1996 Ferrari F355 GTS (RHD) Type F129
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Highlights
- 1 Previous owner
- Rare right-hand-drive
- Cambelts and tensioners renewed
The Appeal
Everyone admires a Ferrari and the name is synonymous with speed, prowess and the high life, the F355 was one of the most successful models made.
The GTS had that little extra ‘pizazz’ by having a Targa style roof that could be removed and stowed behind the seats. A little over 2500 GTS cars were made, most of them in manual form but many were left-hand-drive.
This one is reputed to have started as one of those but has been converted to right-hand drive by the owner. Originally registered in Ireland this car has now become re-registered in the UK and holds a current V5c.
Another salient point about this car is that it does have the benefit of having the cambelt and tensioner change along with a long documented maintenance history.
The GTS had that little extra ‘pizazz’ by having a Targa style roof that could be removed and stowed behind the seats. A little over 2500 GTS cars were made, most of them in manual form but many were left-hand-drive.
This one is reputed to have started as one of those but has been converted to right-hand drive by the owner. Originally registered in Ireland this car has now become re-registered in the UK and holds a current V5c.
Another salient point about this car is that it does have the benefit of having the cambelt and tensioner change along with a long documented maintenance history.
The History and Paperwork
- Substantial invoice collection showing maintenance history
- Irish documentation with some MOT history
- Freshly MOT’d until Spring 23
- Import paperwork
- New seats installed
- Cambelt change in 2016
- Documented speedo change at 22615 miles
Any car of this calibre needs to prove that it has been cared for properly and there is a healthy-sized file containing some significant spending and important maintenance.
You will find invoices for routine servicing as well as essential repairs and the cambelt replacement. There is also evidence of a partial respray and change of interior from black to white.
There is unfortunately no physical evidence to prove the conversion from LHD to RHD and if correct will have been a substantial undertaking.
You will find invoices for routine servicing as well as essential repairs and the cambelt replacement. There is also evidence of a partial respray and change of interior from black to white.
There is unfortunately no physical evidence to prove the conversion from LHD to RHD and if correct will have been a substantial undertaking.
The Interior
- Reputedly converted from LHD
- The Interior colour scheme changed including new seats
- Door cards replaced
The quality of the upholstery appears in good condition and this isn’t surprising as the seating and trim had been replaced to facilitate a colour change from black.
The dash fit and finish seem good and all the instrumentation and controls work as they should.
If the car has indeed been converted from LHD there does not seem to be any tell-tale signs of it being done and therefore must be a very professional conversion.
The dash fit and finish seem good and all the instrumentation and controls work as they should.
If the car has indeed been converted from LHD there does not seem to be any tell-tale signs of it being done and therefore must be a very professional conversion.
The Exterior
- Standard Rosso Corsa colour
- Good panel gaps
- Fully functioning pop-up lights
The bodywork is finished in the ubiquitous Rosso Corsa and although the rear quarters have been resprayed the entire body could benefit from a mop and polish to elevate the finish and resolve some of the slight disparity between panels that can be seen in certain light conditions particularly a touched-in area on the bonnet.
There is a blister in the middle of the driver’s door which needs attention.
The fit of the panels and the doors seem to be good and give no indication of being replaced and the all-important pop-up headlights function correctly.
There is a blister in the middle of the driver’s door which needs attention.
The fit of the panels and the doors seem to be good and give no indication of being replaced and the all-important pop-up headlights function correctly.
The Mechanics
- 3496cc of raucous V8
- A defined paper trail of servicing and repairs
- Specialist involvement with the maintenance
The V8 engine is the heart and soul of a 355 and a new owner must be comfortable that it has been looked after in a way that befits the marque.
As stated before, this vehicle does have quite an enviable track record that shows that there has been a level of attention that should keep this 355 healthy.
The all-important cambelt and tensioner change have been performed as well as other major overhauls and replacements, some of the invoice totals are quite eye-watering but it does show that corners have not been cut.
The engine fires up instantly with a crackle from the exhaust and settles quickly into a steady rumbling tick-over.
Throttle response seems good and once the clutch pedal is fully depressed, gear selection through the typical Ferrari gated shift is quite crisp.
As stated before, this vehicle does have quite an enviable track record that shows that there has been a level of attention that should keep this 355 healthy.
The all-important cambelt and tensioner change have been performed as well as other major overhauls and replacements, some of the invoice totals are quite eye-watering but it does show that corners have not been cut.
The engine fires up instantly with a crackle from the exhaust and settles quickly into a steady rumbling tick-over.
Throttle response seems good and once the clutch pedal is fully depressed, gear selection through the typical Ferrari gated shift is quite crisp.
Summary
This increasingly rare F355 is not without issues, the paintwork does need a little time and effort to match its credentials as a Classic Supercar, but its heart does appear to be intact and beating strongly behind your head.
There is no doubt that according to the invoices the car has been treated well over the years and the engine note and performance seem to support it.
Those minor cosmetic imperfections shouldn’t deter any prospective purchaser because they are just that, minor and to be fair this prancing horse is almost 26 years old and can be excused a little faded paint.
There is no doubt that according to the invoices the car has been treated well over the years and the engine note and performance seem to support it.
Those minor cosmetic imperfections shouldn’t deter any prospective purchaser because they are just that, minor and to be fair this prancing horse is almost 26 years old and can be excused a little faded paint.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1999
- Make Ferrari
- Model F355 GTS (RHD) Type F129
- Colour Red
- Odometer 22,748 Miles
- Engine size 3496
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Location Cheshire
- Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
29 bids
- fmmeade £60,100 30/05/22
- royalea•••• £58,750 30/05/22
- fmmeade £58,100 30/05/22
- royalea•••• £57,200 30/05/22
- fmmeade £56,500 30/05/22
- kingtes•••• £56,000 30/05/22
- parvez0•••• £55,200 30/05/22
- parvez0•••• £53,500 30/05/22
- kingtes•••• £51,000 30/05/22
- parvez0•••• £49,250 30/05/22
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