1996 FERRARI F355 CHALLENGE - ROAD LEGAL

This Ferrari F355 Challenge is a superb example of the stripped-out racing version of the marque’s 1990s performance icon. Under the engine lid is the same glorious 375bhp 3.5-litre V8 as the road car, coupled to a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 14,043 km (8,726 miles).

By design, the F355 Challenge carried over some of its mechanical components from the standard model, but featured a range of modifications that focused on making the car lighter and more responsive, as well as ensuring it was safe for motorsport use The race-ready machine is equipped with all the correct parts, including the full OMP roll cage, Kevlar composite OMP racing bucket seats with OMP safety harnesses, a competition steering wheel trimmed in Alcantara, engine cut-off switch, and a fire extinguisher – all of which are original on this car.

On the outside, it sports 18-inch Speedline alloys housing upgraded 14-inch brakes from the F40 LM, along with a substantial original carbon-fibre rear wing, black Challenge rear grille, front and rear tow hooks, and a lightweight exhaust system. The early F355 Challenge cars feature the Bosch Motronic 2.7 engine management system, with dual mass air flow meters, which is widely accepted as delivering more responsive performance compared to the Motronic 5.2 system. The car was also given upgraded fans and a manual radiator fan control, a competition clutch, and solid suspension bushings with competition anti-roll bars, drop links, coil springs and shock absorbers. It even retains the original scrutineering sticker on the roll cage, and lap timing machine.

The vendor believes that this is likely the most original example of the F355 Challenge, having three such cars in his collection, and having viewed and inspected more than 20. It was delivered to its first owner via Jacques Swaters’ Garage Francorchamps, and this gentleman subsequently campaigned it as part of the dealership team, competing in the Pirelli Trophy as part of the European Ferrari Challenge championship in 1996, 1997 and 1998.

It has had just three previous owners from new, and is one of just 108 recognised examples of the F355 Challenge. Having owned the car for the last two years, the vendor had the car road registered in the UK in November 2019, making it one of the very few examples of this track-focused machine to be legal to drive on the public highway.

The bodywork presents very well overall, with no evidence of any major damage, and the paint finish is still generally good all around the car. However, this is a competitive track car, so there are of course some cracks and chips in the Giallo Modena finish. Its five-spoke Speedline alloys are scuffed and chipped around the rims, though of course these would be straightforward to refurbish should the next owner desire. The headlight pods work as they should, and all of the light lenses appear in good order. Its large carbon-fibre rear wing also looks in great shape, with a glossy lacquered finish.

In the cabin, the F355 Challenge retains much of the original trim, protected by a full OMP roll cage, and retains its original Kevlar composite OMP ‘Ferrari Challenge’ bucket seat. The previous owner also sourced an original 348 Challenge seat, which he had fitted to enable a passenger to come along for the ride. As with the paintwork, there are a few marks around the interior commensurate with its track use, but no substantial damage. There are a few small holes in the driver’s seat inner bolster, but for their age the lightweight buckets are in very good condition. The vendor reports that the roll cage still has FIA stickers from events in the 1990s applied to the frame, which is further testament to its originality.

Its last scheduled maintenance was at GTO Racing in 2020, which consisted of a major service. During the vendor’s two year ownership, the cam belts have also been renewed, and it has had a full inspection to ensure it is in good mechanical order. The most recent MOT test was on 24 July 2020 at 13,834 km, when it achieved a first-time pass with only one advisory regarding slight cracking in the offside front tyre, and with the tester noting the presence of the factory-fitted undertray.

Accompanying the car is a good history file, containing not only documentation covering previous servicing and maintenance, but also some period literature that shows the F355 competing in period.

This Ferrari F355 Challenge is an exciting and well-sorted track car, which would make a great entrant for the Pirelli Ferrari Formula Classic Series. Of course, with its road legal status, this also makes for a thrilling weekend toy, delivering a rawer driving experience than a standard road car, and turning many more heads in the process. The vendor notes that this car’s originality is a major part of its appeal, representing an intriguing slice of modern Ferrari motorsport history, which will no doubt capture the imagination of racers and collectors alike.

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