Description
It is with great pleasure that we offer for sale, on behalf of our client, this gorgeous Ferrari 355 F1 Spider.
Introduction
30 years ago Ferrari gifted the world with a convertible as dynamic as it was pretty.
This, you see, was a remarkably clever car. Not just an evolution for Ferrari, but a revolution among its established and historic line of mid-engined V8 sports cars, all of which represented a gentle evolution from one model to another, the arrival of the 355 in 1994 heralded something altogether more radical.
1300 hours of wind tunnel testing resulted in a drag coefficient of 0. 33Cd, the suspension set up was supremely sophisticated with Comfort and Sport mode at the touch of a button. But it is that epic engine that is the real party piece. 5 valves per cylinder, lightweight internals, dry sump arrangement all added up to 375bhp a whopping 27% increase over the model it replaced.
Even by todays standards the 355 is a formidable machine.
The Car
Our particular 355 is a 1999 Spider with F1 gearbox, finished in Nero with Cuoio (Tan) leather interior. It is showing 45263 miles recorded and is in truly exceptional condition.
A US spec car, our 355 was originally sold by Ferrari San Francisco and lived in California until 2011 when it moved to Canada. In 2017 the 355 came to our shores but it wasn’t to stay long as its owner emigrated to Marbella taking his Ferrari with him. Fast forward to 2022 and the 355 is purchased by its current owner who bought the car back to the UK. The current owner keeps the car with us in our secure storage facility and regularly uses it on high days and holidays which has included a couple of European trips.
Service History
The 355 has been meticulously maintained throughout its life by all its custodians, particularly its current one who has spent a considerable amount of time and money keeping this 355 in the incredible condition you see today.
The service book contains 15 stamps and there is also a raft of service invoices, service details are…
21/ 06/ 2001 @ 4791 Miles
11/ 02/ 2004 @ 9740 Miles
16/ 05/ 2005 @ 10235 Miles
04/ 06/ 2009 @11604 Miles
02/ 02/ 2011 @ 15715 Miles
25/ 05/ 2012 @ 17868 Miles
03/ 07/ 2013 @ 19904 Miles
01/ 0202016 @ 21833 Miles
15/ 03/ 2017 @ 22133 Miles
14/ 09/ 2018 @ 22373 Miles
30/ 07/ 2020 @ 29497 Miles
26/ 05/ 2022 @ 31009 Miles
04/ 03/ 2023 @ 37328 Miles
29/ 08/ 2023 @ 38525 Miles
20/ 08/ 2024 @ 43117 Miles
12/ 05/ 2025 @ 44097 Miles.
In addition to the regular servicing, the current keeper has spent in excess of £50k improving and future proofing the car, works include an engine refresh including new rings, big ends, valve guides and timing belts at 30k miles. in 2023 the clutch was replaced along with the water pump, the dash was retrimmed and the wheels refurbished in the same year. All the mechanical work and servicing since 2022 has been carried by respected Ferrari specialists AV Engineering in Challock.
The Exterior
From any angle the Ferrari presents superbly, the Nero paintwork has a mile deep shine, the bodywork is untroubled by any dinks, dents, depressions, ripples, folds or creases and the shut-lines and panel gaps are all tight and consistent. All badges and trim are present and correct, the electric fabric hood is in lovely condition and is fully functioning.
The wheels are unmarked and are wrapped in a matching set of Michelin PS4 tyres, all of which are in excellent condition. It also benefits from a Quicksilver performance exhaust system and all front lights being upgraded to LEDs.
The Interior
Inside, the Cuoio leather upholstery is damage free and shows only the very lightest of creasing. The dash is wrinkle free thanks to being retrimmed a couple of years ago. The interior is also devoid of any sticky buttons that all too often blight Ferraris of this vintage.
All buttons, knobs, dials, levers, switches, toggles and stalks do precisely what they’re supposed to do and the whole look is set off by that gorgeous Momo steering wheel.
Paperwork and Accessories
The Ferrari comes with its current V5 (it is now back on its original number plate) 3 sets of keys and fobs, its leather folder containing all booklets plus service book, a comprehensive paperwork file including service invoices, entry into US paperwork and purchase invoices from its American owners. It also comes with a fitted Ferrari cover, tonneau cover, complete Ferrari tool kit and trickle charger both in their leather briefcases. The original steering wheel and exhaust system are also included.
Conclusion
Its little wonder that the Ferrari 355 Spider enjoys such cult appeal today. Thirty years on this 355 is just as visceral and delectable as it ever was.
It presents beautifully and is in superb mechanical condition, it has a huge documented service history. It sounds fantastic, drives without fault and wants for nothing except a new owner who will look after it and enjoy it as its previous owners have done.
