Ferrari F355 GTS (1996)

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.

Please note, this vehicle is no longer for sale.

This example was supplied new by Maranello Concessionaires in May 1996 to Glenvarigill Ferrari of Edinburgh. Its first owner, Mr Croll of Dyce, Aberdeen optioned this example in Rosso Corsa over a Nero leather interior and rare black carpets. Perhaps most importantly, the first owner opted to order the car with the six-speed manual gearbox, as opposed to the at the time very popular, F1 automated manual.

Mr Croll clearly bonded with the car as it would remain under his ownership until 2013 at which point it would pass onto its second owner. Following this, a noted collector of rare and low mileage iconic cars would purchase the car in 2015 whereby it joined his large collection. Always remaining here in its home market of the UK, our F355 would be often admired but see very little use within last few years. Despite this, the car presents with a strong service history as per below;

Delivered May 1996

May 1998 – Glenvarigill Ferrari, 590 Miles
June 1999 – Glenvarigill Ltd inc Timing Belts, 683 MIles
June 2000 – Glenvarigill Ltd, 752 Miles
June 2001 – Glenvarigill Ltd, 849 Miles
June 2002 – Glenvarigill Ltd, 1,024 Miles
June 2003 – Glenvarigill Ltd, 1,211 Miles
July 2004 – Graypaul Ferrari Edinburgh, 1,233 Miles
July 2005 – Graypaul Ferrari Edinburgh inc Cambelts, 1,277 Miles
July 2006 - Graypaul Ferrari Edinburgh, 1,245 Miles
July 2007 – Graypaul Ferrari Edinburgh, 1,255 Miles
August 2010 – Graypaul Ferrari Edniburgh inc Cambelts, 1,256 Miles
September 2011 – Graypaul Ferrari Edinburgh, 1,256 Miles
October 2012 – Graypaul Ferrari Edinburgh, 1,262 Miles
November 2013 – Graypaul Ferrari Edinburgh inc Cambelts, 1,266 Miles
September 2014 – Graypaul Ferrari Edinburgh, 1,286 Miles
November 2015 – JCT600 Ferrari Leeds, 1,287 Miles
March 2018 – Graypaul Ferrari Nottingham, 1,292 Miles
February 2023 - JCT600 inc Cambelts, 1,298 Miles

Presenting in remarkable condition from the care of just its third owner, this F355 will be subject to a service by DK Engineering as part of any sale. Arguably, the example to beat for any prospective F355 GTS owner, our car would make a fantastic addition to any collection, or for those looking for as close to as possible 'as-new' F355.