This 1992 Venturi 200 is described as one of just 21 built, an easily believable figure based on the accomplished but virtually unknown French manufacturer’s extremely limited output–exact figures are unknown, but total production for all model variants is thought to have not exceeded 600 units during their 15 year history. This one is said to be in “A1, as-new” condition with just 22k kilometers. Light and compact with an emphasis on ride and handling, these cars were generally regarded by the press as better-handling, better-built Esprit rivals, and this one does indeed appear to be in outstanding condition. Find it here at Beau-Car in Antwerp, Belgium for 49k euros (~$56k USD today). Special thanks to BaT reader Kyle K. for this submission.

Founded by two ex-Heuliez employees, designer Gerard Godfroy and engineer Claude Poiraud, production started in 1986 and would end in 2000. Though the model range would undergo substantial engineering and styling changes over the years, Venturi’s cars all shared the same basic steel tube/box section chassis, fiberglass body, and turbocharged PRV V6 drivetrains. As noted by this interesting article covering the marque, styling successfully incorporated elements of the Lotus Excel, Ferrari 328, and particularly noticeable from the rear 3/4 angle below, BMW’s M1. Wheels look lifted almost directly from a 348. Reportedly, fit and finish was very high quality, easily exceeding the standards of both contemporary home ground rival Alpine, as well as Lotus.

Nowhere is this more clear than in the cabin, which despite a high degree of off-the-shelf, large manufacturer OEM parts content including things like switchgear, vents, and trim, appears much more cohesive, elegant, and refined in comparison to what Venturi’s two main rivals were up to in Dieppe and Hethel, As interestingly noted in the above-linked article, Venturi were among the last (and few) to mix traditional mid-engined sports car design with unashamedly luxurious GT elements–with all that wood, it could be an Aston inside.

Unfortunately, no engine bay shots are provided. This is especially frustrating, as research is unable to confirm the existence of any official factory 2.0 liter turbo model, as this example is said to be by the seller. Instead, records show that the 200 was powered by a 2.5 liter turbocharged PRV V6, its model number referring to output in horsepower–20 more than this claimed Italian-market example is reported to offer. Says the seller: “It has only 22,000 km since delivery and was always kept in ‘as-new’ condition by its previous owner,” adding: “It can be used everywhere, and drives just fantastic with complete maintenance just done.”

Sale appears to include ASI certification as well as some original factory documentation. Park it next to an Alpine GTA in the garage and send us photos.