Description
This car will be auctioned by Silverstone Auctions at the July Classic held at Silverstone Circuit on the 21st of July.
For more information contact Simon Langsdale on the details below / the details below
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. It had 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 380 horsepower at a spine-tingling 8250 rpm. 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; that level of performance combined with its sensational shape made it a worldwide success story.
This particular F355 Berlinetta is a UK-supplied, manual gearbox, right-hand drive car finished in the classic colour combination of Rosso Corsa with Crema leather. It was delivered to its first proud owner on the 22/ 09/ 94 and has only covered 48, 000 miles since then.
It has patently been meticulously maintained to factory requirements since day one and the service book shows stamps from its 1, 000-mile service in 1994 right up to the most recent one in June this year detailing routine maintenance and cambelt changes. The last cambelt service was carried out by marque specialists, Damax, who have looked after the car since 2003, as is supported by both the service book and various invoices in the history file. Our vendor has been the Ferrari's custodian since 2013 and has continued to have the car looked after by at Damax showing good continuity.
It has benefitted from having the wheels refurbished and the interior refreshed recently and otherwise is in lovely overall condition.
With the benefit of hindsight, 355 aficionados insist that the early cars are undoubtedly the most desirable. The Bosch 2. 7 Motronic fuel management delivers a sharper throttle response and a few more bhp than the later 5. 2, the six-speed manual box with that classic open gate is exactly what you want, and the pre-airbag steering wheel is more attractive, and just more Ferrari.
The original tool kit in the distinctive leather case remains with the car and the comprehensive owner's file contains lots of history, service records, MoTs etc. The 355 is undoubtedly one of Ferrari's best-looking cars, and this lovely example, in this condition and in these classic colours, is irresistible.
