1998 Ferrari F355 Spider

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

This stunning looking F355 Spider is presented in the popular Ferrari colour combination of Rosso Corsa with Crema interior and was delivered new to its first owner with a specification including electronic suspension, air conditioning and Rosso carpets. Throughout its life, this car has been carefully maintained showing the following stamps in the service book:

Specialist Date Mileage Work undertakenWestover Sports Cars 1.2.99 4,203 ServiceWestover Sports Cars 22.5.02 7,192 Service & CambeltsCaracalla (Cortese Bath) 1.8.03 9,178 Service & ClutchDick Lovett (MHT) Ltd 18.2.04 10,171 ServiceDick Lovett (MHT) Ltd 25.4.05 18,050 Service & CambeltsDick Lovett (MHT) Ltd 28.9.06 22,237 ServiceDick Lovett (MHT) Ltd 16.10.07 23,893 ServiceDick Lovett Sporting Ltd 8.4.08 - Service & CambeltsDick Lovett Sporting Ltd 24.2.10 25,376 ServiceMeridien Modena Ltd 29.10.14 25,400 Service & Cambelts

In fact, the latest service carried out by Meridien Modena not only included cambelts and auxiliary belt replacements, but also removal of the F1 display for repair, regassing and replacement filters for the air conditioning and a replacement clutch, flywheel & release bearing. An invoice in the history file for more than £7,000 details the complete works undertaken.

Having covered a warranted 25,423 miles, this car will be supplied with a fresh MoT before the sale, along with a UK V5c, its original toolkit, jack and Ferrari leather book pack containing service books & drivers manuals. This F355 Spider is a wonderful example of a timeless modern classic that is considered by many as one of Pininfarina's finest designs.