1996 Ferrari F355 Challenge

The Ferrari F355 in closed Berlinetta and Targa GTS form burst onto the scene in spring 1994. It shared most every dimension with its 348 predecessor. Yet it was virtually a new car, as its stunning coachwork indicated. More than 1800 hours of wind tunnel testing influenced the harmonious shape, which incorporated an F1-style flat bottom with an airflow channel that generated enough down force to offset any lift.

Engine, transmission, and suspension 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 was now a six-speed with a new type of synchromesh that made it much easier to shift. Electronically adjustable shocks varied stiffness within milliseconds to suit the road surface.

The 355 Challenge was made to compete in Ferrari's popular Challenge Series, this berlinetta weighed approximately 200 pounds less than the street car. It had a more spartan interior; wire mesh "Challenge" rear grille, lower and stiffer suspension and revised exhaust, brakes, and wheels.

Finished in its original colour of white, with the addition of red and green flashes representing the Italian flag, we are informed by the vendor that this is a genuine UK RHD Challenge car and is 1 of only 17 ever to be supplied into the UK and has a warranted mileage of just 22700 miles from new.. Delivered new in 1996 to Official Ferrari Dealer of the day Mortimer Houghton Turner it was subsequently changed from production specification to Challenge specification using the factory supplied kit of challenge parts, it was then subsequently campaigned in the F355 Challenge race series here in the UK.

Incredibly, this car has only had 2 registered owners from new with the current owner purchasing the car in April of 1997 at which point it was registered for road use. We are told the car was then used at Ferrari Owners Club track day events and also competed successfully in their Hill Climb Championship. Following rewording of the regulations the car became ineligible for the Ferrari series so the vendor decided to campaign the car in the Midland Speed Championship where it regularly won Class awards and also the class 3C Championships in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

It is reported that this car has never been updated to 1999 Challenge specification; rear wing, lightweight bumpers, quick rack, adjustable anti roll bars, etc. As many were, the owners desire was to always keep this car as original as possible and doing so would have detracted from the car in so many ways. To make the car more suitable for road use the following items have been returned to production specification; road springs, brake discs and callipers, handbrake and cables, battery and water thermostat. Internally the car benefits from a pair of Recaro SPG race seats with 4 point harnesses, full roll cage and fire extinguisher.

We are informed that recently the car has been confined to road and occasional track day use, there is a comprehensive service history and MOT and SORN documentation and only 1500 miles ago was re shod with Pirelli P zero tyres, importantly for total piece of mind the car was subject to a Ferrari Main Dealer cambelt service in March of this year and is MOT and taxed until March 2015.

This is a very significant Ferrari and offers a unique chance to own what many consider to be one of the prettiest cars of all time, with such low mileage and unique provenance we anticipate interest from all 4 corners of the globe on this car.

(Please note the registration number P8 FER is available by separate negotiation and is not included in the sale of the car.)