1996 Ferrari 355 Berlinetta Manual

A UK-supplied, right-hand drive, manual gearbox, Berlinetta in gleaming Nero

Superb black/grey interior with the sought after carbon bucket seat option

Correctly stored for a few years and consequently only 16,480 miles

Full mechanical overhaul from front to back in 2019 at a cost of ú11,000

With its full book pack, tools, V5c and an MOT valid until December 2019

Surely the ultimate 355, an immaculate, manual box Berlinetta with carbon seats

Inheriting the proportions of its predecessor, the F355 was outwardly a much better-resolved proposition, both aesthetically and aerodynamically. However, beneath the fabulous styling and smoother skin, were further major advancements, including power steering, variable damping, and a 100cc engine enlargement. The longitudinally mounted 3496cc V8 generated a market-leading 380 horsepower at a spine-tingling 8,250 rpm and the gearbox now had six speeds with a revised synchromesh making gear changes so much smoother. New electronically adjustable shock absorbers varied their stiffness within milliseconds to suit the road surface and the result of all these developments was evident around Ferrari's 1.86 mile Fiorano test track when the 355 was two seconds a lap faster than the 12-cylinder 512 TR.

Sitting on the cusp between analogue and digital, the 355 is considered the forerunner of all modern Ferraris and, as the last of the hand-built cars before the 360 and later descendants moved to mass production, will inevitably slip into the role of 'Classic Ferrari' with ease becoming increasingly sought after as time goes by.

On offer here is a truly stunning 355 in striking black with a black/grey interior and the sought after carbon bucket seat option. It spent a period of time, correctly stored off the road probably explaining the modest mileage of just 16,480 at the time of consignment. In 2018 it was released from storage and subjected to a complete mechanical overhaul from front to back at a cost just shy of ú11,000 carried out by Ferrari specialists, AML Performance Ltd. in Macclesfield.

This included; cambelt, pulleys and tensioner, clutch and clutch bearings, Front and rear brakes, period-correct front and rear tyres, water pump and ancillary belts and hoses.

Prior to the extensive recommissioning service, it had obviously been well looked after as is evident from the comprehensive service record including many belt changes by Ferrari main dealers, Maranello in Egham and Lancaster in Colchester. The car's most recent service was in May 2019 by Stratstone Ferrari in Wilmslow at a cost of ú2,000 detailed on a copy invoice in the owner's file. In total, around ú18,000 has been spent in the last nine months to return this wonderful little Ferrari to the condition in which you see it today.

Every iteration of the F355 is desirable, however, if you really enjoy extending your Ferrari, the Berlinetta with a manual gearbox and carbon buckets is undoubtedly the way to go. This is a really lovely example offered with its full book pack, tools, V5c and an MOT until December 2019 and appears very sensibly guided.