LOT 227
1996 Ferrari F355 Spider Registration no. N5 MNJ Chassis no. ZFFPR48C000103658
1996 Ferrari F355 Spider Registration no. N5 MNJ Chassis no. ZFFPR48C000103658
1996 Ferrari F355 Spider
Registration no. N5 MNJ
Chassis no. ZFFPR48C000103658
Registration no. N5 MNJ
Chassis no. ZFFPR48C000103658
* Present ownership since October 2010
* Maintained by the vendor with no expense spared
* Major engine-out service in October 2019
* Circa 27,000 miles from new
* Rare manual example
Footnotes
"Complex, sophisticated, and very fast, it is the quantum leap that has enabled the Ferrari V8 to run in proud parallel with the 456GT and 550 Maranello," enthused Car magazine's review of the F355. Launched in May 1994, the F355 effectively re-forged the reputation of Ferrari's V8 which, 328 and 348 notwithstanding, had suffered since the introduction of the Mondial. The latter, with its four seats, well-appointed interior, and - relatively - soft ride, was considered far too sensible to be a 'proper' Ferrari; the F355 though, was cast in the mould of that great driver's car, the Dino 246GT. Just how great an advance it was may be gauged from the fact that the F355's best time around Ferrari's Fiorano test track was three seconds quicker than the formidable 512TR's.
Despite its prodigious performance, the F355 was no mere 'racer on the road' but a thoroughly modern automobile employing state-of-the-art technology - in the form of computer-controlled variable damping - to reconcile the differing requirements of ultimate roadholding and acceptable comfort. A light-action clutch, proportional power-assisted steering, and driver's air bag were other features calculated to make the car reassuringly user-friendly.
The heart of the F355 though, was its phenomenal 3.5-litre V8 engine. Equipped with four overhead camshafts and five valves per cylinder - a layout borrowed from Ferrari's Formula 1 engine - this remarkable unit produced a claimed 370bhp at 8,250rpm, with 268lb/ft of torque available from 5,000 to 6,500 revs. A six-speed gearbox, mounted transversely behind the longitudinally disposed engine, ensured a sufficiency of ratios to keep the motor on the boil whatever the situation.
First registered on 14th March 1996, this rare right-hand drive manual example was delivered new to the UK in its desirable colour combination of Nero paint and Nero leather. The car was purchased by the current vendor in October 2010. Since then the car has wanted for nothing and been maintained with no expense spared, as evidenced by numerous invoices on file issued by renowned marque specialists Autoficcina of Epsom, Surrey. Issued on 2nd October 2019 at 26,858 miles, Autoficcina's most recent bill (for £13,965) was for a major engine-out service that included changing the cam belts, replacing the clutch, new catalysts, new front brake discs/pads, refurbishing the wheels, fitting four new Pirelli P-Zero tyres, cleaning/re-colouring the interior, a full valet, and a machine polish. Described by the private vendor as in very good/excellent condition, this beautiful open Ferrari is offered with a V5C document, current and expired MoTs, the aforementioned bills, and a leather book pack (for a US-market model). A Tubi full exhaust system is the only notified deviation from factory specification.
Saleroom notices
Upon close inspection by Bonhams staff, we can see that this car may require some cosmetic attention to the paint and bodywork.
Additional information
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