1997 Ferrari 355 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 and the new electronically adjustable shock absorbers varied their stiffness within milliseconds to suit the road surface and these two factors, combined with other improvements, enabled the 355 to lap Ferrari's 1.86 mile Fiorano test track, two seconds faster than the 12 cylinder 512 TR. 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 and not to mention fast as any Ferrari should be, but it is 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 8,000 rpm. Today's example is offered in the dinner-jacket smooth colour combination of Nero with a contrasting biscuit leather interior and was delivered new to Berlin in 1997. This model sports a manual gearbox, to many drivers essential when it comes to fully enjoying an Italian thoroughbred.Imported into the UK in 1998, the old V5 is clipped to its Swedish papers, along with bills for routine servicing, including the latest in February this year, as well as receipts for a rebuilding of the cylinder heads. The 355 Spider offers the full convertible experience whilst retaining the classic good looks of the Berlinetta. This car presents itself as superbly understated, and as a 'Black Ferrari', attracts more admiring glances than most of its brethren can command. More affordable than ever before, you can look forward to a very special driving experience with this handsome car.