3,586cc DOHC 40-Valve V8 Engine
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection
425bhp at 8,500rpm
Electro-Hydraulic F1 6-Speed Automated Manual Gearbox
4-Wheel Hydraulic Carbon-Ceramic Disc Brakes
4-Wheel Independent Suspension

*Desirably optioned, low mileage example
*Recent service work completed
*Just two owners from new
*Accompanied by service documents and history

THE FERRARI 360 CHALLENGE STRADALE

Ferrari's most successful model since the 308, the F355 was always going to be a hard act to follow. Clearly, in order to surpass the outstanding F355, its successor would have to break new ground rather than offer mere incremental improvements. By starting with a clean sheet of paper in designing the 360 Modena, Ferrari and its partner Pininfarina succeeded in doing just that, the new car attracting superlatives that put even its illustrious predecessor in the shade.

Just about the only item carried over from the F355 was its glorious V8 engine, enlarged from 3.5 to 3.6 liters for the 360, producing 400bhp. Mounted longitudinally behind the similarly disposed engine, the 360's six-speed gearbox could be ordered with the F1-inspired paddle-operated gearchange pioneered on the F355. In every other respect the 360 was entirely new, the most striking break with Ferrari tradition being the body's frontal treatment: gone was the omnipresent oval grille, replaced by two separate intakes set low into the front wings. A larger car than the F355, the 360 owed its radical new shape to the quest for increased downforce, generating four times as much as its predecessor yet achieving the impressively low Cd of 0.33.

There was further innovation beneath the skin: a lighter, stiffer aluminium spaceframe/monocoque replacing the old tubular steel arrangement, resulting in a dry weight around 220lbs less than that of the F355. Although it was also more powerful (by 20bhp) than its predecessor, the only straight-line performance increase claimed was a marginal reduction in the 0-60mph time to 4.5 seconds, top speed being unchanged at 183mph. Nevertheless, the 360's on-the-road dynamics constituted a significant advance, its best time around Ferrari's Fiorano test track being some three seconds faster than the F355's.

Despite its prodigious performance the 360 Challenge Stradale is no mere 'racer on the road' but a thoroughly modern automobile employing state-of-the-art technology: computer-controlled variable damping; electronic drive-by-wire throttle; traction control and anti-lock brakes. Proportional power-assisted steering and a driver's airbag are other features calculated to make the car reassuringly user-friendly.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale offered here is surely amongst the most desirable of the batch when considering the significance of these models. Finished in Rossa Scuderia over a full Red-black Alcantara interior, this example was outfitted from new with a variety of desirable options true to the Challenge Stradale's overall ethos of being a racing car for the road. Options include the factory stripe-delete and on-board fire extinguisher, as to allow an understated, yet powerful presence.

Built as the 15th car of the 266 delivered to the USA in 2004, the 360 Challenge Stradale production run was very limited, hence the paucity of available examples on the market at any given time. This example was delivered to the current Colorado owner in December of 2005, where it has remained ever since, having been owned by just two registered owners. All of the service records of the current owner have been retained and reinforce the fastidious nature of maintenance compliance for the car.

Over the course of its life, this Challenge Stradale has travelled less than 9900 miles from new and presents in exceptional condition throughout, having never been driven on a racetrack as evidenced by the condition of its body, paint and wheels. Following a recent inspection by Scuderia Rampante Ferrari in Erie, Colorado, it is ready to be driven and enjoyed just as its creators intended. Furthermore, it is accompanied today by all of its original books and tools. Also included in the sale of this Challenge Stradale is a clean CARFAX that supports this examples well cared for life, showing periodic maintenance in the appropriate intervals from new.

Celebrated as one of the greatest road-going Ferraris built thus far into the 21st century, the Challenge Stradale provides an exceptional driving experience with a big step up in performance above the standard 360 Modena. Wonderfully optioned, this Challenge Stradale is ready to be enjoyed on the road, track and the journey in between!