The VBM 4000 GTC: A Rare French GT Built to Challenge Giants

Defiant Engineering - In the world of exotic sports cars, names like Ferrari, Porsche, and McLaren often dominate conversations. But every now and then, an underdog roars onto the scene, built not by a billion-dollar corporation, but by a few passionate minds with a dream and the will to chase it. One such rare gem is the VBM 4000 GTC—a French-made grand tourer born not just to compete, but to challenge the very legends of motorsport.

The VBM 4000 GTC—a French-made grand tourer born not just to compete, but to challenge the very legends of motorsport—was sparked by the vision of Patrick Bornhauser and Jean-François Metz. (Picture from: CarsOfRacing in Facebook)

The story of the VBM 4000 GTC began with a bold question: why settle for driving a Porsche when you could create something entirely your own? That idea sparked the vision of two determined individuals—Patrick Bornhauser and Jean-François Metz—who, in April 1994, set out to design a car that was not only uniquely French, but capable of going toe-to-toe with the giants of GT racing. Together, they formed VBM Automobiles, with the car’s name—VBM—carrying their legacy: "Voitures Bornhauser Metz." 

The VBM 4000 GTC was built on a tubular steel spaceframe chassis with aluminum and carbon fiber elements, keeping the car lean and aggressive at just 1,050 kilograms. (Picture from: CarsOfRacing in Facebook)

Thanks to a rule change by the ACO (Automobile Club de l’Ouest) allowing one-off GT cars to compete in the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans, the dream of building their own contender quickly became a tangible goal. With just six months from conception to homologation, the VBM team worked at lightning speed. The result was a machine that wasn’t just a race car—it was a statement.

The VBM 4000 GTC, inspired by the legendary Ford GT40 with a windshield identical to the original, was never a mere replica, but a car that forged its own identity through a blend of classic GT design and purposeful engineering. (Picture from: CarsOfRacing in Facebook)

Visually, the VBM 4000 GTC drew inspiration from the legendary Ford GT40. Its windshield was even an exact replica of the original, yet this car was never a copy. It carved its own identity, blending classic GT aesthetics with engineering purpose. Beneath its lightweight composite skin, the VBM was a technical blend of old-school racing know-how and clever design. Built on a tubular steel spaceframe chassis with aluminum and carbon fiber elements, the car was kept lean and mean at just 1,050 kilograms.

The VBM 4000 GTC featured a 3.0-liter PRV V6 engine with twin Garrett turbochargers, delivering an estimated 410 horsepower and paying homage to French automotive roots as one of the few high-performance V6s of its time.. (Picture from: CarsOfRacing in Facebook)

Under the hood, it packed a 3.0-liter PRV V6 engine with twin Garrett turbochargers, delivering an estimated 410 horsepower. That engine wasn’t just a powerhouse—it was a nod to French automotive roots, as the PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) engine was one of the few high-performance French V6s of the time. The engine was paired with a 5-speed Hewland DGB manual gearbox, allowing drivers to fully exploit the car’s potential on track. With double wishbone suspension at all four corners and Goodyear racing tires, the 4000 GTC was purpose-built for serious performance. 

The VBM 4000 GTC debuted at the 1995 1000 km of Paris and, despite never reaching the fame of its Italian and German rivals, made its mark as one of the few truly 100% French GT cars of its era. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sportscars in Facebook)

Debuting at the 1995 1000 km of Paris, the VBM 4000 GTC made its mark in the world of endurance racing. Though it never reached the same fame as the Italian and German heavyweights, it stood tall as one of the very few 100% French GT cars of its era. Its uniqueness lay not just in its country of origin, but in the spirit of its creation—designed by racers, for racers, with raw passion instead of corporate polish.

The VBM 4000 GTC stood out not just for its French origins, but for the spirit behind its creation—crafted by racers, for racers, with raw passion over corporate polish. (Picture from: Classic And Recreation Sportscars in Facebook)

In 2002, the VBM 4000 GTC's racing career came to an end, but it wasn’t forgotten. The car was converted for road use, receiving practical updates like adjustable ride height to make it more comfortable off the circuit. Even though it no longer tore through racetracks, its soul remained intact—a handcrafted reminder of what happens when ambition meets ingenuity. Meanwhile, the VBM team continued their motorsport journey, entering a Porsche GT3 RS in the French GT Championship. | j8n6RwxywRE |

Today, the VBM 4000 GTC stands as a symbol of courage and creativity in motorsport. It may not be a household name, but for those who know it, it represents something deeper than speed or specs. It represents a dream brought to life on four wheels—something that will always be worth remembering. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GTPLANET | RACINGSPORTSCAR | WIKIPEDIA | ALLCARINDEX | CLASSIC AND RECREAION SPORTSCARS IN FACEBOOK | CARSOFRACING IN FACEBOOK  ]

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