2001 Ferrari 360 Challenge Coupe

The Ferrari Challenge series, created in 1993, was a single-model racing series for Ferrari's own customers to compete against each other using Ferrari's current mid-engined V-8 road cars as a platform. The company hoped it would increase the devotion to the brand and engage Ferrari's dedicated road-car clients with the motorsport side of the company. After just a few years, the racing series proved to be a successful program for the Scuderia. By the year 2000, as road-car production had transitioned from the 355 to the 360 Modena the year before, Ferrari introduced a Challenge variant of the 360 to phase the 355 Challenge out of competition by 2001.

The Ferrari 360 Challenge had the same horsepower rating as the standard 360, though it was drastically modified, with increased track performance in mind. Inside, all non-essential items were removed and the luxurious appointments were replaced with a full complement of weight-saving carbon fiber trim, a full roll cage, a fire suppression system, Lexan windows, and a Magneti Marelli LCD instrument display that was capable of recording onboard telemetry. Mechanical updates include titanium rods, a dry sump, a higher compression ratio, a racing clutch, and a 100-liter fuel cell. In total, the weight saving measures reduced the overall weight by 250 pounds compared to the standard 360.

This example, currently with its second owner, was purchased by him in early 2002, after only being used once at Road America in the 2001 Challenge season. Since then, the car has been used enthusiastically at several Challenge series races and private track events at locations all over the east coast of the United States. In 2006, the car was given a real spoiler to provide more downforce at high speeds.

In September of 2003, the car was involved in a minor track incident, and as a result, the front and rear bumpers were replaced.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2014