Venturi 300 Atlantique: A French Dream for Sale in Le Mans

Prototype, press car and first produced example, this Venturi 300 Atlantique chassis 001 will be one of the stars of the Artcurial auction at the Le Mans Classic Legend.

Long overshadowed by the great German and Italian sports cars, the Venturi 300 Atlantique remains one of the most ambitious symbols of French automotive design from the 1990s. On the occasion of the Artcurial auction held during the Le Mans Classic Legend, an extraordinary example will be offered to collectors this Friday, June 3 at 5:00 PM: the very first chassis of this iconic model.

Founded in 1984 by Gérard Godfroy and Claude Poiraud, Venturi had an audacious and rare goal in France: to create a true Grand Tourisme brand capable of competing with Porsche and Ferrari. Drawing on its competition experience, notably through the Venturi Trophy and the 500 LM’s participations in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the young brand developed models with a distinctive personality, of which the 300 Atlantique is undoubtedly the pinnacle.

The Venturi Effect

The car being auctioned has exceptional historical significance. Identified by chassis number 001, it is the development prototype of the 300 Atlantique. Presented to the international press in 1994 and then exhibited at the Venturi stand at the Paris Motor Show, it also served as a press vehicle and a company car before being extensively customized by its first owner directly in the brand’s workshops.

Under its Passion Red body lies the 3.0-liter turbo V6 PRV mounted in a mid-rear position. Developing 281 hp and 420 Nm, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox for just 1,250 kg, it allowed for speeds nearing 280 km/h and could sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in about five seconds. Only 44 Venturi 300 Atlantique cars were produced in this configuration, making it one of the most sought-after French GTs today.

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Accompanied by its original service book, a particularly detailed history, and the signature of Claude Poiraud, this Venturi 300 Atlantique chassis 001 embodies a major chapter in the French automotive industry. More than just a rare collectible GT, it bears witness to the time when a French manufacturer dared to challenge Porsche and Ferrari on their own turf, making this auction one of the highlights of the Le Mans Classic Legend.

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