This 1996 Ferrari F355 Spider is a fine example of the one of the last truly analogue Ferrari models, one that has been beautifully maintained and its history well documented from new. Finished in iconic Rosso Corsa with Crema leather, this car is a UK-delivered, right-hand-drive, manual example. Powered by a 375bhp 3.5-litre V8 with five valves per cylinder (hence ‘355’), coupled to a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission, this example has covered just 31,023 miles from new.
This F355 benefits from the fitment of a Capristo Level 1 exhaust, which allows the naturally aspirated engine to truly sing while still retaining some modesty. Boasting a timeless colour combination and desirable manual gearbox option, this example is otherwise entirely original and presented in excellent condition.
First registered on 26 March 1996, the car was purchased by the vendor from the previous owner of 15 years. The vendor has owned the car for around six months and has used the car sparingly.
The gorgeous Rosso Corsa paintwork is believed to be original and is in great condition with a high gloss. As the detailed photo gallery shows, there are some minor stone chips around the car, most notably to the front, the wing mirrors and side intakes, commensurate for a car of this age. There is some very minor delamination visible on the windscreen, and the window wipers are showing some signs of age. Overall, the paintwork is in excellent condition, even in internal areas such as the engine bay and boot. The correct 18-inch five-spoke wheels are in great condition having been refurbished.
Moving inside, the Crema leather interior is in superb condition. The carbon fibre sill plates are excellent, and the seats show very minimal signs of wear. The red carpets appear very fresh, with the centre console housing the gated six-speed manual gearbox and dashboard, with the subtle red stitching presenting very well indeed. The vendor notes that the ‘sticky button’ problem, a common issue with this era of Ferrari, in which plastic buttons deteriorate due to heat, has been rectified, and as a result, the interior is in fantastic condition overall. There is some wear visible on the convertible hood, a common issue on F355 Spiders due to rubbing when folded down, but the hood is fully operational, and this is just cosmetic.
The car boasts a full service history, a summary of which can be seen below, as well as reams of invoices and MOTs documenting work and confirming mileage. The most recent service was carried out by specialists Bob Houghton Ferrari in August 2019 at 30,651 miles. This comprised a full engine-out cambelt service, as well as some other minor jobs. Prior to this, the car received an annual service at Bob Houghton in July 2018 at 30,375 miles.
The vendor notes that many common points of weakness in the F355 have been addressed, including the aforementioned refreshing of the interior buttons and a wheel refurbishment, as well as new brake discs, engine bay refurbishment with cylinder heads refinished and also a suspension refresh. Alongside the Capristo exhaust, the car has had the old catalytic converters replaced with genuine Ferrari units rather than aftermarket units within the last 1,500 miles, and the original exhaust is included with the car. The car was MOT tested on 24 July 2019 with no advisories, and it is wearing recently replaced and correct directional Pirelli P-Zero tyres. The vendor does agree to have the car MOT tested prior to the handover of the car to its new owner.
The combination of this F355’s specification, condition and service history make it a fine example of the breed. Sold with a full tool kit, Ferrari car cover and trickle charger, alongside a myriad of invoices, MOT history from 1999 and service history, and with the stunning engine note of the V8 now more vocal, this F355 Spider would be a fine addition to any collection.
Summary of service history:
All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.