1997 FERRARI F355 SPIDER - 27,862 MILES

This Ferrari F355 Spider is an iconic modern classic, and undoubtedly one of the greatest analogue supercars ever to wear the Cavallino emblem, presented with low mileage and in very good condition. Under the rear deck is a 3.5-litre V8 with five valves per cylinder (hence ‘355’), producing 375bhp, and driving the rear wheels through a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission.

First registered on 1 August 1997, this F355 has been regularly maintained throughout its life, and the original stamped service book records no fewer than six major cambelt services to date. There are seven previous registered keepers on the log book, and it has been in the care of the current owner since June 2017.

The vendor describes the bodywork and paint as being in excellent overall condition. The front bumper was resprayed prior to his purchase, and with low mileage since then, it still presents superbly with no cracks or noticeable stone chips. There is no damage to any of the light lenses, and the correct badging is all present and in good condition. All four of the 18-inch magnesium alloy wheels present very well, with no kerbing damage or deterioration of the finish. At the back of the car, the rear panel has been upgraded to the Challenge grille, while there is also a Tubi sports exhaust fitted. The car was treated to a comprehensive detailing session in September 2020.

Inside, this F355 Spider is trimmed in black Connolly leather, which was re-connolised by Autofficina in 2017 and presents in wonderful condition. There is no noticeable wear or discolouration on the seat bases or bolsters, and only minimal signs of age. The trims around the door panels are also in great shape, and there is none of the common sagging over the passenger airbag cover.

The carbon sill cover plates are in very good order, and the features remain entirely original - right down to the original Ferrari-branded Sony XR-F21RDS stereo and cassette player, and the emergency roof toolkit beside the handbrake. Some of the switches are slightly sticky, which is a common foible in this era of Ferrari, and they are easily refurbished. Its black soft top is in superb condition, with no damage, and it retains the original black leather tonneau cover.

The last scheduled maintenance was carried out in June 2020 at 27,804 miles by Dick Lovett, which consisted of a major cambelt service, including renewal of the tensioners, as well as rectification of an oil leak with new cam cover gaskets and cam seals - with the total bill coming to around £4,500. Other recent services included an annual oil change in August 2018 at 27,697 miles, and another cambelt service in June 2017 at 27,276 miles, the latter carried out by Autofficina.

The most recent MOT test was carried out on 13 May 2020 at 27,796 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with the only note from the tester being the presence of factory-fitted undertrays. It is fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres on all four corners, which are date-coded to 2015 and have ample tread remaining.

Accompanying the car are all of the original books in the tan leather wallet, including the stamped maintenance record that is summarised below. The factory supplied briefcase toolkit is also present, along with the white work gloves.

This Ferrari F355 Spider is an immersive analogue supercar that is presented in excellent condition. Finished in the eye-catching hue of Giallo Modena, it is a head-turning modern classic, delivering superb performance from its howling V8 engine, and an involving drive with the slick manual transmission. Its service history over the last 10 years in particular is very impressive, and it needs nothing to take out and enjoy immediately on your favourite roads.

Summary of service history:

• 15/12/1999 - 2,702 miles - PJ Evans Ferrari
• 27/10/2000 - Not recorded - PJ Evans Ferrari (inc. belts)
• 17/10/2003 - 3,991 miles - Carrs (inc. belts)
• 25/08/2004 - 6,998 miles - Verdi
• 14/01/2006 - 13,885 miles - JCT600
• 12/01/2009 - 18,179 miles - Nick Whale Ferrari
• 28/10/2010 - 20,066 miles - Graypaul (inc. belts)
• 27/10/2011 - 23,162 miles - Graypaul
• 21/09/2012 - 25,544 miles - Maranello Egham
• 12/12/2013 - 26,247 miles - Motortune Shotts (inc. belts)
• 31/10/2014 - 27,015 miles - Motortune Shotts
• 11/05/2015 - 27,075 miles - Motortune Shotts
• 16/06/2017 - 27,276 miles - Autofficina (inc. belts)
• 23/08/2018 - 27,697 miles - Dick Lovett
• 15/06/2020 - 27,804 miles - Dick Lovett (inc. belts)

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered 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.

Please note: the cherished plate shown on the car is not included in the sale. It will be switched back to an age-related registration plate in the event of a successful auction.