Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sotheby's Santa Monica event, June
24, 2017.
Estimate:
$120,000 - $160,000 US
Documented FNA Challenge history
Sold new to Tom Murphy; campaigned through 1997
Acquired by Robert Canepa in 1998; campaigned that year as #28
Shown at the 2002 Concorso Italiano and 2003 Cavallino Classic
In many ways, the Ferrari Challenge is a reminder to how Ferrari's
customers raced back in the formative days of the Scuderia's sports
car and GT efforts, featuring production cars that were modified to
race on the weekends. The current day Ferrari Challenge mirrors
that history. Drivers and dealers participate not only for sport,
but for Ferrari to stay close to its clients and get incalculable
feedback for future Ferrari road and race cars.
Since 1993, Ferrari Challenge has been where passionate, amateur
enthusiast drivers race against like-minded racers on some of the
most iconic race tracks in the world in identically-prepared
Ferrari Challenge race cars. The Series began with the 348
Berlinetta Challenge and was used until the F355 Challenge began
service in 1995 and was raced until 2000. The Series continues on
and now races the 488 Challenge and remains a popular stage for
displaying ones prowess in competition driving.
This 1995 Ferrari F355 Challenge is reported as being one of the
last of the 43 cars built to 1995 Challenge specs. It was purchased
through Lake Forest Motorcars and raced the Challenge Series as
number 28, first by Dr. Tom Murphy and later by Robert Canepa,
achieving respectable results. Its select race results are stated
to be third in class at the 1998 Mid-Ohio SCCA Runoffs, a 10th
(race one) and 8th (race two) in April 1997 at Texas World
Speedway, 11th at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in June 1997, a 7th
(race one) and 13th (race two) at Lime Rock in August 1997 and
boasts finishing 15th overall in the 1997 Challenge Series.
The Ferrari is in excellent condition having recently received a
new, period-correct paint application, new FIA-compliant seats with
HANS-ready seatbelts, and a complete engine-out service with valve
service. The tachometer has an oil pressure warning light and shift
light. New cooling ductwork is installed for the F40 four-wheel
disc brakes. The period livery has been applied to the car in
vinyl. The Ferrari has a stock block engine with recently reworked
heads and resonates through a complete Tubi lightweight exhaust
system with a muffler that meets the decibile limits of certain
tracks.
As a 1995 model, it is reported that it is possible to obtain the
title and license for street use if desired, plus executing work
that is necessary to do so. The upgraded OMP roll cage is bolted in
and removable. Additionally, the side bars are removable; the side
windows have been installed and are easily removable for track
time. Among the additions would be installing headlights and
catalytic converters. The new owner should determine the local
regulations of his dominion to determine the necessary components
to execute this conversion.
Addendum:
Please note this vehicle is being sold on Bill of Sale only
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/.
