The Journey to Finding the Perfect Carrera GT: A True Porsche Enthusiast’s Story
For any Porsche aficionado, the Carrera GT is often regarded as the crown jewel in the conversation. While the 918 Spyder is also revered, it’s the Carrera GT, with its raw, analog driving experience, that captures the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide. But when someone has the passion and means to secure such a car, how does one go about finding the perfect fit? The team sat down with Colin Chow, founder of Auto Icons, to discuss his journey that began in the winter of 2022.
Colin Chow is the visionary and founder behind Auto Icons, with over 25 years of experience in the luxury, performance, and classic cars industry. His journey began with a focus on after-sales services, where he gained invaluable insights into the technical intricacies of high-performance cars. As his knowledge of the industry deepened, he saw an opportunity to create Auto Icons into a premier one-stop solution for car collection, solutions, experiences, and enjoyment. Auto Icons has grown into a reliable authority with a global network of connections and communities, offering tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of luxury and performance car enthusiasts.
I think Carrera GTs have always been a part of any car or Porsche guy's conversation. The clients are always mentioning the ultimate car, the ultimate Porsche, the Carrera GT, either that or the 918 Spyder, but the more analog one has always been the Carrera GT. I think it was an inevitable conversation to have with somebody who has the means to have a nice car.
- Colin Chow, founder of Auto Icons
In this interview, we get a closer look at the process of sourcing a Carrera GT for clients, the focus on making a sound investment, and the unparalleled thrill of owning such an iconic vehicle.
The Journey Begins
On February 2022, the idea of acquiring a Porsche Carrera GT first surfaced during a winter adventure for Colin. The plan was to participate in an ice driving event in Åre, Sweden with a client, but the event was canceled due to unsuitable weather conditions, leaving the group stranded in a remote location. After the snowmobile fun had worn off, the question arose: what next?
As the group passed the time in a cozy café, the topic of the Porsche Carrera GT, often referred to as the ultimate and elusive Porsche by car enthusiasts, came up:
A quick search on a phone revealed an opportunity - a Carrera GT was available for sale in Stuttgart, Germany. After a phone call to the Porsche center, Colin learned that the car had already been reserved. But, there was another one: a sealed grey Carrera GT with an Ascot interior. The next step was clear - fly from Sweden to Germany.
When visiting the Carrera GT facility for the first time, Colin was struck by the sheer number of these rare vehicles. Having only seen them in magazines or occasionally catching a glimpse of one on the street, stepping into the space filled with Carrera GTs was an overwhelming experience. It was a unique moment that reinforced the car’s rarity and desirability, elevating the entire journey of sourcing and owning such a legendary vehicle
We've only seen that one Carrera GT in magazines. And sometimes in the corner of your eye, you see one on the street somewhere. They're so elusive, right? At the showroom, there were two already, right? I still remember. And it was quite a sight. What was very impressive was that the person who was in charge, Thomas Affenzeller, he is the go-to guy for Carrera GT and 918 Spyders because he was part of the development program for these cars.
The car was in immaculate condition, with just over 12,000 kilometers on the clock, despite a minor incident that had required some repairs. Porsche had expertly restored it using new parts, and all repairs were thoroughly documented. The client was thrilled, and the purchase was finalized shortly after.
It was like a super mint car, decently low mileage, 12,000 something kilometers, I remember. And he says, well, it's had a small incident at the front end, but it was completely built proper by Porsche and it's properly documented, it's like a thick file full of photos and certifications of how the repairs were done with brand new parts and all that. So the client was happy and he picked up the car in a short amount of time.
A Series of Challenges
The excitement of driving the revered Carrera GT was tempered by a few delays. A recall program from Porsche grounded the vehicle, along with other Carrera GTs, globally to replace the wishbones. As a result, the owners were unable to participate in the annual exclusive Porsche drive. This recall extended the waiting period for the full experience with the car, and it wasn’t until 2024 that the first real drive took place. Nevertheless, the allure of the Carrera GT remained strong, and the owner was determined to experience it to its fullest potential. In 2024, the team expanded the Carrera GT program, introducing it to more clients and organizing exclusive drives and events centered around the iconic car.
The Porsche Carrera GT Experience
Finally, in 2023, the long-awaited Porsche drive took place. Although the Carrera GTs could not be driven, Porsche supplied brand new GT3s and 911 Turbos due to the recall, the drive experience was nothing short of unforgettable. The event gathered a diverse group of individuals - entrepreneurs, industrialists, car collectors, and hotel owners - all sharing a passion for legendary cars like the Carrera GT.
So, that was nice. And the experience was quite eye-opening. I was very surprised because these are the epitome of the luxurious top-end Porsches, right? But they're the most down-to-earth and most amazing people ever. All walks of life, mostly industrialists or entrepreneurs, you know, very successful people in their own right. But everybody just got along. It's just that one common thing where people could talk about what have you done to your car, how have you looked after the cars. Everybody had something to share about their cars. And I think that was nice. And although there were some language barriers and all that, but when it came down to the car, everybody just laughed and had a good time.
The event wasn’t about racing or showing off skills; it was all about enjoying the pure pleasure of driving. Conversations flowed freely as attendees discussed modifications, exchanged tips on maintenance, and shared stories of their driving experiences. Language barriers faded as the love for the Carrera GT united everyone. The atmosphere was warm, relaxed, and welcoming - offering a rare experience in the often-competitive world of high-end luxury cars.
An Investment Opportunity
For some, the Porsche Carrera GT is not just a machine - it’s a financial investment. One such client, initially not a car enthusiast, was drawn to the Carrera GT after a conversation about its long-term value. Given its full carbon monocoque and limited production, it was clear that the car would hold or even increase in value over time.
In sourcing a Carrera GT, two distinct approaches emerged: one for the collector looking to keep the car pristine for investment purposes, and another for those wishing to enjoy the car and put some mileage on it. After much deliberation from Colin’s expert advice, the solution was simple - buy two cars: one for investment and one for regular driving enjoyment.
The client purchased a low-mileage Carrera GT to hold as a long-term investment and found another with higher mileage to drive without concerns of depreciation. The latter car had around 70,000 kilometers, making it perfect for regular use. A few years later, the investment car was sold at a profit, while the client continued enjoying the thrill of the Carrera GT.
The Search for the Perfect Car
Months later, another opportunity arose for a different client - a Carrera GT in Czechoslovakia that seemed perfect. With a flawless exterior and interior, the only issue was some minor refreshing required to restore it to its original glory.
With the right expertise and connections, we ensure that the right car is offered at the right price - thoroughly inspected and ready to become a valuable part of someone’s everyday life.
The decision was made to move the car to Asia, where it would be more accessible for the client. The car was carefully refurbished with upgrades to ensure it was ready for enjoyment. Now, the client had a Carrera GT that could be driven both in Europe and closer to Asia, allowing them to enjoy their passion while also making a smart financial decision.
The Importance of Condition
One of the key lessons learned throughout this journey was the importance of purchasing a Carrera GT in the best possible condition. Though expensive upfront, a well-maintained Carrera GT is a wise investment in the long run. The repair costs for these cars can be astronomical - items like the front bumper alone can cost upwards of €28,000. It’s essential to ensure the car is in pristine condition to avoid costly repairs later on.
I believe it's always worthwhile paying a little bit more for a better condition car. Because the next guy that's going to buy your car is going to want a good condition car. Nobody wants to deal with a project car or a car that needs repair. Certainly not a Carrera GT because the repair bills can be very extensive. The front bumper costs like 28,000 euros. And there's so much carbon on a car that anything that's broken, it's in the tens of thousands.
So you want to make sure that you get a car that's in pristine condition. The fact that I love the Carrera GT so much, I've done a lot of studying over the years. Even with the first car that we came across, I made sure that I could ask at least the right questions.
Through this experience, expertise in inspecting and evaluating Carrera GTs grew exponentially. Understanding the car’s nuances - from the weight of the hood to the feel of the doors and shifters - proved crucial in ensuring authenticity and quality.
In the world of luxury cars, particularly when sourcing rare models like the Carrera GT, Colin has encountered situations where cars weren't as legitimate as they seemed. Unfortunately, just like in any other market, some dealers aren’t entirely forthcoming, and they may try to obscure flaws or issues to make a sale. Over time, Colin learned to navigate these challenges, recognizing that not all used products are as advertised. While some cars may appear promising, the team has come across a few that raised red flags, revealing issues that were better left uncovered. In these cases, the team takes a professional approach, politely declining to proceed with the purchase to ensure that their clients only get the best.
Colin’s Final Thoughts: We Take It Personally
Through his relationships with fellow owners and exposure to the expertise of how they maintain and care for their cars, Colin has developed a deep appreciation for these iconic vehicles. This experience has shaped his commitment to not only keeping current owners happy but also introducing new people to the community and ensuring they enjoy these cars just as much. When it comes to the cars Auto Icons trades, there have been instances where previous repairs were not done properly or where flaws have been discovered. Rather than simply moving these cars along, the team at Auto Icons takes the time to fix any issues, ensuring repairs are done correctly and transparently documented.
Clients prioritize paying the right price and getting the car into the best possible condition before offering it for sale. This approach goes beyond profit-making - it’s personal to me, with a focus on preserving the integrity of the car and maintaining a reputation for quality and transparency.
The goal is to ensure that buyers can enjoy their Carrera GT or 918 Spyder without any regrets. Colin emphasizes that this ethos of transparency and quality control has expanded beyond just the Carrera GTs to other models like the 918 Spyder, where even low-mileage cars are carefully checked and made ready for sale. The Auto Icons team’s reputation is built on providing peace of mind to clients by addressing any issues upfront, making sure that any necessary fixes are taken care of before the car is passed on to the next owner. In contrast, many dealers may downplay issues or offer cars at suspiciously low prices without disclosing accidents, multiple owners, or other red flags. Colin’s passion for providing the best service goes beyond the cars; he's constantly learning, staying updated on the latest industry trends, and evolving his expertise. This drive to grow ensures that he continues to make informed, knowledgeable decisions about the vehicles offered. The team works hard to weed out problematic cars, ensuring that every vehicle they trade is worth its value and can be enjoyed by its new owner without the burden of hidden surprises. This dedication to professionalism and transparency has become a cornerstone of the Auto Icons brand, helping to build a community of confident, satisfied owners.
The Investment of a Lifetime with Auto Icons
For those looking to invest in a rare and prestigious car, the key to success lies in the condition and provenance of the vehicle. With careful attention to maintenance and proper care, these cars can appreciate in value over time. The Auto Icons team, led by Colin Chow, offers expertise in identifying these rare gems and ensuring that they remain in peak condition.
The Porsche Carrera GT is more than just a high-performance sports car; it symbolizes the pursuit of perfection in engineering, driving experience, and investment. Whether it’s a collector’s item or a daily driver, the Carrera GT continues to captivate and inspire. The journey of sourcing and owning one is not just about acquiring a car - it’s about understanding its legacy, its value, and its undeniable appeal to those who truly appreciate automotive craftsmanship.
At Auto Icons, we’re committed to ensuring that every Carrera GT or 918 Spyder we offer is more than just a car - it’s an investment in a true automotive experience. We invite you to talk with our team or Colin today via Whatsapp, email, or the contact form.