1999 Ferrari F355 Spider F1

Coachwork by Pininfarina Chassis no. ZFFXR48A7X0113304

Footnotes

"Let's just go straight to it: the Ferrari F355 is one of the best cars ever to have come out of Maranello. The 355 replaced the rather lacklustre 348 and was a distinct improvement in both looks and dynamic ability. A quantum leap, if you like." – Auto Express.

First presented to the motoring press 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 'world car'. 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 drivers' 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 6,500rpm. A six-speed manual gearbox, mounted transversely behind the longitudinally disposed engine, ensured a sufficiency of ratios to keep the motor on the boil whatever the situation. Subsequently the F355 could be ordered with the Formula 1-developed six-speed automated manual transmission, as seen on this example.

Built for the North American market and finished in Nürburgring Silver with matching brake callipers, this little used Spider currently displays a total of 12,441 miles (approximately 20,000 kilometres) on the odometer, all of which were driven by the original owner. As one would expect from such a low-mileage 'like new' car, the interior shows minimal wear and presents very nicely. Offered for sale by a prominent Netherlands-based private collector, this well maintained F355 F1 comes complete with hood bag, car cover, and tool kit in its leather pouch.