When it comes to the Porsche Carrera GT, there are few people on Earth who understand these legendary V10 supercars as intimately as Jimmy Repasi. In this 52-minute episode of "In The Drivers' Seat with ABS," the Audrain Museum Network provides a rare window into the mind of the world's foremost Carrera GT specialist. This isn't just another car interview—it's a masterclass in what separates passionate expertise from ordinary mechanical knowledge.
Jimmy's journey from trade school graduate to becoming the person that Carrera GT owners around the world trust with their million-dollar machines is a testament to dedication, continuous learning, and an almost obsessive attention to detail. As he explains to the hosts, working on these cars isn't just a job—it's a calling that requires understanding not just how the car works, but why Porsche engineered it the way they did.
Key Takeaways
- Jimmy started working on CGTs at a Porsche dealership before launching Repasi Motorwerks to focus exclusively on these rare supercars
- The infamous CGT clutch issue is actually a throttle control problem—learning proper technique solves most clutch concerns
- Driving a CGT regularly is better for the car than letting it sit; these are mechanical machines that need to stay active
- Proper service intervals are based on age, not mileage—a 20-year-old car with 5,000 miles needs the same service as one with 15,000
- Jimmy has performed major services on 80-100 Carrera GTs, more than any other independent technician in the country
- Modern solutions can address the CGT's original engineering limitations while preserving its analog driving character
- Pre-purchase inspections are critical—Jimmy's thorough inspections have saved buyers from costly mistakes
- The CGT community is tight-knit, with owners traveling from across the globe for service at Repasi Motorwerks
Video Chapters
Introduction
The hosts introduce Jimmy Repasi and set the stage for an in-depth conversation about Carrera GT expertise
The Path to Specialization
Jimmy explains how he transitioned from general Porsche work to focusing exclusively on the CGT
Understanding the Clutch
The truth about the CGT's notorious clutch and why most problems are actually driver technique issues
Common Service Issues
Fuel pumps, coolant systems, and other maintenance items CGT owners need to know
Working with Doug DeMuro
Jimmy discusses inspecting and maintaining Doug DeMuro's Carrera GT
Philosophy of Preservation
How Jimmy applies modern technology while respecting the car's original character
Expert Commentary
What makes this interview particularly valuable is Jimmy's willingness to share the hard-earned wisdom that comes from thousands of hours working on these cars. When he discusses the Carrera GT's clutch, he cuts through the myths that have plagued the CGT community for years. The reality, as Jimmy explains, is that the clutch itself is remarkably robust—what owners perceive as clutch problems are typically the result of improper throttle modulation during engagement.
This distinction matters because it changes how owners should approach learning to drive their cars. Rather than treating the CGT as a temperamental beast that will punish any mistake, owners can approach it as a precision instrument that rewards proper technique. Jimmy has seen clutches last well beyond what conventional wisdom suggests, simply because owners learned to work with the car's unique characteristics rather than against them.
The conversation also reveals Jimmy's approach to solving engineering challenges. When discussing fuel pump issues—a known weakness in the CGT—Jimmy explains how he developed solutions that address the root cause rather than just treating symptoms. This methodology reflects the depth of understanding that comes from truly studying these cars, not just repairing them.
Perhaps most interesting is Jimmy's take on driving frequency. Contrary to the instinct many collectors have to preserve their cars by limiting use, Jimmy advocates for regular driving. The CGT's mechanical systems were designed to operate at specific temperatures and pressures; extended storage allows seals to dry, fluids to degrade, and components to settle in ways that can cause problems. A CGT that's driven monthly will typically require less maintenance than one that sits for years between outings.
Why This Matters for CGT Owners
For Carrera GT owners and prospective buyers, this interview provides insights that simply aren't available anywhere else. Understanding the distinction between actual mechanical issues and driver technique problems can save thousands of dollars in unnecessary repairs. Knowing that your car benefits from regular use rather than garage hibernation changes how you approach ownership entirely.
For the broader automotive community, Jimmy's story illustrates what genuine expertise looks like in the modern era. In a world where information is abundant but wisdom is scarce, specialists like Jimmy represent an irreplaceable resource. His knowledge wasn't downloaded or summarized—it was built through years of hands-on work, careful observation, and continuous learning.
This interview is essential viewing for anyone who owns, is considering purchasing, or simply appreciates the Porsche Carrera GT. It offers both practical maintenance knowledge and a deeper understanding of what makes these cars special and how to preserve that character for decades to come.
The Audrain Museum's interview with Jimmy Repasi accomplishes something rare in automotive media: it provides genuinely useful information while capturing the passion that drives true expertise. Whether you're a CGT owner looking to better understand your car, a prospective buyer evaluating whether CGT ownership is right for you, or simply an enthusiast who appreciates mechanical excellence, this 52-minute conversation delivers exceptional value. Jimmy's combination of deep technical knowledge and clear communication makes complex subjects accessible without oversimplifying them—exactly what you'd want from someone you're trusting with a seven-figure supercar.
