1997 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 8250 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; that level of performance combined with its sensational shape made it a worldwide success story.

This particular Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, is presented in a stunning colour combination of Grigio Titanio metallic paint on Bordeaux leather interior including the door cards, top roll and matching steering wheel making the cabin a very exclusive place to be.

It was delivered new in late March 1997 to its one and only registered keeper, Mr Van Laneker where it remained in his private collection for the past 18 years. It comes with the original Warranty Card, Certificat De Confrmite (birth certificate), full Ferrari service history, leather wallet and leather tool kit. It is presented in fantastic overall condition and shows just 49,979 miles equivalent. The timing belt was changed 6,836 miles ago.

The service book contains stamps from the supplying Ferrari dealer, initially at just 1,201 kms, then a further four services at regular intervals since, the last at 78,500kms (48,777 miles) in August 2014 which included brakes, oil and annual service, since which time the car has travelled just 1,400kms.

At the time of sale, this car will carry a fresh 12 month MOT test certificate and is accompanied by a NOVA number to aid registration wherever the new owner may choose. Guided very sensibly when compared to recent results for comparable manual gearbox F355's, this car warrants serious attention today.