Porsche GT3 - By Oakes - Reversing Years of Track Days

I am a car guy at heart, and that means I feel that performance vehicles should be used for their purpose. Few vehicles fully embody the purpose built feeling to be driven, and driven hard, like the Porsche GT3. This particular 997 GT3 is an exact example of being used for what it was meant for, track days and back roads.

The only downside to enjoying our vehicles, is the mechanical and cosmetic wear and tear. Unfortunately, we can’t always have our cake and eat it too in regards to driving these machines to their limits while maintaining that showroom look. However, it doesn’t mean there can’t be a balance or happy medium! As you will see here.

I was contacted by the owner of this first generation 997 GT3 in the hopes to “freshen” her up. After many seasons of track days and auto cross events, it was time to return his prized machine to it’s former glory. This is where the fun starts, and I did my best to document the journey. You can’t blame a man for enjoying this kind of machine the way it was meant to be driven! My OCD may argue otherwise, but the enthusiast in me would have done the same.

As she arrived, looking a little tired and used, and rightfully so.
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

With the preparation done, it was time to revive the paint, and this could have gone any direction, as the condition was rather dire. However, I’ve tackled worse and was very hopeful of this one. First order of business was removing the etching from the track day numbers on the doors! I also removed the factory rock guards, as they were well past their prime, but certainly did their job!

Here are many of the before and after, as well as 50/50 shots of the paint correction process to remove all the surface scratches and defects.
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

And of course, the finished photos. Showing a completely renewed vehicle, looking as proper as she performs! I get to thank CQuartz Finest for really giving the paint that depth and gloss on top of its protection
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Thank you sir and absolutely! Always a light at the end of any tunnel

Thank you!

That picture was taken just after the side of the rear bumper was clayed. Combination of brake dust, track rubber and all the other contamination from enjoyment!

 

Thank you! It was about a full Business week completing everything. The pricing for this kind of work varies greatly depending on the existing condition, the vehicle complexity and the desired protection options. A rough range for THIS type of detail work would be anywhere from $2-6k or more. Again, MANY factors affect this range. However the end results speak for themselves.