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 with 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 a Formula One style flat bottom with channeled air flow generating enough downforce to offset any lift.

The longitudinally mounted 3496cc V8 produced a stunning 374bhp at a spine tingling 8250rpm and the gearbox now had six speeds with a new type of synchromesh making changes so much smoother. 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 looks, made it a world wide success story.

This excellent Left Hand Drive, Manual, Berlinetta was first supplied new on the 10th of January 1996 by Ferrari Lausanne in Switzerland, and was finished in the traditional colours of Rosso with Nero Leather. Always resident in Switzerland the car has only recently made its journey to UK shores. This lovely Ferrari presents superbly and at the time of cataloguing showed a mere 39,400kms or 24,480 miles.

Well maintained, the car has been looked after throughout its life by Ferrari specialists as detailed below:

24/09/1998 at 11125km. Serviced by Garage de Athenee Andre Chevalley SA Ferrari. 14/02/2000 at 18952km. Serviced by Garage de Athenee Andre Chevalley SA Ferrari. 02/08/2006 at 27809km. Serviced by Modena Cars SA, concessionaire Ferrari and Maserati. 13/08/2010 at 30704km. Full cambelt service by Modena Cars SA. 30/03/2012 at 30955km. Serviced by Modena Cars SA. 22/04/2013 at 31318km. Serviced by Modena Cars SA. 12/12/2014 at 36869km. Full cambelt service by Modena Cars SA.

Many rate the F355 as one of the most enjoyable and useable Ferraris of all time and we struggle to find any reason to disagree.