2006 Ferrari F430 Challenge

Screaming, high revving engines are synonymous with Ferrari, and their brand-new 4.3-litre V8 engine was truly on brand. With four valves per cylinder, chain-driven camshafts, a variable valve-timing system (from the flagship Enzo's V12), dry-sump lubrication and a very high-compression ratio, the F430 made all the right noises, particularly when attached to a full-house competition exhaust.

Following the successes of the one-make race series of the Ferrari 348, 355 and 360, the Ferrari F430 Challenge was the fourth generation of Ferrari Challenge racing cars.

The F430 Challenge was launched in 2006, with production ending in 2010, at just 142 left-hand drive cars. Specifically designed to meet the expectations of Ferrari’s sportier clients, who could test their driving ability against retained professionals in the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli. Inevitably, there were a few casualties, and it's believed that fewer than half of the F430 Challenge cars survived the four-year season, however those that did are still are eligible to be raced at events such as the AMOC GT, Ferrari Club Racing Series and Global Endurance Legends Series. Not many F430 Challenge cars were subsequently made road-legal, fewer still UK-registered. There must only be, therefore, a handful of Ferraris that can boast a successful race history and road-legal status, making this car very special indeed.

Built during early production in 2006, with assembly number #63971, the car was issued with chassis number #146784 and sold, as confirmed by German Ferrari dealer Alfred Gohm GmBH, to G2 Racing of Switzerland on 22nd August 2006. Talented German driver Bjorn Grossman, who has a page dedicated to his Ferrari Challenge race history on the official Ferrari website, achieved seven wins with this car. The above is taken from a later advert for the car when it was offered for sale by a British dealer of specialist cars, himself a gentleman racer. It also confirmed that the car had its original engine and gearbox.

The car was acquired by our vendor from the first UK-keeper, who had previously registered it on the 6th December 2019. Purchased on the 2nd November 2022, the car joined a Ferrari 360 Challenge previously bought from Silverstone Auctions. A collector of race and rally cars, starting with a Lancia Stratos, he now prefers raising eyebrows outside his local shop to setting circuit records and, conceding that having two Ferrari Challenge cars is perhaps too much for a chap of advancing age, the 430 is regretfully offered to auction. The modifications for road use include the addition of a handbrake, fitting of a glass windscreen and removal of the front splitter.

Presented with an odometer reading of some 18,000 kilometres or 11,500 miles, the extensive history file includes receipts, the V5C and an advisory-free MOT valid until 4th November 2023. As pictured, two sets of wheels and tyres are also included in the sale.