1995 Ferrari F355 Manual Berlinetta

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 longitudinally mounted 3496cc V8 had a stunning 380 horsepower at a spine-tingling 8,250 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 and that level of performance combined with its sensational shape made it a worldwide success story.

Dating from March 1995, this lovely left-hand drive 355 Berlinetta has the desirable manual gearbox and is finished in the very rare colour combination of Argento Silver with a Bordeaux interior. Supplied new to Oman and subsequently moved to Spain before arriving in the UK, while in the custody of the original owner. From the history file this little Ferrari obviously spent some time darting around the lanes of South Herefordshire as there are a number of invoices relating to its last owner in Ross on Wye who, judging by the invoice file was particularly fastidious, even going as far as fitting brand new seats from Ferrari. Our vendor acquired the vehicle in August of last year to add to his collection but has hardly used it, and feels that this superb 355 should really be enjoyed by a new owner. The mileage at the latest MoT on 24/3/2016 was 55,256kms compared to 54,265 the previous year and despite having covered just under 1,000 kms in a year there are invoices for almost £1,500 for care and attention. The car is accompanied by a Tan Leather Ferrari book pack and an interesting history file.355 aficionados insist that the 'one to have' is the six-speed manual with the 2.7 Motronic ignition system and the slimmer, pre-airbag, steering wheel which is exactly what we have here, and when presented in this colour combination and in this condition this car is irresistible.