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Michelotto prepared Ferrari’s new 458 Italia to GT2 regulations to replace the highly successful F430 GT2 for the upcoming 2011 season. The new car was powered by a 4,499 cc, 4-valve per cylinder, naturally aspirated V8 producing 464hp and it too went on to become a successful GT endurance racer until it was replaced by the turbocharged 488 GTE. It is therefore likely that the 458 will hold the mantle of Ferrari’s last naturally aspirated GT race car.

Chassis 2868 was supplied to Team Taisan of Japan in readiness for the 2013 season and was duly entered in the LM GTE category of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest’s Asian Le Mans Series of that year. The series consisted of four rounds; the Inje Speedium in South Korea (driven by ex-Formula-One driver Kamui Kobayashi), Fuji Speedway in Japan, Zhuhai International Circuit in China and finally Sepang Selangor, Malaysia. Team Taisan became the first team to win the title in the category with 2868 achieving class wins in all four rounds thus earning its qualification for entry to the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2014. Due to Team Taisan’s commitment to the Japanese Super GT Championship they ran the car with assistance from German team Farnbacher.

At the Le Mans test day on June 1st it was driven by (another) ex-Formula One driver Shinji Nakano along with Rich Martin. For the 24 Hours race the pair were joined by Le Mans veteran Pierre Ehret. After a near faultless run they finished the legendary race in 28th position overall and 8th in class.

Following Le Mans, 2868 car was returned to Michelotto for a thorough post-race check through. The December 2014 invoice on file, totalling €47,352 eur (tax-free), denotes engine and gearbox rebuilds in addition to various remedial works. It then returned to Japan yet was not raced again and aside from display at a Ferrari Club of Japan event it has remained in storage until we brought her to the UK in early 2017.

As to be expected, the car is in immaculate condition. It also comes with a valuable (circa €30,000 euro) selection of spares which include 3 sets of wheels, new front and rear bumpers, new under trays a new spare radiator. With EU taxes paid, this superb example really is a prime opportunity to acquire an important Ferrari race car with all-important Le Mans history.

Race History
04/08/2013, Asian Le Mans Series, Round 1, Inje 3 Hours, South Korea.
Car 70
Drivers: Kamui Kobayashi, Naoki Yokomizo
Result: 1st in class, 4th OA.
Class: GTE
22/09/2013, Asian Le Mans Series, Round 2, Fuji Speedway, Japan.
Car: 70
Drivers: Akira Lida, Shinji Nakano, Shougo Mitsuyama,
Result: 1st in class, 12th OA.
Class: GTE
13/10/2013, Asian Le Mans Series, Round 3, Zhuhai 3 hours, China
Car 70
Drivers: Akira Lida, Naoki Yokomizo, Shougo Mitsuyama
Result: 1st in class, 4th OA
Class: GT
08/12/2013, Asian Le Mans Series, Round 4, Sepang 3 hours, Malaysia
Car: 70
Drivers: Akira Lida, Naoki Yokomizo, Shougo Mitsuyama
Result: 1st in class, 9th OA
Class: GTE
01/06/2014, FIA WEC Round 3, Le Mans Test Day
Car: 70
Drivers: Shinji Nakano, Martin Rich
Class: LM GTE Am
14/15/06/2014, FIA WEC Round 3, Le Mans 24 Hours
Car: 70
Drivers: Shinji Nakano, Martin Rich, Pierre Ehret
Results: 8th in class, 28th OA
Class: LM GTE Am

Direkt link to Mark Donaldson http://www.markdonaldson.com/car/2013-ferrari-458-gte/