Starting with the 348, Ferrari had started its first factory-backed one-make race series for amateur and semi-professional racing drivers back in 1993, and the immensely successful Ferrari Challenge increased further in popularity with the subsequent introduction of the F355 and 360 Modena. Unlike its predecessors, the 360 Modena Challenge was conceived from the outset as a track-only car, and thus was less constrained by the compromises involved in maintaining a semblance of road usability.
The 360 Modena first appeared on the grid in Challenge form in 2000, featuring a multitude of alterations making it more suitable for track use. These included the deletion of the road-going version's air conditioning system, electric windows, sound-deadening material, and extraneous interior trim, and the replacement of the bumpers, window glass, exhaust system, interior centre console, and door trim panels with lightweight alternatives. Gone too was the standard analogue dashboard instrumentation, replaced by a Magneti Marelli digital display linked to the onboard data acquisition and telemetry system. Safety enhancements included a plumbed-in automatic fire extinguishing system and FIA-approved safety fuel cell equipped with twin fillers.
The 3.6-litre, 40-valve V8 engine and six-speed, F1-style transmission were left virtually standard, though the former did gain stiffer mounts and a larger oil radiator. Changes to the suspension involved re-configuring the electronic damping system and fitting Boge shock absorbers, racing springs, aluminium bushes, and a thicker anti-roll bar, while the brakes benefited from an increase in front rotor size from 330mm to 355mm. Maximum power remained the same as the standard car's at 400bhp, most of the Challenge's not inconsiderable all-round performance gains resulting from its 330lb reduction in weight.
This particular 360 Challenge raced in the Ferrari Challenge in 2003 and 2004, and was later raced successfully by Mick Dwane, who enjoyed many wins with it in in the Pirelli Ferrari Open series in 2010 and 2011. During Mick's ownership, the Challenge was fitted with an upgraded induction system and remapped ECU, enabling it to beat Ferrari 430s and other more powerful cars. He also had a much stronger Ferrari 430 gearbox pump fitted. Mr Shirley raced the car until 2014.
The engine had been rebuilt by Graypaul Ferrari, Nottingham in 2012, its power being increased by fitting a Stradale inlet tract and an up-rated exhaust. Dynamometer sheets on file show a maximum power output of 442bhp at 8,300rpm and 325ft/lbs of torque at 5,800 revs - both of these figures being a substantial improvement over standard. Furthermore, this car is also fitted with an adjustable carbon fibre rear wing, rear diffuser, front spoiler, lightweight Perspex windscreen and headlight covers, and an AiM SmartyCam GPS camera with track mapping capability.
Other works carries out in previous ownership include replacing the F1-type paddle-shift gearbox power unit, fitting all new transmission and clutch sensors, and installing a Prosport-rebuilt gearbox (in 2012). New cam belts were fitted in November 2013, and in July 2014 the engine and gearbox oil/filters were changed and the coolant renewed. The accompanying spares package includes a spare set of black BBS wheels with used slicks, a spare set of silver BBS wheels with new wets, and spare brake pads. The car also comes with a carbon fibre passenger seat (with belts) for track days.
Since 2011, this car achieved five outright race wins in the Pirelli Ferrari Open series, and at one time held C2 class lap records for Donington Park, Castle Combe, Oulton Park, Snetterton, Zandvoort, and Zolder. It requires only a sufficiently talented new owner to continue its winning ways.
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