Description
A stunning example of this highly collectible modern classic Ferrari icon
1998 Ferrari 355 F1 Berlinetta
This original, right-hand drive UK car is specified in the quintessential Rosso Corsa with Nero leather.
With just 12, 268 miles this Ferrari 355 F1 Berlinetta is in fantastic condition and benefits from a recent mechanical and cosmetic refresh including cambelt service by the Bell Sport & Classic team.
The Ferrari F355 bridges the gap between old Ferrari and new; between quaint, classic, small V8s and the recent 200mph V8 supercars. It’s the last hand-built Ferrari, but also the first to really embrace modern technology.
Despite the F355 being produced in (for Ferrari at least) relatively large numbers, the values of all have risen in recent times and will doubtless keep climbing.
When the F355 was launched at the Geneva motor show in 1994, it was available only with a six-speed manual gearbox. The groundbreaking F1 gearbox was launched in 1997 and was developed directly from its pioneering work in F1.
At the 355’s heart as with all Ferraris, is the engine, a flat plane crank V8 masterpiece. An engineering tour de force which, at the time of the car’s debut, delivered the highest specific output of any road car (107bhp per litre) – eclipsing even the mighty BMW V12 of the McLaren F1.
With titanium con-rods, and the hugely innovative five valves per cylinder technology inspired by Ferrari’s Formula One programme, the F129B engine produced 375bhp at a heady 8250rpm – all from just 3. 5 litres of displacement. So proud was Ferrari of this F1-inspired engine that the 355's model name unusually comes from a combination displacement and the number of valves per cylinder – 3. 5 5.
With almost 30 years to reflect on the car’s impact it is fair to say that the 355 is ready to assume genuine classic status as it reaches this landmark anniversary.
