1998 Ferrari F355 F1 Spider

• Circa 15,800 miles from new
• F1-type automated manual transmission
• Present ownership since 2007
• Ferrari service history
• Just serviced at Meridien Modena Ferrari

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 driver's car, the Dino 246 GT. 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 512 TR'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 contemporary 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 paddle-shift transmission, as was this example.

First registered on 28th January 1998 to a Mr Mucklon of Essex, this Ferrari 355 F1 Spider has had five former keepers and has belonged to our vendor since 2007. The car comes with extensive Ferrari service history comprising six services at Maranello Sales Ltd between 1999 and 2006, followed by two at Graypaul in Edinburgh in 2009 and 2022, the recorded mileage increasing by only 394 miles over the intervening 13 years. Now displaying circa 15,800 miles on the odometer, the car has just been serviced at Meridien Modena Ferrari, continuing its extensive main dealer service record. Finished in Rosso Corsa with beige interior and black hood, this low mileage F355 F1 Spider is presented in excellent overall condition.