Highlights

Imported from California
MoT until September 2023
Garaged throughout its time in the UK

The Appeal

Produced between 1994 and 1999, the F355 (often simply abbreviated to 355) was based heavily upon the preceding 348, but incorporated Ferrari’s new, more aerodynamic design language and the all-new F1 automated paddle-shift transmission as an option from 1997, with equipped vehicles gaining the ‘F1’ badge at the end of their model designation.

This particular example was originally delivered to the United States in left-hand-drive configuration, and was imported into the country a number of years ago, though it was only recently registered here on account of its lack of use.

Garaged throughout its time in the UK, this Spider is in need of a new custodian to preserve it and enjoy it as Ferrari intended, could it be you?

History & Paperwork

Imported to the UK and first register here in October 2022
Finished in Giallo Modena over a black leather interior
Recently serviced by QV of London
Extensive documentation, with over $21,000 in works carried out whilst in California
V5 UK Registered keepers document, showing 0 former UK keepers
Stamped service record and full book packs
Two sets of keys

Delivered to the United States from new and finished in Giallo Modena, this particular 355 Spider F1 also boasts the optional Scuderia shields on the front wings, and the optional Challenge Stradale rear grille, which transforms the rear end of the car compared to the ‘standard’ offering on cars not equipped with this option.

Purchased by the current (and only) UK keeper a number of years ago, the car was imported into the UK and has sat largely unused for a number of years, save for a run out to the MoT test station in September (resulting in a clean pass until September 2023) and a visit to renowned marque specialists QV of London in October 2018, with an ‘annual’ service carried out at 17,597 miles including an oil change, brake fluid and anti-freeze change, along with attention to the screen washer system.

Since the above works were carried out, the car has sat unused in the vendor’s garage, and would benefit from a new custodian that would use it regularly, driving it as Ferrari intended.

The Interior

Tool kit and leather book pack present-and-correct, along with a car cover and roof tonneau
17,608 miles (indicated)
Good condition throughout

Inside, the classic black leather interior of this 355 Spider F1 has stood the test of time well, though - like most vehicle that have sat stored for a number of years - it would benefit from a thorough valeting/detailing to bring it back to its best.

Detailing aside, the good news is that there is no sign of any heavy wear or damage to the seat bases or bolsters, whilst the carpets are in good condition throughout.

The high-traffic areas such as the inner door sill covers, door cards, steering wheel and shifter surround display some light commensurate wear in keeping with the vehicle’s overall condition.

In the front, the luggage compartment is in good order and contains a car cover, roof tonneau cover, tool kit and leather book pack, along with other miscellaneous items.

During our photo shoot, all of the gauges and switches for systems within the car were working as they should be.

The roof, however, was exceedingly stiff and required assistance to get it to fold back, likely from lack of use in recent years. The vendor has stated that this issue will be fixed prior to the sale of the vehicle.

The Exterior

Desirable Giallo Modena paintwork
Presents very well for its age
Optional Scuderia shields and Challenge rear grille

On the outside, the timeless lines of the 355 still look fantastic to this day, and - arguably - the Spider is the best-looking of the stable.

The good news is that the lines of this 355 are undisturbed by the passage of time, with no dents or damage noted, save for a deep scratch along the rear of the offside side skirt, which has been touched-in.

Elsewhere, the paintwork remains in good condition throughout, with a few stone chips and the standard scuffs visible to the lower edge of the front bumper, but nothing that wouldn’t be considered commensurate for a vehicle of this age.

Up above, the roof is in good condition with no cracking or damage to the rear screen, though the mechanism requires attention as we’ve already stated.

All four wheels are in excellent condition, though the tyres are date-coded 2011, so would benefit from being changed prior to this drop-top supercar seeing any ‘real’ usage, especially with winter on the horizon.

The Mechanicals

3.5-litre dry-sump V8 engine
Six-speed semi-automatic ‘F1’ transmission
Clean MoT until September 2023
Serviced by QV of London at 17,597 miles

Under the deck lid at the rear, the 3.5-litre F129 naturally-aspirated V8 engine presents in good order throughout, though - as with the interior - a full valet/detailing would do wonders for the presentation of the engine bay.

That said, we could see no signs of any obvious issues from a visual inspection, whilst the car has covered barely any miles since being serviced by QV. We did, however, note that there was a small patch of oil on the floor from where the car was stored for a long period of time.

Mechanically, this fantastic F355 would appear to be in need of an ‘Italian tune-up’ as upon initial start up, it would appear to be misfiring on one or two cylinders and running lumpy, before a gentle throttle application lets the engine ‘clear its throat’ after which it will idle happily.

Other than needing some more regular use, the vendor is not aware of any outstanding mechanical or electrical issues with the engine, transmission or chassis.

The most recent service was carried out in 2018 at 17,597 miles by QV of London, and the current MoT certificate is valid until September 2023 with no advisory items noted.

Summary

Virtually unused since arriving on British shores, this 1998 Ferrari 355 F1 Spider is crying out to be used and enjoyed.

Finished in a fantastic colour scheme (#notrossocorsa fans will be very excited) and with the desirable Challenge rear grille, this is a great example of the breed that would appear to require nothing more than some light fettling and regular use, what a warship that would be…

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