The Ferrari 488 Challenge is the latest car specifically built for the marque’s single-make series. Similar to the Challenge-specification variants of the 348, F355, 360, F430, and 458, it is based largely upon the road-going version of the 488, albeit sprinkled with upgrades and lightweight materials to make it suitable for sustained track use and racing. With every iteration, Ferrari has pushed the limits on what it considers to be a suitable package for the amateur driver, and with the 488 Challenge it has taken this mentality to the extreme, producing a car that is four seconds quicker than a LaFerrari around Fiorano, but suitable even for beginners to learn their race craft.

Beneath the polycarbonate engine cover lies the familiar 3.9-litre turbocharged V-8 from the 488 GTB, capable of 660 bhp and a colossal 895 Nm of torque. For the Challenge, however, it is fettled with lightweight and strengthened components that together bring a 19.7 kg weight savings over the road car. Shorter gear ratios in the F1 DCT transmission are also used to give the car a more accelerative nature, and remapping to the on-board traction and stability systems (Slip Angle Control, in Ferrari parlance) has allowed Ferrari’s engineers to separate the manettino-controlled functions onto two switches, rather than one, to give drivers more control over the dynamic behaviour of the car.

Externally, a massive carbon-fibre rear wing from the 488 GTE dominates proceedings, with lower side skirts, a new bonnet, and a reprofiled nose section completing an aerodynamic package that creates 10% more downforce than its predecessor, the 458 Challenge Evo. Other details include lightweight plastic panels for the main windows and the removal of the quarter window to make way for a race-spec fuel cap.

Internally the car is unrecognisable from the road-legal version; gone are the standard centre console, seats, dashboard, door panels, carpets, and trims, all replaced by a fully stripped-out motorsport cabin with integrated roll bar, fire-extinguishing system, racing steering wheel, and fixed racing bucket seat.

This Rosso Corsa 488 Challenge was delivered in 2018 to Mr David L Mason O.B.E. and has been used sparingly since, accumulating less than 5,000 km. It is fitted with the optional passenger seat, upgraded front dampers, car-to-pits radio system, and a V Box HD2 for data logging and video analysis. It has already proved itself to be very competitive in the hands of the current owner and Ross Wylie, achieving Fastest Lap in Class in all seven of the Britcar races it competed in, along with a podium, pole position and four class podiums. It presents in immaculate condition inside and out and has been prepared by FF Corse to be ready for its next owner to enjoy and race in whichever series he or she may decide upon.

This is a fantastic opportunity to acquire the ultimate gentleman racer’s Ferrari.