Ferrari 355 Berlinetta (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 the McLaren F1's 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 UK RHD example was supplied new to Mr Philip Weaver Esq on the 14th February 1997, via Graypaul Ferrari. Specified in its original and iconic colour combination of Rosso Corsa over a Nero Hide interior with embossed Cavallinos on each headrest. This car also benefits from Rosso Carpets, and Nero Brake Calipers.

With no less than 16 service and maintenance visits throughout its life all completed by main dealer or well-respected specialists, this 355 has one of the best service records we have viewed. Having stored and maintained the car for the previous owner, we sold the car to the current owner in 2017 at which point the car was treated to a major service. More recently in 2019 this example received significant investment with our in-house technicians seeing to a comprehensive head off overhaul of the engine, refreshing serviceable items where required and much more. This incorporated the replacement of all the belts and fitment of a new clutch. Merely a handful of miles have been covered since this major overhaul. As a result this example wants for nothing and drives extremely well.

Today this 355 has covered just 30,813 Miles from new and is accompanied by its original books, spare key and fobs (including master fob), tyre pump, tools and remarkably the original spare belts included within the toolkit. Located in our showrooms just outside London and available to view immediately.