The Ferrari F430 Challenge and GT3

The F430 Challenge is based upon the Ferrari F430 but has been enhanced by the Maranello factory to be lighter and faster. The car benefits from a racing exhaust and engine management developments with the slick tyre-shod racing BBS wheels being mounted using a Formula 1-inspired central locking wheel nut. This was also the first Ferrari sports competition car is use Carbon-ceramic material (CCM), with the 6-speed paddle-operated sequential manual transmission also being derived from Ferrari’s Formula One programme. The fifth, sixth and final drive ratios were tweaked for the F430 Challenge. The traction control and stability systems of the road car have been permanently disengaged, although the car does retain enhanced ABS and ASR systems, ensuring the driver can really experience the performance offered by this car.

To reduce weight, all carpets and sound deadening material was removed, along with the radio. The standard leather seats were replaced with ultra-light FIA-approved carbon racing seats. Also in the cabin, the leather door pockets were replaced with lightweight Carbon panels, with the rear and side windows replaced with Lexan. For safety, a roll cage was fitted, along with a 6-point racing harness.

For competition, Ferrari produced the F430 Challenge for its Challenge Series, and the F430 GTC in collaboration with Michelotto Automobili for international GT2 competition. However, neither car was eligible for the FIA GT3 European Championship, nor the various national GT championships across Europe. Spotting an opportunity in the market, JMB Racing upgraded the F430 Challenge to GT3 specification. The main improvements were to aerodynamics and power, with the engine now tuned to produce over 550 bhp.

This Ferrari F430 GT3

The Ferrari offered here, chassis ZFFEX63X000147408 was delivered in 2006 as a F430 Challenge, before being upgraded to GT3 specification and entering the 2008 International GT Open Championship. Entered by Roger Racing, this F430 GT3 was finished in red and blue, the same colours of its title sponsor, Mare Rosso, a non-alcoholic drink made by The Coca-Cola Company in Spain.

The 2008 International GT Championship saw fourteen races across seven international circuits, including Monza, Magny-Cours, Spa-Francorchamps, Vallelunga and Circuit de Catalunya. This car was driven throughout the 2008 season by Miguel Julia and Jose Luis Pamplo, always wearing race number 60. By the end of the year, this car had achieved five podium finishes, resulting in a 3^rd place finish in the championship. However, the highlight was victory in at the Valencia street circuit in July. This race history is documented in the Technical Passport which still accompanies this car, confirming each event entered.

For the following season, Roger Racing continued to enter this car, now in the Spanish GT Championship for drivers Armando Zagalo and Mario Silva. The season comprised of eleven races at six circuits across Spain and Portugal.

Having retired from competition, the current owner bought this car in 2016 before sending it to BOX Sarl in France for maintenance and race preparation works. Since these works have been undertaken, the car has returned to the track, including the Silverstone Classic 90s Endurance Legends event in 2016. Maintenance invoices for from BOX Sarl accompany this car, along with pictures of the car competing in period.

Every competition Ferrari is special, but thanks to its GT3 upgrade, this is the most powerful F430 competition car available with 550 bhp! Whether your looking to enter the Peter Auto-organised Endurance Legends or the Ferrari Challenge and GT Days, or just experience the thrill of driving a Ferrari competition car on track, this F430 GT3 is waiting for you.

Price Upon Application