Venturi: The Ambitious French Challenger with Racing Pedigree

Founded in Monaco in 1984 by former Heuliez employees Claude Poiraud and Gérard Godfroy, Venturi set out to rival automotive titans such as Ferrari, Porsche, and Aston Martin. Originally named “Ventury,” the brand debuted with innovative concept cars before rebranding as MVS Venturi and introducing the GT—a mid-engined coupé powered by a PRV V6.

While Venturi’s production numbers were modest, its ambition was boundless. By the early 1990s, the company had turned its focus to motorsport, with dreams of conquering the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Venturi even acquired the Larrousse-Lamborghini Formula One team. However, its sole season in F1 with the LC92 proved challenging, resulting in just one championship point and frequent retirements.

Despite setbacks, Venturi achieved greater success with the Gentleman Driver’s Trophy in 1992. Created by Stéphane Ratel, who later founded the FIA GT Championship, this one-make racing series showcased the Venturi 400 Trophy—a machine that epitomised lightweight engineering and impressive power. Featuring a carbon composite body weighing just 1,100kg and a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 producing 407hp, the 400 Trophy was a formidable performer. Only 72 were ever built.

The success of the Trophy paved the way for the Venturi 400 GT, a more powerful variant aimed at endurance racing. Known for its blistering acceleration—outpacing even 5.0-litre Ferraris—the 400 GT competed globally from 1994 to 1997, achieving highlights such as fielding seven cars at the 1993 Le Mans 24 Hours and securing victories in BPR endurance races against competitors like the Porsche 3.8 RSR.

Venturi’s motorsport journey culminated with the development of the 600 LM, built to challenge GT1-class cars from Germany and Japan. However, by 2000, the brand transitioned away from racing when Monegasque entrepreneur Gildo Pallanca Pastor acquired Venturi, steering it towards pioneering electric vehicle innovation. Venturi has since set records in electric mobility, including long-distance expeditions and high-speed motorcycles.

Now available for auction through DK Engineering in an auction powered by Carhuna, this 1993 Venturi 400 Trophy is one of the final 10 examples built. This car originally competed in the Gentleman Driver’s Trophy, a six-round racing series spanning four years. Venturi engineered the 400 Trophy with cutting-edge features, including carbon-ceramic brakes—six years ahead of their mainstream adoption—and a 5-speed Sadev straight-cut gearbox. Its 407hp twin-turbo V6, paired with a lightweight carbon composite body, ensured it was a track weapon at just 1,100kg.

In 1993, this example was purchased by Francis Andriveau, who competed in two seasons of the series. It later returned to Venturi for a factory road conversion, as production of the 400 GT had already ended. Venturi offered bespoke modifications to Trophy owners, transforming their race cars into road-legal machines.

This car’s conversion included a GT-spec bonnet and bumper with pop-up headlights, redesigned doors with electric windows, and a new rear clam featuring side-visible indicator cutouts. The OZ Futura race wheels were swapped for lightweight five-spoke OZ Magnesio wheels, and the interior received upgrades such as air conditioning and Recaro SPG bucket seats. Notably, this is one of just two converted cars to retain its full internal roll cage, which was usually removed during the process.

Having passed through the hands of collectors and racers, this example has been meticulously maintained and recently received a full service at DK Engineering. With its blend of motorsport pedigree, rarity, and striking design, this 400 Trophy is a true French supercar that turns heads on both road and track.

The Carhuna auction begins on December 4th and concludes on December 18th. Don’t miss this rare chance to own a factory-converted Venturi 400 Trophy.