2006 Ferrari F430 GT3 - VAT Qualifying

Ferrari unveiled the F430 at the 2004 Paris Motor Show with an entirely new 4300cc V8 engine. It had very good aerodynamic efficiency, an aluminium chassis and some clever styling cues reminiscent of earlier Ferrari race cars, notably the 156 'sharknose' F1.

By 2006 a full race programme in GT racing was in full swing with Michelotto and Kessel Racing actively involved in converting cars on behalf of the factory. The car proved to be very successful in the American Le Mans Series, Le Mans Series and The FIA GT Championship.

Offered here today is one of the most successful Ferrari F430s' and the winner of the first FIA GT3 Championship race at Silverstone in 2006, then driven by Hector Lester and Allan Simonsen. The following day the pairing achieved a second place. Supplied new in that year it was run by 'Road and Track' of Scotland but entered under 'JMB Racing' of Monaco, as they needed an additional car to conform to the three car team format. Donor F430 Challenge cars were needed to update and race in British GT and they were in short supply.

For the 2007 season this F430, converted by the world renowned and factory approved, Kessel Racing, (No.7), was used in the British GT Championship with Hector Lester and Allan Simonsen, joined on occasions by Tim Mullen. This was a very successful year with 4 wins - including the Silverstone 2 hour event - and a further second and two third places.

By 2008, the reputation of this F430 was still further enhanced, this time internationally, with participation in the Australian GT3 series supporting the Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park, Melbourne. Hector Lester was second in the first race but made amends to finish on top of the podium in race two. It returned to Australia in the 2011 season to compete in the Bathurst 12hr event where it finished 6th overall. Refreshed since then, there are many hours and kilometres left in the 'life' of the components, but the safety items (Race harness and extinguisher system) will require servicing.

This Ferrari is still a very competitive car today and is still eligible for numerous series both in the UK and abroad. Offered with a fantastic history, but furthermore being touched by the late Allan Simonsen, whose reputation as a fast, sympathetic and determined driver had defined GT Racing for several years and provides an endearing legacy that will live on in this car forever.