2006 Ferrari F430 GTC
2006 Ferrari F430 GTC
Brand
Ferrari
Year
2006
Country
Italy
Generation
F430 (Tipo F131)
2006 Ferrari F430 GTC
Brand
Ferrari
Year
2006
Country
Italy
Generation
F430 (Tipo F131)
About this car
Discover the history
The 2006 Ferrari F430 GTC, built by Michelotto Automobili, was Ferrari’s response to the highly competitive GT2 class in endurance racing, following the footsteps of the 360 Modena GT. Developed directly in collaboration with Ferrari Corse Clienti, the F430 GTC was specifically engineered for competition in the FIA GT Championship, Le Mans Series (LMS), American Le Mans Series (ALMS), and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Technically, the F430 GTC was a remarkable machine, based on the road-going F430 but heavily modified for racing. It featured a 32-valve V8 engine, derived from the Ferrari F136 family and co-developed with Maserati. The engine capacity was reduced to 4.0 liters to meet GT2 regulations, producing between 430 and 470 horsepower depending on the specific regulations of each series. This power was achieved with revs as high as 7500 rpm. A lighter aluminum chassis was reinforced with a tubular steel roll cage, while the suspension was adjusted for track performance but lacked the on-the-fly adjustability seen in the road car. Additionally, the aerodynamics were refined, with a completely flat underbody and a highly adjustable rear wing, providing significant downforce for optimal handling in high-speed corners.
The car’s weight came in at 1,130 kg, slightly heavier than its road counterpart due to reinforced safety and performance elements, but still highly agile for its class. With its 18-inch center-lock wheels shod in Michelin slick tires, the F430 GTC had a substantial grip advantage over its competitors.
Racing pedigree was the F430 GTC’s strongest suit. It immediately became a dominant force in the GT2 category. Its debut season saw Ferrari clinch the FIA GT2 Constructors’ and Drivers’ titles in both 2006 and 2007. It further added to Ferrari’s impressive tally with the 2007 ALMS GT2 Constructors’ title and a class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2008. The car continued its success with multiple titles across various championships, including the Le Mans Series and the GT Open series.
Notably, the F430 GTC’s impact transcended just these championships. It laid the groundwork for Ferrari’s future GT race cars, including the 458 Italia GT2 and 488 GTE. The chassis, power delivery, and handling characteristics were continuously evolved from the lessons learned with the F430. The car went on to win a staggering 11 FIA GT2 titles and many other championships globally, proving its status as one of Ferrari’s most successful GT race cars.
Chassis 2434, one of the successful F430 GTCs, exemplified this success. It raced in the Campeonato de España GT and later in the Britcar Endurance Championship, where it continued to perform admirably after restoration. This particular chassis was victorious in the Masters Endurance Legends races and won its GT2 class at the Le Mans Classic 2022, further underlining the F430 GTC’s enduring legacy in motorsport.
