Venturi Transcup classic cars for sale

Introduction and history of Venturi Transcup

Founded in 1984 by two passionate Frenchmen, Venturi sought to establish itself as a prestigious sports car manufacturer able to rival names like Porsche and Ferrari—a bold aspiration in a country with little tradition in this segment besides Alpine. Through meticulous engineering and attention to luxury details, Venturi positioned the Transcup as a forward-thinking French GT, complete with exquisite leather and fine wood in the interior, underlining the ambition to push French craftsmanship to the forefront of sports car design. The Venturi company, although relatively short-lived (bankruptcy in 2000), left a lasting impression with models like the Transcup, produced between 1990 and 1996.

Model history

The Transcup continues the trajectory set by Venturi's early models, designed as a mid-engined grand tourer with an emphasis on both performance and luxury. Known also as the 260 APC (Avec Pot Catalytique), this model emerged during Venturi’s push to refine its offerings, and with just 70 cars built, each car represents a significant moment in French automotive history. There was no direct predecessor with the same philosophy, and following Venturi’s bankruptcy, no model directly replaced the Transcup, cementing its uniqueness.

Highlights of the Venturi Transcup

What sets the Transcup apart is its exclusive production—just 70 examples left the factory over a six-year span—making it extremely rare. The 2.8-litre mid-mounted engine delivering 260 hp pushes the car to 270 km/h, with a 0-100 km/h time of 5.2 seconds. The well-appointed interior pairs luxury materials like leather and high-quality woods with cutting-edge performance for its era.

Technical data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

All Transcup models are considered special due to the extremely limited production run and the rare combination of luxury and high performance, but there are no further known distinct special editions within the Transcup range.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

Equipped with a centrally-mounted 2.8-litre engine featuring a catalytic converter (hence APC: Avec Pot Catalytique), the Transcup was developed for both speed and refinement. With 260 hp on tap, agility is complemented by a carefully balanced chassis. The original equipment MICHELIN PILOT tyres underscored its sporting nature. A top speed of 270 km/h and a sub-six-second sprint to 100 km/h place it firmly among the quickest French production cars of its era. The 260 APC, also known as CUP 511, is the highlight of this range due to its rare combination of mid-engine layout, luxury trimmings, and competitive performance numbers.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

French carmaking is evident in the Transcup’s bold lines and attention to detail, with a focus on both visual appeal and functional sportiness. Interiors are trimmed with premium leather and high-grade wood, setting a luxury tone uncommon among its direct competitors. The mid-engine proportions sculpt a distinctive profile, with subtle cues honouring both performance and sophistication. MICHELIN PILOT tyres add to the purposeful stance, reinforcing the GT orientation.

Summary

With its origin story rooted in an ambitious bid to rival the greats of the sports car world, the Venturi Transcup stands as one of the rarest grand touring cars of the 1990s. Combining French engineering with a luxurious and dynamic configuration, it is a unique choice for connoisseurs seeking exclusivity, performance, and the underappreciated legacy of France’s boutique sporting tradition.