1998 Ferrari F355 Spider

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 produced a stunning 380 horsepower at a spine-tingling 8250 rpm, and the gearbox now had six speeds with a new type of synchromesh that resulted in a much smoother gear change. New electronically adjustable shock absorbers varied their stiffness within milliseconds to suit the road surface, and 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 the new car's sensational shape made it a worldwide success story.

This stunning F355 Spider is presented in the popular Ferrari colour combination of Rosso Corsa with a Crema interior and was delivered new to its first owner with a specification including electronic suspension, air conditioning, and Rosso carpets. It was supplied to Mr. G. Irrin of Middlesex on 2nd January 1998 by Maranello Concessionaires.

Throughout its life, this car has been carefully maintained showing the following stamps in the service book: Westover Sports Cars 1.2.99 4,203 ServiceWestover Sports Cars 22.5.02 7,192 Service & CambeltsCaracalla (Cortese Bath) 1.8.03 9,178 Service & ClutchDick Lovett (MHT) Ltd 18.2.04 10,171 ServiceDick Lovett (MHT) Ltd 25.4.05 18,050 Service & CambeltsDick Lovett (MHT) Ltd 28.9.06 22,237 ServiceDick Lovett (MHT) Ltd 16.10.07 23,893 ServiceDick Lovett Sporting Ltd 8.4.08 - Service & CambeltsDick Lovett Sporting Ltd 24.2.10 25,376 ServiceMeridien Modena Ltd 29.10.14 25,400 Service & Cambelts In fact, the last service carried out by Meridien Modena not only included cambelts and auxiliary belt replacements, but also the removal of the F1 display for repair, re-gassing and replacement filters for the air conditioning, and a replacement clutch, flywheel & release bearing. An invoice in the history file for more than £7,000 details the complete works undertaken.

Having covered a warranted 25,820 miles, this car will be supplied with a fresh MoT before the sale, along with a UK V5C, its original toolkit, jack and Ferrari leather book pack containing service books and driver's manuals. This F355 Spider is a wonderful example of a timeless modern classic that is considered by many as one of Pininfarina's finest designs.