1999 Ferrari 355 F1 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 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 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 380bhp at a spine-tingling 8250rpm. 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 F355 Spider is presented in the connoisseur's choice of Argento Nurburgring with Black hood and beautifully contrasting Bordeaux leather interior which works very well indeed and suits the model's sporting ancestry. Over the 22,000 miles travelled the interior and body of the car has stood the test of time well. The car boasts Tubi exhausts which give the car an impressive engine note and further brags the optional extra Challenge grille between the rear lights. It is shod with good quality Dunlop SP Sport 9000 tyres and the 5-spoke alloy wheels with yellow prancing horse centre caps are virtually unmarked with only one or two light scratches.

The car has been carefully stored and little used in the past five years, though during this time it has been regularly started and the engine warmed. Prior to this the car was in constant light use and received regular maintenance as follows:

31/03/2000 @ 4,091miles, Lancaster Colchester26/07/2000 @ 7,417miles, Maranello Egham02/10/2000 @ 9,331miles, Maranello Egham29/10/2001 @ 10,943miles, Maranello Egham07/03/2002 @ 11,213miles, Maranello Egham (including cambelt)11/12/2003 @ 11,958miles, Maranello Egham10/12/2004 @ 12,730miles, Carrs Exeter (including cambelt)18/01/2006 @ 14,735miles, Carrs Exeter31/01/2007 @ 15,416miles, Carrs Exeter01/02/2008 @ 18,236miles, Verdi Middlesex (including cambelt)06/06/2010 @ 22,071miles, Prestige Car Care Bradford28/04/2015 @ 22,303miles, R&D Automotive, Manchester (including pre-sale major service, cambelt, clutch, fresh MOT and new battery)

This car is in fine order for the year and in keeping with the relatively low mileage. It is sold with a fresh major service having just been completed and received new cambelts, clutch and a fresh MOT prior to sale. We regret that it is not offered with its tonneau cover for the roof, nor could this cataloguer lower the roof when I inspected the car. It does however work as it should as confirmed by our vendor and R&D Automotive, leading independent Ferrari and Porsche specialists who know the car well.

This Ferrari is accompanied by a host of documents including handbooks (lightly water-damaged), service book, manuals, a number of past MOT's and sundry invoices.

In summary, a most handsome and usable F1 gearbox Ferrari with tempting mileage and a pleasing service record, it looks resplendent in the more unusual Ferrari Silver and commands serious attention at this guide price.