Launched in 2006, the F430 GTC was a product of collaboration between Ferrari’s Corse Clienti department and Michelotto Automobili that turned the road-going berlinetta into a race car capable of challenging for top honours in the GT2 category. Faster than both the Challenge and GT3 variant, it featured a de-stroked 4-litre version of the Tipo 131 V-8 producing 449 horsepower.

One of the teams to take delivery of the new model was Ontario-based Ferri Competizione, which acquired the example offered here—chassis 2438—in June 2006. The car would be run in the 2006 season by the most successful Ferrari racing team in North America, Texas outfit Risi Competizione, which marked its return to the GT2 category of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) with the new model.

Chassis 2438 showed immediate promise by qualifying 1st for the New England Grand Prix at Lime Rock Park in July. The race started off well with chassis 2438 jumping to an early lead in the GT2 category, however, on lap 11 the car became entangled with a Courage C65 LMP2 car and both had to retire following the resulting accident. Chassis 2438 was subsequently sent back to Michelotto where it was rebuilt with a new shell and was back on the track in August where it finished 4th in class at Road America and 2nd in class at Mosport. It then recorded a stunning 2nd-in-class finish at Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, where it was driven by Anthony Lazzaro, Maurizio Mediani, and Marino Franchitti. Its inaugural season was rounded out with a 7th-in-class finish at Laguna Seca.

The F430 GTC continued its career with Risi Competizione the following year, where it was raced no fewer than 13 times. Its career highlight came mid-season, when it took to the Circuit de la Sarthe for the 2007 24 Hours of Le Mans. Driven by Tracey Krohn, Colin Braun, and Niclas Jönsson, the car was brought home a podium 2ndi-in-class behind only the IMSA Performance Matmut Porsche 911 GT3 RSR of Richard Lietz, Raymond Larac, and Pat Long. Chassis 2438 also had a successful ALMS season scoring a podium 2nd-in-class finish at the Mobil 1 Grand Prix of Mosport as well as 3rd-in-class finishes at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, the North East Grand Prix, and the Acura Sports Car Challenge of Mid-Ohio. Its significant points contribution throughout the season helped Risi Competizione secure the 2007 AMLS Team Championship title.

For 2008, chassis 2438’s final competitive season began with another stellar result. Once again flying the Risi Competizione banner, Krohn, Jönsson, and Eric van de Poele steered the car to an incredible 3rd-in-class finish at the 12 Hours of Sebring. The same driver line-up would finish 4th in class at Petit Le Mans, and their consistent performance of finishing every race entered helped Risi Competizione to achieve 3rd in the ALMS Team Championship for 2008.

Chassis 2438 is a proven example of one of Ferrari’s great race cars of the modern era. Much like its older siblings the 250 GT SWB Competitizione and 275 GTB/C that carried the Prancing Horse to many GT victories in the 1960s, this F430 GTC has an enviable provenance. Notably, it boasts podium results at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and 12 Hours of Sebring under the race direction of Risi Competizione, one of the most successful teams in endurance racing. Further, it is still a hugely capable racer that would be highly eligible for historic race series such as Endurance Racing Legends; indeed, an accompanying estimate to prepare the car for that series—including replacement of the fire extinguisher, fuel tank, seat, and tyres with regulation items—amounts to just over €35,000.

Boasting an impressive resume of eight podium finishes across 28 races with the premiere Risi Competizione team, chassis 2438 is an incredible piece of endurance racing history and would be a fine contender for a return to frontline motorsport or feature in a collection of the finest modern race cars.