Koenigsegg is a brand known for making highly exclusive supercars. The Swedish manufacturer has produced just over 200 units since it was founded, a figure that it wants to increase in the coming years with the launch of the CC850. In turn, this means that their first copies are highly valued and that there are real unicorns out there. One of them is the Koenigsegg CCGT GT1which is the only competition model that has left its facilities in almost three decades of history.
It comes from the turn of the century era, just after the tragic fire that swept through their previous factory and forced them to move to their current one. It helped them gain strength and in 2004 they launched the mythical Koenigsegg CCR that would take the record as the fastest production car from the McLaren F1. Later came some evolutions, such as the CCX and CCXR that increased power and improved their performance. In between, they would present the Koenigsegg CCGT at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, which was designed to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
This example was based on the CCR, although with some improvements of the CCX and with a deep transformation to adapt to the GT1 category which I wanted to enter. Some limitations that it had were that the car could not exceed two meters in width and the cabin had to be at least 70% of the width of the car, hence those striking proportions. The result was the brutality seen in the photos, which weighed less than 1,000 kg empty and that it generated more than 600 kg of downforce at high speeds.
It moved thanks to the motor 5.0 liter naturally aspirated V8 and 32 valves that they used at the time and that was limited to 600 CV by the regulations. It featured a magnesium sequential transmission made by Koenigsegg and Cima, plus an AP-Racing dual-disc clutch. They could not miss one double wishbone suspension with hydraulic shock absorbers, 362mm carbon-ceramic brakes and a roll cage to reinforce the cabin. The chassis and bodywork are carbon fiber, as you would expect.
This Koenigsegg CCGT GT1 was made by a specialized team and was about to start competing. Just when the development phase was ending, the ACO and the FIA changed the regulations of the GT1 category and the dream was left in the air. Carbon monocoque chassis were no longer allowed and 350 cars had to be produced per year, instead of the 20 that was initially said. The brand did not have that capacity and that meant that it had to withdraw from the competition without even having started.
That single prototype was purchased by Bård Eker, who was a shareholder of Koenigsegg and owner of Eker Design (which helped design this vehicle). For years it has been preserved in perfect condition, making sporadic appearances at some events. In fact, it retains the original tires. The positive part is that he could currently compete in the Masters Endurance Legends. That is if it falls under the right owner, because it will be auctioned soon and is expected to reach a price between 3.5 and 4.67 million euros (between 3 and 4 million pounds).
Source: Bonhams
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