Competition vehicle Unregistered

Chassis no. C45

-Genuine GT1 competition chassis

-Formerly an official ORECA development car

-Winner of the 2004 Italian GT Championship

-Eligible for the Masters Endurance Legends

-Restored by JMB Classic in its historic colours

 

Among the great GTs in motorsport in the 1990s and 2000s, few cars embody the American way of racing with so much brute power, charisma and effectiveness as the Chrysler Viper GTS-R. Developed by ORECA to take on the global elite in the GT category, the Viper quickly made its mark as an absolute benchmark in endurance racing, dominating both the FIA GT championships and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Chassis C45, offered for sale today, is a particularly interesting part of this story. Built around a naturally-aspirated 8-litre Chrysler V10 in racing spec, it was used by ORECA as a development vehicle for the 2003 season and incorporated the changes to the aerodynamics and suspension homologated for this latest generation of the Viper GTS-R.

Initially entered by Racing Box, and then by Racing Box/Megadrive, the Viper competed in the Italian GT Championship from 2003–2006, notching up several victories and podium finishes. Straightaway in 2003, chassis C45 won its category in four races, before being crowned Italian GT Champion, thanks in particular to the drivers P. Perazzini and G. Matteuzzi.

Its documented race history includes several wins at Mugello, Misano and Vallelunga, as well as taking part in the FIA GT race at Monza, confirming its authentic international pedigree as a GT1 works car.

After its career in motorsport, the car turned up at an RM Sotheby’s auction in Italy in 2016, before it was bought by JMB Classic in France. The chassis was then given a full restoration, in order to return it to its spectacular historic racing colours – white with blue stripes – from the 2004 Italian GT Championship.

Its Masters Endurance Legends technical passport confirms that its configuration conforms to its original specification, with an aluminium chassis, an impressive naturally-aspirated 7954 cc Chrysler V10 engine, fed by a Motec electronic fuel injection system and mated to a 6-speed Holinger sequential gearbox. Equipped with dry-sump lubrication, a Brembo competition braking system and 18-inch magnesium wheels, this Viper GTS-R has an officially sanctioned weight of only 1150 kg, perfectly illustrating its DNA as a true GT1 works car. 

Eligible today for the Masters Endurance Legends, this Viper GTS-R offers much more than just any historic racing car: it provides the raw and spectacular sensory experience of one of the last great naturally-aspirated GTs from the golden age of the FIA GT Championship. Its monumental V10, intimidating appearance and authentic racing history will make it fascinating to behold on the starting grid or as part of a major collection.

Rare, radical and recognisable at once, chassis C45 represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a genuine works GT1 from a time when racing cars were still designed without compromise. A car with a larger-than-life personality, destined for a discerning enthusiast seeking raw emotion, historic legitimacy and an utterly unforgettable presence.

 Photos © Jean-Marie Biadatti