This 1992 Venturi 400 Trophy is one of just 73 total units built (chassis 057) and it’s often referred to as the ‘French F40’. The 400 Trophy is a street-legal racecar built specifically to compete in tourism competitions. Venturi Automobiles is a Monaco-based automotive manufacturer founded in 1984 by two ex-Heuliez French engineers, Claude Poiraud and Gérard Godfroy initially as MVS (Manufacture de Voitures de Sport). Despite the fact that Venturi entered into the automotive world during a terrible global recession, the company still managed to produce an impressive list of accomplishments during that time. Thanks to a Stèphane Ratel, director of competition services for Venturi, the ‘Gentleman’s Drivers Trophy’ was created, which was a a one-make racing series dedicated specifically to the Venturi 400 Trophy. In total, the Gentleman’s driver Troply series lasted 4 season and races took place at historic tracks such as Le Mans, Pau, Paul Ricard, Nürburgring, Magny-Cours and Dijon. Venturi subsequently gave clients the option to convert their cars to ‘road-specification’ after the series was over, which really just meant a few slight cosmetic changes to make the car more ‘practical’. It’s said that around 13 trophy-spec cars were converted, however, this Venturi 400 Trophy remains with it’s original configuration, as if it just was taken off the track yesterday. This ‘Yacco Livery’ 400 Trophy was used in 1992 as a display model at the Paris Motor Show, and it was also displayed just recently at the 2020 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. Check out @thecultivatedcollector for some of the world’s rarest and most unique automobiles for sale & on display!
How many made? This specific 400 Trophy is the 57th of just 73 cars total race-spec cars built by Venturi between 1992-1994.
Engine: All 400 Trophy examples were built mechanically identical, equipped with a 408hp 3.0L PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) mid-mounted twin-turbo V6 and weighs only 2425lbs.
Debut: 1992 Gentlemen Drivers Trophy
Top Speed: around 181mph
0-60mph: just about 4.7 seconds.
Photo Credit: @am_media_ny
Research: @rarecarsonly