Venturi 260 Coupe (1987-95)
Overview: The **Venturi 260 Coupé**, introduced in **1987**, was a landmark model for **Venturi**, marking the company's entry into the high-performance sports car market. Founded by **Claude Poiraud** and **Gérard Godfroy**, Venturi aimed to create a **French grand tourer** that could rival **Aston Martin, Ferrari, and Porsche**. **Significance of the Venturi 260 Coupé** - **First Production Model** – The **Venturi 260** was the company's first major production car, establishing its reputation in the sports car industry. - **French Engineering Excellence** – It featured a **mid-mounted PRV V6 engine**, delivering **260 horsepower**, showcasing Venturi’s commitment to performance. - **Luxury & Performance Blend** – The car combined **sleek aerodynamics** with **high-speed capabilities**, making it a serious competitor in the European sports car market. - **Limited Production & Exclusivity** – Only **750 cars** were produced over two decades, making it a rare and collectible model. - **Racing Influence** – Venturi later expanded into motorsport, including **Formula One** and **Le Mans**, with the 260 Coupé laying the foundation for future racing models.
*****
Production Total: The Venturi 260 coupe had a total production run of 750 cars from 1987 to 1995.
*****
Price New: In 1987, the Venturi 260 coupe was priced at approximately £47,600. This was based on the exchange rate at the time, which was around 1.89 USD to 1 GBP. ***** Recorded in UK 2024 As of 2024, there are approximately 70 Venturi 260 coupes registered in the UK.
*****
Design Features: The **Venturi 260 Coupé**, introduced in **1987**, was designed to blend **French elegance** with **high-performance engineering**, making it a unique alternative to contemporary sports cars. Here’s what made it stand out:
**Design Features**
- **Aerodynamic Bodywork** – Sleek, low-profile styling ensured stability at high speeds.
- **Fiberglass Construction** – Lightweight materials helped enhance speed and efficiency.
- **Handcrafted Interior** – Luxury-focused cabin with premium leather and bespoke craftsmanship.
- **Pop-Up Headlights** – A signature design element of 1980s high-performance sports cars.
**Performance**
- **Engine:** 2.8L PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) V6 Turbo
- **Power Output:** **260 hp** at 6,000 rpm
- **Torque:** **310 Nm** at 4,500 rpm
- **Top Speed:** **168 mph (270 km/h)**
- **0-60 mph:** **~5.2 seconds**
- **Transmission:** **5-speed manual**
At the time, Venturi positioned the **260 Coupé** as a direct competitor to the **Porsche 911** and **Ferrari 328**, offering a balance of speed, agility, and exclusivity. Despite its potential, Venturi remained a **low-volume manufacturer**, making its cars rare and highly collectible today.
*****
Target Age Group: The **Venturi 260 Coupé** was aimed at **affluent driving enthusiasts** who appreciated **French engineering** and **high-performance sports cars**. Given its **luxury grand tourer** positioning, it was likely targeted at **middle-aged professionals** and **sports car collectors** who sought an alternative to **Porsche, Ferrari, and Aston Martin**.
*****
Sales: The **Venturi 260 Coupé** was not a major sales success, primarily due to its **limited production** and the challenges faced by Venturi as a small-scale manufacturer. While the car was praised for its **performance and craftsmanship**, Venturi struggled to compete with established brands like **Porsche and Ferrari**.
Between **1987 and 1995**, Venturi produced **around 750 cars**, including various models, but the **260 Coupé** remained a niche offering. The company later shifted focus to motorsport and electric vehicles, moving away from traditional sports car production.
*****
Rivals: In **1987**, the **Venturi 260 Coupé** competed with several high-performance sports cars in the UK market. Here’s an approximate look at their new prices at the time:
- **Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2** – Around **£32,000**
- **Ferrari 328 GTB** – Around **£38,000**
- **Lotus Esprit Turbo** – Around **£26,000**
- **Aston Martin V8 Vantage** – Around **£60,000**
The **Venturi 260 Coupé** was positioned as a **luxury grand tourer**, offering a balance of **performance and exclusivity**. While its exact UK price is harder to pinpoint, it was likely in the range of **£30,000–£40,000**, making it a competitive alternative to the **Porsche 911** and **Ferrari 328**.
*****
Recorded in UK 2025:
As of **2025**, there are **no officially recorded Venturi 260 Coupés** in the UK’s vehicle registration databases. This suggests that any surviving examples are either **privately owned**, **unregistered**, or located outside the UK.
*****
COMMON FAULTS
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.
The Venturi 260 coupe, like many classic cars, has its share of common faults. Here are a few issues that owners have reported:
1. **Electrical Problems**: Issues with the alternator, starter, and battery are not uncommon.
2. **Cooling System**: The cooling system can be prone to leaks and overheating.
3. **Transmission**: The Renault 5-speed manual transmission can sometimes have issues with gear shifting.
4. **Engine**: The PRV V6 turbo engine, while powerful, can have problems with the turbocharger and fuel injection system. Despite these faults, the Venturi 260 coupe remains a beloved classic for its performance and unique design.
*****
Generations/Trim Levels
The Venturi 260 coupe had several generations and trim levels during its production run from 1987 to 1995. Here are the main ones:
1. **Venturi 260 APC**: The initial model, featuring a 2.8L PRV V6 turbo engine.
2. **Venturi 260 Atlantique**: Introduced in the early 1990s, this model had improved aerodynamics and a more powerful engine.
3. **Venturi 260 LM**: A limited edition model celebrating Venturi's participation in the Le Mans race, with enhanced performance and unique styling. Each generation and trim level offered slight variations in performance, design, and features, making the Venturi 260 coupe a versatile and desirable classic sports car.
*****
Engines/Performance
The Venturi 260 coupe was fitted with a **2.8L PRV V6 turbocharged engine**. This engine was known for its impressive performance, delivering **260 horsepower** and **318 lb-ft of torque**. It featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) and had 2 valves per cylinder. This engine setup allowed the Venturi 260 coupe to achieve a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph) and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds.
*****
Rivals
The **Venturi 260 Coupé** competed with several high-performance sports cars in the late 1980s, each offering distinct driving characteristics. Here’s how it stacked up against its main rivals:
- **Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2** – **3.2L flat-six**, **231 hp**, **0-60 mph in ~5.6 sec**, **top speed ~152 mph**
- **Ferrari 328 GTB** – **3.2L V8**, **270 hp**, **0-60 mph in ~5.5 sec**, **top speed ~166 mph**
- **Lotus Esprit Turbo** – **2.2L turbocharged inline-4**, **215 hp**, **0-60 mph in ~5.4 sec**, **top speed ~150 mph**
- **Aston Martin V8 Vantage** – **5.3L V8**, **375 hp**, **0-60 mph in ~5.2 sec**, **top speed ~170 mph**
The **Venturi 260 Coupé**, with its **2.8L PRV V6 Turbo**, produced **260 hp** and was capable of **0-60 mph in ~5.3 sec**, with a **top speed of ~168 mph**. It was positioned as a **luxury grand tourer**, offering a balance of **performance and exclusivity**.
*****
Designer/Dimensions
The **Venturi 260 Coupé** was designed by **Claude Poiraud** and **Gérard Godfroy**, who aimed to create a **French grand tourer** that could rival established sports car brands.
**Dimensions**
- **Wheelbase:** **2,400 mm** (94.5 in)
- **Length:** **4,089 mm** (161 in)
- **Width:** **1,702 mm** (67 in)
- **Height:** **1,175 mm** (46.3 in)
- **Kerb weight:** **1,254 kg** (2,765 lb)
Its compact yet aerodynamic design contributed to its **high-speed stability** and **agile handling**, making it a serious competitor in the European sports car market.
*****
Spares/Specialists
For Venturi 260 coupe spare parts in the UK and Ireland, you can try the following sources:
1. **Renault Alpine**: They have a forum where enthusiasts discuss and share information about Venturi parts. You can find more details [here](https://www.renaultalpine.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=9102).
2. **GSF Car Parts**: They offer a wide range of car parts and have multiple locations across the UK and Ireland. You can check their inventory [here](https://parishgiving.org.uk/products/venturi-tip-mini-air-blow-gun-seasa904).
As for garage services in Northern Ireland, here are a few options that might be able to help with maintaining your Venturi 260 coupe:
1. **Commons Brae Garage**: Located at 188 Saintfield Road, Belfast. You can contact them at 028 9543 8739.
2. **Fastfit Tyre & Car Servicing**: Located at 30 Saintfield Road, Downpatrick. They offer comprehensive car repair and maintenance services. You can contact them at 028 4483 0333.
3. **Beechill Auto Repairs & Tyre Centre**: Located at 20a Cedarhurst Road, Belfast. You can contact them at 028 9064 3286. These garages should be able to assist you with the maintenance and repair of your Venturi 260 coupe. If you need more specific services, it might be worth contacting them directly to discuss your needs.
*****
Racing
The Venturi 260 coupe did compete in racing. Venturi built a limited-edition model called the **Venturi 400 GTR** specifically for racing homologation requirements. This model was later used in the **24 Hours of Le Mans**. Additionally, Venturi was briefly involved with the **Larrousse Formula One team** in 1992. It's fascinating to see how a car designed for the road can also make its mark on the racetrack.
*****
Valuation
The value of a Venturi 260 coupe today can vary significantly based on its condition, mileage, and history. Generally, they are valued between £50,000 and £80,000. Given their rarity and the increasing interest in classic sports cars, prices can fluctuate.
*****
Clubs
There doesn’t seem to be a **dedicated Venturi owners club** in **Northern Ireland**, but there are several classic car clubs that might welcome enthusiasts of rare vehicles. One option is the **Association of Old Vehicle Clubs in Northern Ireland**, which supports various classic car groups and events.
If you're looking for a community of classic car enthusiasts, you might find interest in broader vintage car clubs in Northern Ireland.
*****
History
The **Venturi 260 Coupé** has a fascinating history, rooted in the ambition to create a **French grand tourer** that could rival the likes of **Ferrari, Porsche, and Aston Martin**.
**Origins & Development**
The Venturi brand was founded in **1984** by **Claude Poiraud** and **Gérard Godfroy**, two former engineers at Heuliez. Their goal was to produce a **high-performance French sports car**, something that had been lacking in the market. The first prototype, initially called **Ventury** (with a "y"), debuted with a **Volkswagen Golf GTI engine** but was later refined to include a **Peugeot 505 Turbo engine**.
By **1987**, the car had evolved into its final form—the **Venturi 260 Coupé**, featuring a **mid-mounted PRV V6 engine** with **260 horsepower**. Production began in **Couëron, Pays de Loire**, where nearly **750 cars** were built over two decades.
**Performance & Racing Influence**
The Venturi 260 Coupé was designed as a **luxury grand tourer**, blending **sleek aerodynamics** with **high-speed capabilities**. It was equipped with a **5-speed manual transmission**, capable of **0-60 mph in ~5.3 seconds**, with a **top speed of ~168 mph**. Venturi later expanded into motorsport, including **Formula One** and **Le Mans**, with the 260 Coupé laying the foundation for future racing models.
**Legacy & Rarity**
Despite its promising design, Venturi remained a **low-volume manufacturer**, making its cars **rare and highly collectible** today. The company eventually transitioned into **electric vehicle technology**, moving away from traditional sports car production.
*****