2012 Ferrari 458 Challenge – RM | Online Only – LONDON 31 OCTOBER 2020

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All details and pictures about the auction HERE at RM Sothebys Auction
 
Factory owned and prepared between 2012 and 2017, with just 13,200 kilometres from new.
 
Overhauled in Maranello and upgraded to “Evo 2” aerodynamics package in 2017.
 
Used by a variety of factory Ferrari drivers for VIP passenger laps around Fiorano test track.
 
Never raced, and immaculately presented in Giallo Modena with contrasting black cloth interior.
 
Ideal for GT Cup, Britcar, selected Historic events or Track Days
 
Please note that this lot is sold on a Bill of Sale.

As long ago as 1993, Ferrari launched their one-make Ferrari Challenge series, which afforded professional and amateur drivers alike the opportunity to sample Maranello’s then-current 348 Berlinetta model in a racing environment. Initially European in focus, the inaugural Ferrari Challenge North America followed in 1994, while 2011 saw the series extended to the Far East with the Ferrari Challenge Asia-Pacific.

The series’ regulations were revised in 1995, 2000 and 2006 to reflect the incoming 355, 360 and F430 models respectively, whilst 2011 heralded the arrival of the new 458 Challenge model. Stripped of any extraneous weight, the car was some 350 kilogrammes lighter than the standard car and this – allied to a prodigious 570 horsepower from its 4.5-litre engine – offered startling performance approaching that of many contemporary GT3 race cars.

This particular example is highly unusual in that it remained at the factory until 2017, during which time it was maintained regardless of cost. It was regularly used – often by works drivers – for VIP passenger laps of the Fiorano track; a task which a 458 Challenge could reputedly complete a mere 0.2 seconds per lap slower than Ferrari’s fearsome 800 horsepower FXX track-only prototype. At the conclusion of its works career, the car was overhauled by the factory and upgraded to an “Evo 2” aerodynamics package, after which it was sold to Ferrari Main Dealer Meridien Modena of Lyndhurst, Hampshire.

Having covered a mere 13,200 non-racing kilometres from new, the car is immaculately presented and represents an ideal prospective entry to numerous race series including the UK-based GT Cup, Britcar, Ferrari Club Racing and selected standalone Historic races. Alternatively, with genuine two-seat capability, it represents perhaps the ultimate track day weapon.

For sale – 2012 Ferrari 458 GT3

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All details and pictures HERE at Jan B. Lühn
 
An ex-AF Corse car / Chassis No 3412
 
Model history:
The Ferrari 458 GT3 was launched in 2011 and superseded the F430 GT3, which had achieved over eighty class victories between 2006–2013. Like its predecessor, it was developed as a ground-up racing car and built in collaboration with Michelotto Automobili, the same factory-endorsed organisation responsible for countless racing Ferraris as well as the development of the 288 GTO and F40.

The engine is a bespoke 4.5-litre V-8 built for motorsport purposes, with only the engine block carried over from the road-going 458 Italia. It produces 550 bhp at 9,000 rpm, with 550 Nm of torque with GT3 specification restrictors in place and over 600 bhp without them. Power is channelled through a Hewland MLS six-speed sequential gearbox with steering-wheel-mounted paddles and Hewland’s ‘Paddle Shift’ gear-change system. The entire transmission weighs just 66 kg and, like the rest of the car, is an exercise in weight saving; the bodywork is nearly all carbon fibre and features the fully race-optimised aerodynamic package, including a colossal rear wing and diffuser at the rear and splitter at the front. A lightweight aluminium chassis, MR630 Technomesh forged Motegi racing wheels and Lexan polycarbonate glazing complete the package and together reduce kerb weight to just 1,250 kg. It is thus over 200 kg lighter than the road-going variant, with immeasurably more downforce and mechanical grip.

As with all racing Ferraris, the 458 GT3 was expected to be a potent package, and so it proved with an endless list of wins, the most notable of which are six victories in the 24 hours of Spa as well as Pro-Am victories in the Blancpain Endurance Series in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015.

Specific history of this car:
Chassis #3412 was built by Michelotto in 2012 and delivered new to the Ferrari Works team AF Corse in Piacenza two start its racing career in 2013. A technical passport was issued on 29 April 2013 by the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium in the name of AF Corse.

In 2013 the GT3 raced in the FIA GT championship, in International GT Open and Blancpain endurance races under AF Corse with racing number #51 and #56:

• 1 Apr, FIA GT Nogaro, Onidi/Salaquarda, DNS
• 14 Apr, Blancpain 3h of Monza, Barreiros/Guedes, 3rd in class
• 2 Jun, Blancpain 3h of Silverstone, Barreiros/Mann/Guedes, 5th in class
• 30 Jun, Blancpain 3h of Paul Ricard, Barreiros/Mann/Guedes, 3rd in class
• 7 Jul, FIA GT Zandvoort, Onidi/Salaquarda, 7th in class
• 28/29 Jul, 24h of Spa Francorchamps, Berreiros/Mann/Guedes

/Mezard, 12th in class
• 18 Aug, FIA GT Slovakia Ring, Onidi/Salaquarda, 4th in class
• 22 Sep, Blancpain 1.000km Nürburgring, Barreiros/Mann/Guedes, DNF
• 6 Oct, Int. GT Open Monza, Onidi/Salaquarda, Race 1: 26th, Race 2: 4th
• 10 Nov, Int. GT Open Barcelona, Onidi/Salaquarda, Race 1: 6th, Race 2: 4th

In 2014 the car raced in the French FFSA GT Tour championship under the entry of Sport Garage as well as under AF Corse in international races:

• 27 Apr, Le Mans, Vannelet/Lorgere-Roux, Race 1: 7th, Race 2: 2nd
• 31 May, Ledenon, Vannelet/Lorgere-Roux, Race 1: 9th, Race 2: DNF
• 22 Jun, Spa-Francorchamps, Vannelet/Lorgere-Roux, Race 1: 5th, Race 2: DNF
• 6 Jul, Val de Vienne, Vannelet/Lorgere-Roux, Race 1: DNF, Race 2: DNS
• 7 Sep, Magny-Cours, Vannelet/Lorgere-Roux, Race 1: 11th, Race 2: DNF
• 21 Sep, 1.000km of Nürburgring, Barreiros/Mann/Guedes, 7th in class
• 28 Sep, Nogaro, Vannelet/Lorgere-Roux, Race 1: DISQ, Race 2: 4th

In 2015 the car was entered by AF Corse in the GT Sports club under racing number #53:

• 19 Apr, Barcelona, Soenen, 2nd in class
• 21 Jun, Paul Ricard, Soenen, 3rd in class
• 6 Sep, Algarve, Soenen, 3rd in class
• 4 Oct, Miano, Soenen, Winner in class

After the season the car passed to the Italian hill climb specialist Lucio Peruggini who won the official FIA Hill Climb Master European championship not only in 2016, but also in 2017 and 2018!

The car was then sold to a collector who had #3412 restored and put back into its 2013 livery. It is now presented in track ready condition and will be sold with a new seat and new harnesses to be chosen by the buyer. The car accompanies its original technical passport as well as one set of spare wheels.

This is a rare opportunity to find a multiple championship winning Ferrari 458 GT3 for sale in track prepared condition. The car is eligible for the fast growing and highly prestigious Ferrari Club Competizioni GT as well as the Masters Racing series and the Ferrari Club Germany (FCD) championship.

Club Competizioni GT bids farewell to France, en route to Misano

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The fourth stage of Club Competizioni GT has ended at the Paul Ricard circuit in France. At the circuit which hosts not only Formula 1 events, but also the top international closed-wheel racing series, six models alternated on the track – cars which have helped to craft Prancing Horse’s successful image in GT competitions.

The 5.8-kilometre Le Castellet circuit featured two F430 GT3 models, a 348 GT Competizione, a 348 GT/LM, a 458 Italia GT and a 458 Italia GT3. An intense and action-packed two-day event was accompanied as usual by the traditional gala dinner which, on this occasion, paid tribute to John Surtees, known in Italy as “Il figlio del vento” (the son of the wind).

The next appointment for the cars of Competizioni GT Club is scheduled for Misano, as part of the Ferrari Finali Mondiali programme to be held from November 4th to 8th.

All details abou the Ferrari Club Competizioni GT HERE at races.ferrari.com

Photos Ferrari