FYI: The enigmatic Porsche sighted at LAX has been unveiled as a custom Tuthill Porsche GT ONE, and here’s everything you need to know about it.
The Mystery Porsche Unveiled
The Porsche that sent car enthusiasts abuzz when it was first seen at LAX a few months back has finally been identified. Despite widespread speculation and countless theories, the vehicle in question has been confirmed as a Tuthill Porsche GT ONE.
A Viral Sensation
The image of the mysterious Porsche quickly went viral, stirring intense curiosity among car lovers and experts alike. Initial guesses leaned towards it being a Porsche GT1, but no one could determine the exact model. As it turns out, it is indeed a GT1 variant—but not an official factory model from Porsche.
A Collector’s Dream
The identified vehicle is a limited-edition Tuthill Porsche GT ONE, engineered specifically for collectors. Tuthill Porsche, known for their bespoke customizations of German automobiles in the United States, has only produced 22 units of this highly exclusive model, all of which have already been spoken for. Built entirely from carbon fiber, the GT ONE features a 4.0-liter flat-six engine that generates up to 600 horsepower. Notably, it also offers a manual transmission, a rare feature in today’s modern sports cars.
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The Manual Transmission Debate
The availability of a manual transmission in the Tuthill Porsche GT ONE adds an interesting twist to the ongoing debate about the future of manual gearboxes. While a BMW executive recently claimed that manual transmissions are on their way out, the GT ONE proves that there is still a niche market for them, especially among collectors and purists.
Exclusivity Comes at a Price
While the exact price of the Tuthill Porsche GT ONE hasn’t been disclosed, the fact that all 22 units are already accounted for underscores its desirability and exclusivity. If you’re looking to own one, you’re out of luck this time.
The Journey to Identification
The car was first noticed at LAX just before the Monterey Car Week in August. With its unique design, it puzzled even the most seasoned car enthusiasts and professionals. Jalopnik, a renowned automotive website, reached out to Porsche for insights, but even the German car manufacturer couldn’t initially identify the model.
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Behind the Scenes with Tuthill
Why couldn’t Porsche recognize the model? While it may seem odd that Porsche couldn’t identify one of their own, the car’s uniqueness lies in its custom modifications by Tuthill. A spokesperson from Porsche admitted the car "looked cool" but didn’t recognize it as a factory model. This confusion adds an intriguing layer to the story, hinting at the fine line between proprietary designs and custom engineering.
Conclusion
The Tuthill Porsche GT ONE has turned out to be not just a car but a captivating story. From its mysterious sighting at LAX to its eventual identification, this vehicle embodies the passion and intrigue surrounding bespoke automobiles. As Porsche continues to evolve, firms like Tuthill ensure that the legacy of custom, high-performance vehicles lives on.
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William Rapp, Editor of Automotive.fyi
This article skillfully combines exclusive, niche automotive knowledge with a captivating narrative, providing readers with both the details they crave and insights into the mysterious world of car customization.
