1994 Ferrari 348 GT Michelotto Competizione

In partnership with Michelotto, Ferrari answered requests from its privateer racing clients to build an off-the-shelf 348 in race guise. Ferrari built eleven examples of the 348 GT Competiziones, and only two examples raced in contemporary top-line competition, while the rest went into private collections. The Shelton Brothers' example finished 16th overall in the 1994 Daytona 24 Hours, and the Jolly Club's car scored class victories in the 1993 and 1994 Italian GT Championship.

The Ferrari 348 GT Competizione used a standard 348 GTB monocoque chassis with numerous mechanical updates, including F40-derived 15-inch Brembo disc brakes and driveshafts, a six-point roll cage (which helped strengthen the frame), and improved engine mapping that boosted output from 320 bhp to 360 bhp. Weight-saving features included Perspex for the door glass, Lexan replaced the rear glass, carbon fiber-shelled racing seats replacing the adjustable seats, and the removal of the carpeting, soundproofing material, air conditioning system, and heater. 18-inch Speedline five-spoke magnesium wheels and carbon fiber doors reduced the dry weight even further, along with carbon composite bumpers and undertray, with the total reduction moving from 1,393 to 1,180 kilos. The suspension used Koni dampers and revised geometry to reduce dive and help strengthen the rigidity of the chassis and suspension.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2023