Overview
Chassis #VK8CHL61192CE0057
- 1 Of Just 73 Examples Produced Between 1992 and 1994
- Wearing its Original Iconic ‘Yacco’ Livery
- Eligible For The ‘Masters Endurance Legends’ Race Series
- Known History With Recent Service Work
- The “French F40" Carbon Kevlar & Fiberglass Body, V6 Twin-Turbo Producing 408 hp
- Complete with Custom Nike SB Dunks, Original Venturi Brochures and a Custom PhotoBook
In the 1980s, two dissatisfied engineers for Peugeot and Alpine, Gerard Godfroy and Claud Poiraud, decided to branch off and make their own creation. In the autumn of 1984, they unveiled the Venturi Prototype (MVS) at the Paris Motor Show, with the first drivable prototype hitting the streets in 1985.
Initially, the car had a Peugeot-sourced four-cylinder from the 505 Turbo before deciding on the PRV-V6 as the drive system with chassis tuning help from the famed Jean-Pierre Beltoise, winner of the 1972 Monaco GP in Formula 1. By 1992, 225 units had been produced with four different engines, and the company had multiple models, including a cabriolet.
The 400 Trophy was their most extreme creation. Starting in 1992, they created a separate one-make racing series called “The Gentleman Drivers Trophy” with identical Venturi 400 Trophy cars. During this period of time, one-make racing was becoming ever-popular as a way to showcase the capabilities of their road-going counterparts. Bigger brands also found success in the segment such as Porsche’s “944 Turbo Cup” and Ferrari’s “Challenge” series. The cost of the car itself was 700,000 francs (roughly $130,000 in today's money) and then an additional 100,000 francs (roughly $20,000) to be entered for the entire season of factory support and service organization. Each season ran six races and it lasted 4 seasons, each of which was extremely successful, with Venturi selling 73 units in total.
The racecar itself produced 408 horsepower from a 3-liter twin-turbocharged PRV V6 and was capable of 180mph. The bodies of these cars are a composite material of carbon kevlar and resin epoxy.
The 1992 Venturi 400 Trophy presented here, by Animoya Garage, is wearing its original ‘Yacco’ Livery, and was the 57th built in a run of only 73 examples. Chassis No. 57 was also the car displayed at the 1992 Paris Motor Show before going on to compete in the Trophy series in 1992 and 1993, piloted by Pierre Regnault.
After the series concluded, Venturi offered to convert the racecars into street specification, adding things like speedometers and other electronics, even going as far as fixing pop-up headlights that match the GT road car variant. It is believed 13 examples were converted, thankfully however, No. 57 remains in its original racing configuration. Following the racing series, from 1993 to 2006, the Venturi sat quietly in a collection with hardly any use until 2006 when it was acquired by a gentleman in France. He took the Venturi to a handful of driving events such as LM Story at Le Mans as well as Sport and Collection at Vigeant.
In 2015, the Venturi participated in 3 rounds of the GT Classic in France where it had shown to be reliable and competitive. In 2016, it had its turbos revised, a bevel gear replacement, and a full gearbox rebuild. In addition to the gearbox rebuild, a radiator was added for increased reliability with a total cost for all items over €7,000.
Today, the car presents in very nice condition considering its racecar heritage. Ahead of the sale we had the experts at Nikolas Motorsport perform a baseline service to ensure it was ready for use. During the service, the brake fluid was flushed and replaced, new spark plugs were installed, and a set of fresh tires were fitted. If the new owner would like to campaign it on track consistently, we would recommend a larger service to ensure reliability and address any time-out items. This Venturi is eligible for the Masters Endurance Legends race series as well as other historic vintage racing series across Europe such as GT Classic and Le Mans Classic. Unlike many race cars sold on a bill of sale only, this car is sold with a title.
Included in the sale are custom ‘Yacco’ Livery Nike Dunks, period Venturi brochures, and a commemorative photo book of chassis No. 57.
Compiled here is everything you need in order to make an informed decision, and to make this transaction as transparent as possible.
Please follow these links to view the written condition report on this car, view close up detail photos, and view service records and documents.
Fill out the form, or simply give us a call or text using the number below. We look forward to hearing from you.
sales@animoyagarage.com
(248) 766-7676
58 W. Huron Street
Pontiac, MI 48342
