1982 Fiat Ritmo Abarth
Despite its striking Sergio Sartorelli penned bodywork, the Fiat Ritmo never managed to match the sales of its German superstar competitor, the VW Golf. Undeterred, Fiat enlisted the help of Abarth to add some sting to the tail of their little hatchback, and the Fiat Ritmo Abarth 125 TC was the result. Powered by a twin-cam 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine capable of 125 horsepower and a 0-60mph time of 8.7 seconds, the Ritmo Abarth was no slouch. Its driving credentials were further enhanced with front disc brakes, stiffer springs, an improved 5 speed gearbox and an eye-catching Abarth makeover complete with the all-important Scorpion decals.
This 1982 example is believed to be one of just 9,174 units built and was equipped by its current Swiss owner to compete in regularity rallies, including the Monte Carlo Historic. Having finished all three of its competitive outings, this Ritmo Abarth could be your ticket to some regularity action this summer.
1969 Chevrolet Corvette C3 Group 5
During the late 1960s, those looking for an American sledgehammer to do battle on European soil could hardly have chosen better than this 1969 Chevrolet Corvette C3. This example started its racing career at the hands of Belgian privateer Chris Tuerlinx, who entered his Corvette into the 1,000 kilometres of Monza in 1971 with the Trans-Europe Gulf Racing, securing a 15th place finish. A month later, Tuerlinx entered the 1,000 kilometres of Spa, which he tackled again the following year without success, passing the car onto Hans Deen, a Dutch driver who enhanced the car from Group 4 to Group 5 regulations with the addition of a gargantuan 7.5-litre V8 engine.
More powerful than ever, this Corvette returned to the track with Deen in 1975 in the Dutch National Championship, using the season as a chance to learn his new track weapon. 1976 saw Deen really find his rhythm with this Corvette, securing first place for the season. After a few more years of racing, this Corvette was retired in 1978 and passed between several European collections, until 2007 when a new owner decided to fully restore this veteran racer. Between 2012 and 2015, it was overhauled again, with bills exceeding 50,000 euros. While in need of another service, this C3 with its 7.5-litre V8 would make a fearsome challenger at any historic racing event.
1982 Volvo 240 Turbo Group A
With its blunt, boxy exterior, the Volvo 240 was never at risk of “Looking fast while standing still,” yet any naysayers were thoroughly silenced it won the 1985 European Touring Car Championship and the 1985 DTM Championship. This example started life as a 1978 Volvo 242 GT and was prepared by Volvo Australia to partake in the Repco Reliability Trial in 1979: a 19,000 km marathon that ran from August 5th to 19th. Following the race, it was partly dismantled and stored in a shed until 1984 when it was bought by Laurie Hazelton who modified it to Group A specifications to compete in the Australian championship. After failing to qualify for the Adelaide round in 1986, he managed to enter the Castrol “Clash for Cash” at Oran Park in 1987.
After being bought by Richard Prince in 2004, this Volvo was fully restored before entering numerous Australian historic events right up until he sold the car in 2015. After being acquired by the Ascott Collection in 2017, this Volvo was shipped to France where it received a full overhaul of the engine, turbo, gearbox and wiring harness in 2020. Since competing in the Dix Milles Tour du Castellet and the Historic Tour in Dijon in 2020, this Volvo has been waiting for its next spot of action. So, could you see yourself at the wheel of this boxy motorsport hero?
1986 Audi 200 Superproduction
Germany’s Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, or DTM, needs no introduction, but in the early 1980s, France was cooking up their own touring car championship, dubbed ‘Le Championnat de France de Superproduction’. Audi France were quick to invest in the burgeoning series, and for the 1986 season they entered this Audi 200. Built by ROC in Annemasse, this 200 boasts an engine derived from the Audi S1 Group B monster, and its first outing at Nogaro showed great promise. In the end, it won the 1986 championship at the hands of Xavier Lapeyre, and the following year Marc Sourd finished runner-up in this lighting quick Audi.
After the glory of its track career, this Audi was showcased at the VAG dealership in Troyes before being sold at auction. Between 1996 and 2004, it was entered into a few rounds of the French Circuit Cup in Group F. Since the current custodian took ownership in 2004, it has occasionally returned to track action, appearing in historic racing events and demonstrations. Benefitting from an engine rebuild in 2016, this Audi remains in perfect running condition and produces in the region of 600 horsepower. As the first four-wheel-drive machine to win the Superproduction series in France, this legendary racer would be a fantastic addition to any collection of Europe’s touring car greats.
1980 Ferrari 308 Group 4
Moving from the circuit to the rally stage, our final veteran racing machine was born from the sting of failure Ferrari experienced at the 1973 24 Hours of Le Mans. With the Scuderia’s attentions wholly dedicated to victory in Formula One, Enzo Ferrari enlisted the help of Giuliano Michelotto to satisfy customers eager to compete in Group 4. The resulting machine was the now legendary 308 Group IV Michelotto, an intoxicating cocktail of fibreglass and Kevlar that weighed in at just one tonne and produced almost 300 horsepower. They were competitive machines, winning in the 1981 and 1982 Tour de France Automobile before FIA introduced Group B regulations.
This particular car was converted to full Group 4 Michelotto spec between 2015 and 2016 and boasts a reinforced chassis, fibreglass doors and bonnets, and a hydraulic handbrake to name just a few enhancements. Its engine was prepared by JMR Motorsport and now puts out a mighty 296 horsepower thanks to forged pistons, special steel liners, new valves, and a new crankshaft among other upgrades. Recently owned by a Portuguese gentleman racer, this 308 has had a busy career as of late, entering every edition of the Tour Auto from 2022 to 2025, as well as every edition of the Modena Cento Ore between 2021 and 2024, including a class victory in 2023! Highly competitive and boasting a valid HTP until 2026, this Ferrari could help you prance up to the podium at your next historic motorsport event.
Paris, 29 Jun
