2008 Ferrari F430 Challenge

• A rarely used factory-built Ferrari race-car
• Purchased by our vendor as a complete rolling shell and a new engine installed
• Converted for road use in 2018. A handbrake was added, as was the MOTEC dash to provide a fuel reading, and it was subject to an MOT test 
• Previously road registered and offered with a current V5
• 15,000 Euro FF Corse Aero Kit
• One of only 142 examples produced with less than half believed to still survive

Following the successes of the one-make race series of the Ferrari 348, 355 and 360, the Ferrari F430 Challenge was the 4th generation of Ferrari Challenge racing cars. While the standard F430 was manufactured from 2004 until 2009, the F430 Challenge wasn’t produced until 2007, with production stopping in 2010 ensuring enough time had been given to developing the car. According to its creators, the F430 was at least 70% new compared with the previous model.

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 makes all the right noises, particularly when attached to a full-house competition exhaust.

Whilst the F430 and the F430 Challenge do have common ground, a lot was changed between the standard road car and the Challenge. Cosmetically, the Challenge looks like the black-sheep sibling to the road car. Featuring centre-lock BBS wheels wrapped in big slick tyres, enormous Carbon Ceramic brakes, significant aerodynamic upgrades and a shortened 5th and 6th gear and final drive ratio meaning the Challenge car reportedly tabled 0-62 in just 3.2s. Whilst power stayed the same, the staggering performance on track was due to the ‘less is more’ approach to shedding weight. With no carpets, lightweight windows, no sound deadening, no stereo or passenger seat, and with the addition of a roll-cage and racing harnesses, the F430 Challenge really means business.

This F430 was purchased by our vendor as a complete rolling-shell due to the first owner realising this car’s original engine and gearbox were far more reliable than any of his other Ferraris, so pulled this one out to install in one of his other racing cars. As a result, a new engine was purchased, and installed, believed to be an A1GP engine following the ending of their racing series, but no verification is available.

In contrast to the vast majority of Ferrari Challenge cars, this car seldom saw the track and around 2018 it was decided to convert it for road use. A handbrake was added, as was the MOTEC dash to provide a fuel reading, and it was subject to an MOT test which it passed with flying colours. We presume the road driving experience in a purpose built racing car cannot ever be described as being ‘comfortable’, and this was no exception with rock-hard suspension settings, lack of steering lock and a distinct lack of ventilation so it was subsequently converted back to race specification.

The car is offered with its V5 and presents exceptionally well for a car designed to race. One of its biggest features both physically and metaphorically is the gigantic carbon wing, part of the €15,000 FF Corse Aero Kit providing even more downforce and a notable drop in lap times.

You’d be exceptionally hard pressed to find a Ferrari F430 Challenge in such remarkable shape. It would be possible to add the necessary bits and pieces to achieve another MOT and return it to being road legal and, as it remains road registered, this could be an interesting possibility.