Though it was eventually dissolved a little over a decade ago in 2011, the GT1 Class ultimately gave way to what are still some of the most iconic production-based race cars of all time, attracting factories including Jaguar, McLaren, Ferrari, and Porsche, just to name a few. Fascinated with Group GT1 cars, filmmaker and Porsche collector Elliot Ross would eventually approach famed Porsche tuner Tuthill Porsche with the idea of creating a modern-day homage to the GT1 Class’ early entrants. And what started as a one-off endeavor would eventually blossom into a small limited run of what’s been christened the Tuthill GT ONE.
The Basics
Created by Richard Tuthill with ample input from Ross, the GT ONE aims to put a modern spin on the ‘90s era, aero-kitted racers from the early GT1 days, while still retaining much of the original competition cars’ character. Developed and built using a spare-no-expense approach, the GT ONE was made to visually resemble early GT1 racers, though unlike GT1 Class cars — which were built to lap a race track as quickly as possible — Tuthill’s GT ONE was engineered specifically for road use. Made on a built-to-order basis with customers being given a wide range of configurable options, each unit requires 3,500 man hours to bring to life.
Bespoke Bodywork
Benefitting from the use of CFD analysis, the Tuthill GT ONE sports a modern set of bodywork that pays homage to the panels and aero elements that adorned earely GT1 classers. Brought to life in carbon fiber, the car’s bodywork design was penned by Florian Flatau — the same mind behind a myriad of Singer’s most noteworthy offerings such as the DLS Turbo and ACS (All-Terrain Competition Study). The extensive use of carbon fiber also assists in the vehicle achieving a weight of around just 2,645lbs.
Engine & Transmission Options
At the heart of the GT ONE is a 4.0-liter flat-six that’s offered in a naturally-aspirated version cranking out more than 500hp or a forced-induction variant that’s good for over 600hp. Taking advantage of the car’s low curb weight, both engine options are offered with either a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or a manual gearbox equivalent.
Hardware & Running Gear
Built around a custom chassis, the GT ONE features double-wishbone suspension setups fore and aft, and a carbon-ceramic braking package with bespoke in-house-made calipers at all four corners, as well. Riding on a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires, the thing is also fitted with a state-of-the-art FIA-spec roll-over protection system and a bespoke Inconel exhaust,
Optional Aero
Though it was primarily developed for on-road use, Tuthill no doubt recognizes the extreme performance capabilities of the GT ONE and how they allow the vehicle to lend itself incredibly well to use on the circuit. To bolster its closed-course capabilities, Tuthill is also offering an optional track-only aero kit for the GT ONE.
What Makes It Special
Putting aside all of the top-of-the-line aftermarket and bespoke componnetry, Tuthill’s GT ONE is wildly impressive on several fronts. It does a stellar job of keeping one foot planted in the past and the other squarely in the present, with its carbon fiber bodywork looking unmistakably modern while still clearing paying homage to Porsche’s ‘90s era 911 GT1.
It not only looks great, but it tips the scales at a super svelte 2,650lbs and makes the most of its lightness with over 500 or 600hp on tap. This means 992-gen 911 Turbo S levels of power and a weight that’s more-than-400-pounds less than the lightest 911 Porsche offers (the 3,056-pound 911 S/T).
What really pushes the GT ONE over the top is the fact that it not only boasts full road-legal status, but it’s actually been engineered to be driven and not merely tracked once or twice a year. All of these qualities undeniably add up to something that’s unlike the vast majority of high-dollar restomods currently out there. The fact it’s also built by one of the world’s most legendary Porsche tuners is just the icing on the cake in my opinion.
Spec Sheet
Brand: Tuthill Porsche
Model: GT ONE
Engine: Forced-Induction or Naturally-Aspirated 4.0L Flat-Six
Transmission: 7-Speed Dual Clutch or Manual Equivalent
Power: 500+ HP N-A or 600+ HP F-I
Body: Carbon Fiber
Weight: 2,645LBs
Street-Legal: Yes
Production: 22 Units
Pricing & Availability
In total, the Tuthill GT ONE will be limited to just 22 examples. Pricing for the road-going GT1 Class tribute has yet to be revealed.
Recap
Tuthill GT ONE
Offered with naturally-aspirated or forced-induction flat-six engine options making over 500hp and 600hp respectively, the Tuthill GT ONE is a modern-day homage to Porsche’s 911 GT1, though unlike the ‘90s era racer, Tuthill’s tribute was engineered specifically for on-road use.
