Ferrari 355 GTS (1997)

During the late 1960's came the first baby Ferrari in a long line of illustrious entry level models, the mid engined Dino. Evolving into the V8-engined 308 by 1975, 328's and 348's continued the baby Ferrari's reputation for pretty design and spirited performance. F355's were the fifth incarnations and from May 1994, offered as either a fixed head Berlinetta or targa-topped GTS. These were joined by a Spider 12 months later while from 1997.

The F355's task was to be faster and easier to handle on the limit, the latter having been a regular bone of contention with 348 road testers. There was a new electronic damper control system that fed information on road speed, brake pressure, suspension loadings and steering into a computer that decided exactly how firm the dampers needed to be. Derived from lessons learnt with active suspension, the F355 system worked even better than that of the McLaren F1 and was accompanied by full underbody aerodynamics. This radically improved airflow beneath the car and increased stability at high speeds. Also very impressive was a new engine that could boast the highest output of any normally aspirated road car unit in history to that date, output was 380bhp at 8250rpm. Needless to say, the F355 was an exceptional performer, 0-60 in just 4.6 seconds and a 185mph top speed having been a quantum leap on the 348. Launched at the Geneva Salon during May 1994, the F355 caused a sensation and orders came flooding in. Production continued with just a couple of minor alterations being made to the engine management and exhaust system until 2000. The 355 is already a modern classic, it is widely regarded as the last classically pretty mid engined Ferrari and as such values have slowly began to rise.

This RHD GTS example is a most desirable specification, being a manual car presented in Tour de France Blue with Tan trim. Complete with a high specification including a challenge rear grille, roof section in body colour, blue leather trimmed A pillars, two tone dash, blue stitching and blue carpets. The car was originally supplied by Maranello to a Mr Pinder of Surrey in November 1997. The first owner kept the car for approximately 6 years and the most recent, for 10 years making this car quite the keeper amongst owners. The car has a complete service history primarily at main dealers and DK Engineering.

Having covered just under 36,000 miles from new this beautiful example is ready to be used and enjoyed immediately and will benefit from a major service including belts as part of the sale.