2008 Ferrari F430 GT2
Seller's description
Introduced in 2006 and built in collaboration with Ferrari by preferred tuner Michelotto; the F430 GT2 proved consistently to be the superior weapon in top-flight International GT racing for six seasons. The model was a consistent victor across a variety of International and National Championships and regularly beat the previously dominant Porsche 911s. It is fair to say that the F430 period was a(nother) golden one in terms of Ferrari racing success.
One of just 24 Series 3 EVO GTC cars built the car on offer (chassis 2618) represents the last and greatest of the breed. It was delivered new to UK-based team CR Scuderia in time for the 2008 season of FIA GT where it would be the team’s lead car driven that season by the professional pairing of Andrew Kirkaldy and Rob Bell. In that season they achieved stellar results starting with a 2nd in class at Silverstone in the TT, followed by a 3rd at Oschersleben and a 6th at the Spa 24hrs (teamed with Mueller/ Sutton). The first International victory for the team and 2618 came in Bucharest with class wins in both races of the weekend. The season ended in Argentina when a last lap minor collision lost a podium but still enabled a strong 4th.
For the 2009 season; 2618 remained the Kirkaldy/ Bell mount and more competitive outings followed, regularly strong in qualifying; 2618 was able to make podium results at Silverstone, Spa 24hrs and Zolder. Tim Mullen joined Kirkaldy in 2618 for the 2010 effort and the car was updated to the latest ‘wide-body’ specification (as can be seen, largely unpainted, at the pre-season test at Paul Ricard, when joined by ex F1 driver Nicola Larini). In 2010 they were entered in the Le Mans Series Championship and again proved venerable competition. 2nd in qualifying at Spa was followed by a 6th place finish and other top results were 2nd in Hungary (top placed Ferrari) and a 4th at Silverstone (2nd best Ferrari), as had been the case over the previous seasons; 2618 and its driver combo took the fight to the top, factory-backed teams and upset them on regular occasion.
The final season of top flight racing for 2618 was the Le Mans Series in 2011 when the driver line-up of Adam Christodoulou, Klaas Hummel and Phil Quaife entered the GT-Am class of the Le Mans Series where their top result was a 2nd at the season ending race in Portimao. After this the car was prepared for long term store prior to sale.
In June 2015, after a thorough check through and service; 2618 returned to track duty at Spa for the Modena Motorsports Trackdays. For two days it ran entirely without fault and was an absolute pleasure to drive, we were even able to fit a passenger seat and share the enjoyment further! The balance in the car is absolutely incredible with an immense grip level backed up by amazing brakes. The power is useably progressive and the flat-shift Hewland sequential gearbox easy to operate thanks to a mechanical blip on the downchange, it really is a surprisingly accessible car for all driving abilities.
Only 11 F430 GT2s are considered to have the 2010 ‘wide-body’ specification making this one of the ultimately specified examples. What’s more, and as those familiar with older competition Ferrari know; a 4 digit, even-chassis-numbered Ferrari factory competition car is a much heralded piece. 2618 is now available for less than a (roadgoing) F430 Scuderia; a car which was made en-masse and despite its apparent ‘track merits’ financially penalises its owner for track use! This GT2 is a thoroughbred factory racecar with immense pedigree, built to reliably win endurance races with professional drivers. In our opinion high-end trackday use will not only provide immense enjoyment for its new owner but enhance the long-term investment potential of this highly successful Prancing Horse.
Offered with set-up sheets, homologation documents and a generous spares package, 2618 is open to any inspection by appointment. Please enquire for further details and a complete race resume.
Contact dealer for more details via Classic Driver
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