even to the meticulously stitched inner door sills. The race logo is elegantly embossed on the seat headrests, positioned above the central bolster sections finished in velvet. Furthermore, the armrest showcases a layout of the Le Mans circuit, adding an exclusive touch to the interior ambiance.
To further accentuate the exclusivity of this limited edition, Porsche has allocated a production figure of 72 units, symbolizing the uninterrupted presence of Porsche cars at the starting line of the Le Mans race for 72 consecutive years. Coincidentally, the number 72 also corresponds to the governmental department number of the La Sarthe region, where Le Mans is located. Consequently, only 72 fortunate buyers in France will have the opportunity to acquire one of these exceptional vehicles. As a gesture of appreciation, Porsche will provide each buyer with a special key case, an indoor car cover, and a photobook documenting the production journey at Zuffenhausen and the Exclusive Manufaktur workshops.
The starting price for the 911 GTS Le Mans Centenaire Edition is set at €237,819 ($259,292 U.S.) after taxes, representing an approximate €80,000 premium over a standard 911 Carrera GTS in France. This limited edition model encapsulates Porsche’s enduring legacy in motorsports, blending exquisite design elements and performance to create a truly unique and collectible vehicle for passionate Porsche enthusiasts.
