1997 Ferrari 355 Spider

Seller's description

The Ferrari F355 (Type F129) is a sports car built by Ferrari from May 1994 to 1999. It is an evolution of the Ferrari 348 and was replaced by the Ferrari 360. It is a mid-engined, rear wheel drive, V8-powered two-seat coupe, targa, or convertible.

Design emphasis for the F355 was placed on significantly improved performance, as well as drivability across a wider range of speeds and in different environments. Apart from the displacement increase from 3.4 to 3.5 L, the major difference between the V8 engine in the 348 and F355 is the introduction of a 5-valve cylinder head. This new head design allowed for better intake permeability and resulted in an engine that was considerably more powerful, producing 380bhp. The longitudinal 90° V8 engine was bored 2mm over the 348′s engine resulting in the small increase in displacement. Engine internals are produced using lightweight materials; the connecting rods are forged in titanium alloy. The engine’s compression ratio is 11:1 and employs the Bosch Motronic M2.7 engine control unit in the 1995 model year, later changed to the M5.2 in 1996 through end of production. The Motronic system controls the electronic fuel injection and ignition systems, with a single spark plug per cylinder. Engine lubrication is via a dry-sump oiling system. The frame is a steel monocoque with tubular steel rear sub-frame with front and rear suspensions using independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs over gas-filled telescopic shock absorbers with electronic control servos and anti-roll bars. The car allows selection between two damper settings, “Comfort” and “Sport”. Ferrari fitted all road-going F355 models with Pirelli tires, size 225/40ZR 18 in front and 265/40 ZR 18 in the rear. Although the F355 was equipped with power-assisted steering (intended to improve low-speed drivability relative to the outgoing 348), this could optionally be replaced with a manual steering rack setup by special order.

Aerodynamic designs for the car included over 1,300 hours of wind tunnel analysis. The car’s standard seats are upholstered with hides from Connolly Leather, and are fitted asymmetrically in the car; this results in the driver being slightly closer to the car’s center line than the passenger.

At launch, two models were available: the coupe Berlinetta and the targa topped GTS. The Spider version was introduced in 1995. In 1997 the Formula One style paddle gear shift electrohydraulic manual transmission was introduced with the Ferrari 355 F1 (note the dropping of the F before the 355). The F355 was the last in the series of mid-engined Ferraris with the Flying Buttress rear window, a lineage going back to the 1965 Dino 206 GT, unveiled at the Paris Auto Show.

The nomenclature does not follow the formula from the previous decades, i.e., engine capacity (in liters) followed by number of cylinders (e.g. 246 = 2.4 liters, 6 cylinders, 308 = 3.0 liters, 8 cylinders, etc.). For the F355, Ferrari used engine capacity followed by the number of valves per cylinder (355 = 3.5 litres engine capacity and 5 valves per cylinder) to bring the performance advances introduced by a 5 valve per cylinder configuration into the forefront.

EQUIPMENT

RHD, UK Supplied, Manual transmission, Electric seats, Electric Hood, Power windows, Electric heated mirrors, Adjustable sports suspension, ABS (including cut out), JVC Radio and CD player.

EXTERIOR

Arguably the evolution of the mid-engine Ferrari reached its peak with the 355. Perfectly proportioned and with effortless elegance, this superb Spider sits in beautiful Le Mans Blue. There are a dusting of stone chips to the bumper and bonnet hood commensurate with age, although a walk around of the car shows no other signs of cosmetic fault; it is wonderfully finished and pops dramatically in natural light. Lights are clear and free from cracks or marks, with fitment and finish of surrounds and trim in excellent order. The hood arrangement nestles nicely behind the rear seats, attesting to an excellent design that does well not to disrupt the flowing lines of this wonderful convertible.

INTERIOR

The tan leather seats compliment the exterior colour wonderfully well, maintaining excellent contour and texture. This cabin enjoys an offset layer of black leather wrapped around the top of dash that presents in fantastic order. The common switchgear and door handle maladies that affect most Ferraris of this era are pleasingly absent of any stickiness with an exacting structure, shape and feel whilst the airbag insert retains good fit and appearance. The open gate gear knob is free of scratches and proudly shines centre stage.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

The engine and airbox arrangement present both unmarked and as the factory intended with no modifications. The manual gearbox is a wholly engaging experience and once the car has finished it’s warming cycle it is slick, precise and totally intuitive; the open gate will always command a satisfaction that the F1 gearbox can’t quite compete with. Having recently returned from a belt service with Ferrari Lancaster, this V8 is ready for immediate use.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

The classic 5 spoke Speedline wheels are in unmarked condition wrapped in recently replaced factory correct Pirelli P Zero with excellent tread depth. The brakes perform as they should, with no adverse pitch, pull or drone. The black calipers are free from chips or corrosion and complete the stunning overall condition of this very special Ferrari.

HISTORY FILE

The provenance of this Spider is absolutely first class. Full Ferrari History with an exacting timeline;

Lancaster 26.03.98 7202 miles

HR Owen 5.10.98 12156 miles

HR Owen 04.09.00 14322 miles

Lancaster 09.05.01 15705 miles

Lancaster 14.12.02 18852 miles

Lancaster 27.02.04 21724 miles

Lancaster 11.01.06 22774 miles

Lancaster 27.12.06 23060 miles

Lancaster 10.01.08 23111 miles

Lancaster 24.04.09 23328 miles

Lancaster 30.06.10 23802 miles

Lancaster 21.04.15 25077 miles

With the belts service just completed the car is on the button and ready to go.

Contact The Octane Collection for more details.

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