2005 Ferrari F430 Spider F1

The Ferrari F430 made its first appearance under the bright lights of the 2004 Paris Motor Show replacing Maranello’s time-served 360. The two share a rear mid-engine layout and occupy roughly the same footprint with a 102" wheelbase and approximately 177 inches between their bumpers, but that’s about where the similarities end.

As its name implies, the F430 is powered by the new F136, a 4.3-litre, dry-sumped, V8 which was factory-rated at 483 brake-horsepower and 343 foot-pounds of torque. It was the first Ferrari V8 to move on from engine-architecture that dated back to the single-seat racers from the 1950s. The F136 benefited directly from Scuderia Ferrari with its four-valve cylinder head and valves being sourced directly from the company’s Formula 1 programme.

The complex variable valve-timing system was uplifted from the range-topping Enzo, as was the dry-sump oil system and a very high compression ratio of 11.3:1, with a variable air flow plenum chamber and an enormous electronics brain operating not one, but two, Bosch Motronic ME7 ECU’s. Performance was excellent with 62mph making an appearance in just 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 196mph.

The engine could be paired with either a 6-speed manual gearbox with Ferrari’s signature gate or the F1 electrohydraulic 6-speed automated manual. The F430 served as the debut platform for a small dial on the steering wheel to control the car’s five drive modes. The ‘Manettino’ control reconfigured the car’s stability control, its throttle response, its electronic dampers, and even its active rear differential. About six months after the Berlinetta debuted, the F430 Spider joined the line up with a neat roof panel that tucked away above the engine bay at the touch of a button.

This beautiful F430 Spider F1 was supplied new by Stratstone Ferrari of Cheshire in Rosso Corsa with Crema leather beneath a black mohair electric hood. It was first registered on the 20th September 2005 to a Mr Wilson and joined his family's Collection of prestigious motorcars on the 9th October 2020. It's presented to auction with a fresh MOT, V5C, leather bound book pack, tool roll, radio car, tow keys and the original, well-stamped service book.