2008 Ferrari

Ferrari’s abundant history of successful competition cars and countless victories is no mean feat, especially when it comes to the collaborative efforts undertaken by none other than Michelotto and Corse Clienti. The F430 GTC is no exception, a car that was built without compromise, proving itself astoundingly capable with class championship wins in the ALMS, FIA GT, and scoring class wins in 2007, 2009 and 2010 12 Hours of Sebring, at the 2008 and 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans, at the 2006, 2008, and 2009 24 Hours of Spa and at the 2008 and 2009 Petit Le Mans.

Furlonger are pleased to offer this Ferrari F430 GTC EVO, chassis no. 2610, 1 of just 14 GTCs produced, and one with impressive period results. The F430 GTC is eligible for a variety of high-quality championships and events including ‘Peter Auto Endurance Racing Legends’, ‘Masters Endurance Legends’ and Ferrari’s own exclusive ‘Clienti’ events.

The F430 GTC was designed to compete in international GT2 class racing, such as the American Le Mans Series, Le Mans Series, FIA GT Championship, and 24 Hours of Le Mans. The fastest and most unyielding motorsport version of the F430, the GTC is widely considered one of the most exciting and engaging contemporary racing cars produced by Ferrari.

One of two F430 GTCs ordered new by Pierre Ehret, a successful winery owner, businessman, and gentleman driver, chassis no. 2610 was configured without sparing any expense. Additional options included a data acquisition system, water and engine oil quick refilling equipment, air conditioning, 24-hour race lights, a carbon clutch and an uprated front brake cooling system.

Run by Tafel Racing, the pair of Ferrari F430 GTCs arrived at Sebring in March for the season-opening round of the American Le Mans Series — the legendary 12 Hours of Sebring and the most significant race on the calendar. Car No.73 was shared by its owner Pierre Ehret, team principal Jim Tafel, and the late Allan Simonsen. The highly respected Danish driver would later become an Aston Martin works driver, compete at Le Mans on seven occasions, and claim the 2009 Asian Le Mans Series GT2 Championship.

After an infamously gruelling twice-around-the-clock contest, No.73 crossed the line fourth in class, a remarkable result that saw it finish ahead of its sister Ferrari and just three laps shy of a podium position.

From Sebring onwards, No.73 delivered a season defined by consistency and pace. Competing in nine ALMS rounds at some of North America’s most iconic circuits, including Road Atlanta and Laguna Seca, the Ferrari secured top-ten finishes in eight races, with just a single retirement marring an otherwise exceptional campaign.

Thanks to this consistent points-scoring form, Tafel Racing finished second overall in the GT2 class of the 2008 American Le Mans Series Championship, narrowly missing out on the title by just 16 points to the Flying Lizard Porsche 911 RSR, while finishing a commanding 36 points ahead of the factory-backed Risi Competizione Ferrari effort.

Chassis #F131EVOGTC 2610 was retired and sold following its debut ALMS season, carefully preserved and maintained. Its outstanding provenance and exceptional originality later attracted the attention of its next owner, during whose stewardship the Ferrari returned to competition for selected rounds of the 2012 Pirelli World Challenge. Driven by David Welch, the then four-year-old F430 GTC recorded three further top-ten finishes against significantly newer machinery.

Although it first raced over a decade ago, this Ferrari is now eligible for some of the most desirable historic racing series in the world. These include the Peter Auto Endurance Racing Legends, where it stands as the most recent and therefore ultimate GT2 Ferrari eligible, as well as the Masters Endurance Legends series, alongside invitations to Ferrari Challenge and exclusive GT Days.

Recently restored to its iconic 2008 Sebring 12 Hours livery and prepared in 2019 by respected marque specialist Bob Houghton, the car has since been run at a handful of private track days. Remaining highly original throughout, #F131EVOGTC 2610 is now offered for sale and poses an exciting opportunity to purchase one of Ferrari’s most visceral and engaging racing cars.