1994 Ferrari 355 Challenge

The Ferrari F355 is a modern classic, so beautiful, so well-engineered and so well received that it marked the beginning of the end of the old-guard "Ferraristi' philosophy that the only "real" Ferraris were ones with 12-cylinder engines. The Ferrari F355 Berlinetta and Targa GTS burst onto the world stage in the spring of 1994. It had almost exactly the same dimensions as its predecessor the 348, yet it was virtually a new car, as its stunning coachwork indicated. Many hours of wind tunnel testing influenced the harmonious shape which incorporated an F1 style flat bottom with an air flow channel that generated enough down-force to offset any lift.

The engine, transmission and suspension all received major upgrades. The longitudinally mounted 3496cc V-8 had five valves per cylinder and a stunning 375-380 horsepower at a spine tingling 8250 rpm. The gearbox now had six speeds with a new type of synchromesh that made it much easier to shift. New electronically adjustable shock absorbers varied their stiffness within milliseconds to suit the road surface. Around Ferrari's 1.86 mile Fiorano test track the 355 was two seconds a lap faster than the 12 cylinder 512 TR, that level of performance combined with its sensational shape made it a worldwide success story.

In 1995 the 'Challenge' model was offered, it was especially designed to race in a one make series both in Europe and North America. Underlining the F355's " straight out of the box' performance was the fact that Ferrari simply added racing seats, a roll cage and a rear wing to create more down-force. Only 109 of these cars were manufactured and each car has an emblem on the rear which specifically denotes 'F355 Challenge'.

This particular 355 Challenge car was imported from Switzerland in 2001 and converted for road use here in the UK. It comes with a report from Tony Willis confirming its build as a 'Challenge' car in 1994 and further benefits from thorough Bob Houghton Ferrari service history, and most recently, a cambelt change and service at Fiorano Sportscars, Southampton. This is a really special Ferrari 355 Challenge and worthy of serious consideration today...