** Notice to bidders: 2 pictures of a major service totalling 8800€ carried out in 2016 have been added to the gallery **
Highlights
- 3.5-litre V8 coupled to Ferrari’s then all-new F1 automated manual gearbox
- Only 47,964 kilometres indicated on the odometer
- Beautifully presented in very good, original condition
- VAT qualifying (Will be delivered with Spanish VAT invoice - Deductible for professional buyers)
- Reserve includes 21% Spanish VAT
The Appeal
Pininfarina have a long and fruitful history when it comes to designing Italian convertibles or ‘Spiders’. Be it for Fiat, Alfa Romeo or of course Ferrari, Pininfarina’s ability to pen beautiful soft tops is unrivalled, and the F355 Spider is no exception.
With a dry-sumped 3.5-litre V8 mounted behind the occupants’ heads and with Ferrari’s then cutting edge F1 automated manual gearbox at your fingertips, the F355 was more than just good looking. This 1998 example is exceedingly well presented and looks to be very original. If you fancy a convertible Ferrari to add to your collection, this stunning F355 would be a great choice.
The History and Paperwork
- Supplied originally to Germany on 25th March, 1998
- Original sales paperwork and book pack present
- We’re informed that it has been serviced regularly by main dealers
- Leather Ferrari document wallet
- Original tool bag
- Now resides in Barcelona
- The vendor informs us that the car has had just two owners
The Interior
- Black leather upholstery
- Little wear to speak of
- Alpine stereo system
This Ferrari originates from a time where its interior doesn’t really date it. Climb inside almost any car from the the noughties and the early infotainment technology immediately makes it feel rather dated. Not so in this F355 where the interior appointments are minimalist and well thought out to the extent that you could almost call it timeless.
The black leather upholstery has fared very well with minimal wear to the seats or indeed any of the controls. The seat bases have some very slight creasing as you would expect but really very little evidence of use overall. Elsewhere, there is no excessive wear to report or any damage. The carpeting presents really well and the same goes for the material lining the boot which is of course found at the front of the car.
All of the switchgear looks to be in good shape, the function of every button and toggle still legible and the vendor informs us that everything works exactly as it should. An Alpine CD stereo is fitted which looks to be about the same age as the car and probably the original item. In front of the driver, the instruments all appear to be in good condition and are clearly legible.
The Exterior
- Red paintwork in very good condition
- Straight bodywork
- Soft top roof in good shape and operates smoothly
If a colour and car were ever synonymous, it would have to be red and Ferrari. Resplendent in the brand’s most famous colour scheme, this F355 Spider really looks the part and with its Cavallino Rampante emblems and smart five-spoke alloy wheels, it is a glorious sight to behold.
The paintwork presents exceedingly well and while we’re sure you'll find the odd stone chip upon close inspection, we couldn’t see any damage or blemishes of note. The bodywork appears really straight and the doors fit just as they should. The vendor does not report any damage and they inform us that there is no corrosion to be seen.
Thanks to its Pininfarina design, this Ferrari looks just as fabulous with the roof up as it does with it down and carrying the black over into the rear panel is something of the design house's signature features. The fabric roof is in very good condition, the back window remains clear and it operates smoothly.
The aforementioned alloy wheels look to be in very good condition, as do the tyres.
The Mechanics
- 3.5-litre V8
- F1 automated manual gearbox
- Drives really well
With a dry-sumped 3.5-litre V8 mounted directly behind your head, it should come as no surprise that this Ferrari sounds epic and driving it is a truly visceral experience that you seldom find in today's supercars.
This car is fitted with Ferrari’s F1 automated manual gearbox, allowing for quick gear selection while pressing on. The vendor informs us that it works perfectly and the car is an absolute pleasure to drive with no untoward noises, smoke or leaks to report.
A major engine-out service was carried out in February 2016. The timing belt and tensioners as well as service belts were all replaced. The starter motor was also changed and all the cabin ventilation system was cleaned out and new modern air conditioning fixings were fitted at the same time.
Summary
In the right conditions, it is hard to better the simple pleasures of open top motoring, but a sure way to further enhance the experience is to make that convertible a V8 supercar. In readiness for next summer, now is a great time to add this F355 Spider to your collection.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Please see our FAQs
here
and our Terms & Conditions
here