Ferrari 355 GTS (1998)

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 example was supplied new by HR Owen May 1998 in London, presented in the stunning combination of Nero Daytona over a tan/nero hide and most preferable manual gearbox. The car is equipped with a selection of rare options from the factory such as Carbon Sports Seats, and additionally benefits from the rare but most sought after Fiorano handling pack consisting of uprated suspension, stiffer anti-roll bars, uprated brakes, a wider front and rear track, and a higher ratio steering rack drastically reducing the amount of driver wheel input, thus increasing control. Not only does the Fiorano Handling pack make the performance more impressive but the value of the car too!

This car is accompanied with a meticulous service history with no less than 11 services during its life, all carried out by main dealers or respected independent specialists. In February 2016, DK Engineering carried out a full major service including cambelts ensuring the car drives superbly. With just 38,100 Miles this car is presented with original service books, tool kit and even the very rare leather roof cover. Supplied in this stunning combination and superb RHD specification, this 355 GTS is ready to be enjoyed by its new owner immediately. Viewings are available at our showroom, which is based just outside London.