1996 Ferrari F355 Spider

The F355 Spider debuted in 1995, its Pininfarina-penned lines honed by 1,800 hours in the wind tunnel, resulting in a blend of aerodynamic performance and elegant style. For the first time on a Ferrari, the semi-automatic soft-top was powered electrically. Initially, the Spider was offered with a 6-speed transmission and just 2,664 of these were produced.

The longitudinally mounted 3496cc V8 generated a stunning 380 horsepower at a spine-tingling 8,250 rpm. The 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.The Ferrari 355 was a huge improvement over its predecessor in every respect and turned out to be a landmark car for the Italian marque. Considered the forerunner of all modern Ferraris, the 355 is a car that is every bit as exciting and beautiful, not to mention fast as any Ferrari should be, but it's all available in a very accessible and well-mannered package.

Added to that impressive cocktail, the Spider offers the pleasures of open-air driving with much better access to the grin-inducing howl of that powerful V8 at a heady 8,250 rpm.

This fabulous looking right-hand drive, manual, F355 Spider is presented in the popular Ferrari colour combination of Rosso Corsa with a Nero interior and was delivered new to its first owner in New Zealand. Having covered a mere 27,135 miles (43,671 kilometres) from new, the car is described by the vendor as in excellent condition. The Rosso paintwork retains a superb shine and the panel gaps are consistent across all panels. The black interior is presented in lovely condition and looks fresh and in addition, the engine bay is stunning and has been carefully detailed in recent months.

Throughout its life, this car has been carefully maintained showing 7 stamps in the service book from, largely Ferrari, specialists. The most recent service was carried out in the last 3,500 kilometres by a Ferrari main agent. Having covered a mere 27,135 miles, this 355 is ready for many more miles of fun with its next owner. The car will be supplied with a fresh MoT certificate before the sale, accompanying NOVA reference and Ferrari leather book pack containing service books & driver's manuals. 355s with a manual gearbox are in the minority and the most sought after by purists, and this is a wonderful example of a timeless modern classic that is considered by many to be one of Pininfarina's finest ever designs.