Restoring the fabulous "PlayStation" Viper from 2002 Le Mans 24H
May 2022
The iconic « PlayStation » Viper, chassis C41 is the last of the only eighteen Oreca factory GTS-R built.
it was assembled in 2001 to be rented with the assistance of Oreca mechanics to Larbre Competition and finished 2nd OA driven by Goueslard, Dumez and Bourdais.
At the 2002 Le Mans 24 Hours, the French Federation « FFSA » under the supervision of its president Jacques Regis, decided to promote French young talents with the support of Oreca and under the sponsorship of PlayStation. They entered C41 under the « Equipe de France FFSA » banner.
Driven by Jean Philippe Belloc ( 2001 FIA GT Champion ), Jonathan Cochet ( Prost GP test driver ) and Benoit Tréluyer ( future three times Le Mans Winner ).
After observing a strong rythm the Viper, still into 2000 specifications, managed to classify ahead of the Maranellos, Saleens and other Vipers, being only beaten by the factory Corvettes. It finished a fabulous 14th OA and 3rd in Class.
Shortly after Le Mans C41 was sold to Mirabeau Competition to compete in the GT-FFSA then in 2005 to Sport Garage. It retired from racing in 2007 but between 2002 and 2007, it had a pretty hard life and unfortunately had a hard life.
Such a project had two problematics :
* Firstly it had to be reverted to its original Le Mans 2002 specifications and therefore required to source & build a lot of parts.
* Secondly all of the mechanical components being exhausted, a meticulous nut and bolt restoration had to be carried on.
We will later tell the story of the complete rebuild but for now please enjoy these fabulous shots from the rolling chassis. They have been done immediately after having started it for the first time.
The restoration of C41 shows our know-how with the GTS-Rs. Art & Revs and Florent MOULIN have now more than fifteen years experience with them and are glad to announce to open soon a fully dedicated activity around the GTS-R. Indeed we will offer parts supplying and full restoration services to bring back to life the mythical GTS-Rs such as we are doing on C41.
For more information, please contact us.
Follow our GTS-R projects on Instagram #gtsr_heritage and soon on a fully dedicated website.
Your Art & Revs Team.
