1996 Ferrari F355 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.

Offered here is a manual F355 Berlinetta finished in Rosso Corsa with a Nero Black leather interior and red carpets. A left-hand drive example, this car was supplied new to its first owner on 7th March 1996 by Maranello S.r.l. Pesaro, Italy.

The service book contains stamps from the supplying dealer initially, and then another Ferrari Main Agent, Forza Service S.r.l, Torino, who were to carry out the majority of the service work on the car thereafter. The last major service with cambelts was done in 2013, only 7,000km or 4,349 miles ago, by marque specialist Rossi Corse S.r.l. Varese, Italy.

Our vendor purchased the car from the aforementioned marque specialist earlier this year and imported it into the UK, registering the car with the DVLA and gaining the registration plate "N36 LAT'. The car has a current MoT certificate, expiring on 12th March '16.

Supplied with a full toolkit, leather bookpack containing all the relevant books and 2 sets of keys, this stunning looking Berlinetta is now showing 76,939 km or 47,807 miles on the odometer, and is ready to be exercised and enjoyed by its next owner.