French title

Chassis no. CUP41195CE0001 Engine no. Z7XS744F000887

- First car built and prototype for the Venturi 300 Atlantique

- Official car at the 1994 Paris Motor Show and for the model launch

- Venturi press and management car

- Exceptional history, meticulously maintained, service book

 

Founded in 1984 by Gérard Godfroy and Claude Poiraud as MVS (Manufacture de Voitures de Sport), Venturi nurtured an ambition rare in the French automotive sector: to create a true Grand Touring brand that could compete with the best cars built in Europe. The success of the Venturi 200 enabled the new company to quickly make a name for itself among the most exclusive sports car makers of its time. Building on its involvement in motorsport, in particular in the Venturi Trophy and the noteworthy participation of the Venturi 500 LMs in the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 1993–1995, the company established a technical credibility extending well beyond France.

 

Introduced in 1994, the 300 Atlantique represented the culmination of this venture. A direct beneficiary of the expertise developed both on the road and on track, it is today considered one of the most accomplished and desirable French GTs of the 1990s.

 

The example we are offering for sale is of quite exceptional importance, as it is chassis number 1, the first car built and a prototype used for the development of the 300 Atlantique.

 

It was unveiled to the international press at the Pavillon Baltard, in its original configuration with Mauritius Blue paintwork, a leather interior and instruments with black dials, before being displayed on Venturi’s stand at the 1994 Paris Motor Show, where it officially introduced the 1995 model year.

 

A true showcase for the brand, the car appeared in the firm’s sales catalogues and official brochures, and was used to support all the launch communications for the model. It was also Venturi’s official press test car and was driven by journalists from Échappement, Auto Hebdo, Option Auto and many other specialist publications.

At the end of this mission, it returned to the factory, where it was christened by Paul Belmondo, Venturi’s iconic driver, before being allocated to Hubert O’Neil, then CEO of the company. Subsequently kept in the factory showroom, it was then acquired by its first private owner, a great fan of the company.

 

As he wanted to have an absolutely unique model, he commissioned Venturi to totally transform the car. The body was repainted in ‘Passion Red’, a shade specially developed at his request, while the interior was completely revamped with Alcantara upholstery, instruments with white dials and manually adjustable Sparco seats, with buffalo leather trim to the rear. Adjustable shock absorbers were fitted and the ride height lowered by one centimetre. These modifications were carried out directly by the factory before the car was finally registered in 1997. It was in this definitive specification that it appeared in the television programme Turbo as part of a comparative feature with a contemporary Porsche.

 

Technically speaking, the 300 Atlantique represented one of the ultimate expressions of Venturi’s philosophy. Its 2975 cc V6 PRV engine, installed longitudinally in a mid-rear position and boosted by a Garrett turbocharger, developed 281 bhp and torque of 420 Nm, available from very low revs. Just 44 cars left the factory to this specification. Mated to a five-speed manual gearbox and in a car weighing only about 1250 kg, the engine delivered first-rate performance, with a top speed of nearly 280 km/h and a 0–100 km/h time of around five seconds. Its chassis, developed from that of the 400 GT, precise steering and remarkably balanced handling enabled it to compete with the best Porsche 911s of its time.

 

Acquired by its current owner in 2003 with 29,000 km recorded, chassis no. 001 has since been scrupulously maintained and kept in exemplary conditions. The mileage documented over the past six years (29,545 km/33,590 km/34,965 km and 35,560 km at the last safety inspection) confirms that it has been used regularly but in moderation. A lengthy period when the car was laid up resulted in a failure of the LCD display for the odometer, so this is no longer correct, and, to be completely open, the true mileage is now estimated at about 67,000 km.

Presented at numerous concours d'élégance, shows and car events, notably at La Baule, Historic Auto Nantes and the ‘Salon des 1000 Soupapes’ at Vannes, it has become an unofficial ambassador for the company. It has been the subject of many features in the specialist press as well as making several appearances on TV in the programmes Auto Moto, Direct Auto and Top Gear France.

This example has a remarkably well-documented history; it still has its service book, kept up-to-date from new, has never been in an accident and has been personally signed by Claude Poiraud, Venturi’s co-founder and designer.

 

The development prototype, then Venturi’s official launch model, press and management car, before becoming an ambassador for the brand for more than two decades, chassis no. 001 offers an exceptional combination of provenance and historical significance. More than just any Venturi 300 Atlantique, it is an important witness to the history of French motorsport and undoubtedly one of the most iconic cars ever built by the company.

Photos © Pierre Coroller