The Porsche 911 GT3 and GT3 RS have long held their place as icons in the sports car world, lauded for their power, engaging drive, and undeniable appeal. While it’s no surprise that used examples often command high prices, this unique art car takes things to a whole new level with an asking price of $2 million.
The car in question is a pre-facelift 2007 Porsche 997 GT3, which at first glance looks fairly standard, albeit in immaculate condition. With 41,240 km on the clock and no apparent mechanical modifications, one might wonder what could justify such an astronomical price tag. So, what’s the story?
The answer lies in its unique exterior. The car’s paintwork is the creation of Richard Orlinski, a French sculptor and neo-pop artist best known for his impressive animal-inspired creations.
Transforming the Porsche 911 GT3 997 into this one-of-a-kind artwork took 500 hours of labor, with 10 meticulous layers of gray paint and 11 vibrant yellow coats. The patterns reflect Orlinski’s distinctive style, and his personal touch is literally stamped on the car with his signature at the rear and a metal plaque in the cabin.
While the artwork takes center stage, everything beneath the skin remains pure GT3. This art car retains the original 3.6-liter flat-six engine producing 409 horsepower and the GT3-specific chassis setup. Moreover, it’s equipped with several additional features, including the Club Sport package, Sport Chrono package, bi-xenon headlights, cruise control, and more.
The car may have been produced in 2007, but the artwork was completed in 2018 to commemorate the 55th anniversary of both the Porsche 911 and the Rolex Daytona watch. According to Classic Driver, the art car was auctioned off in Monaco that same year, with proceeds going to charity. At the time, its estimated value ranged from €185,000 to €230,000 ($192,800 to $239,700) – a far cry from its current lofty price tag.
Fast forward to 2024, and the Orlinski-designed GT3 has resurfaced in Portugal, awaiting a well-heeled enthusiast to take it home. A quick search reveals that this sum is outrageous for any 911 of this era. Some examples of the 997 GT3 are currently listed for sale in Europe for around $130,000, which is nearly ten to twelve times the price of a new 911 GT3 or even the 911 GT3 RS 992. The only other modern Porsches that come close to the $2 million mark are the limited-production Carrera GT and 935, as well as the 918 Spyder.
It’s no wonder that this exorbitant price tag could be the reason why the car remains unsold after more than a year on the market. Sure, it’s a unique automotive artwork, but at this price, it’s hard to imagine anyone snapping it up anytime soon.