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1998 FERRARI 355 F1 BERLINETTA

This 1998 Ferrari 355 F1 Berlinetta is a low-mileage and very well-presented example of one of the most perennially popular supercars. Beneath the sleek Pininfarina-designed body is a 375bhp 3.5-litre V8 with five valves per cylinder (hence ‘355’), which is coupled to the six-speed ‘F1’ electro-hydraulic automated manual transmission. The odometer indicates just 31,382 km (19,500 miles) from new.

An original left-hand drive European specification car, this 355 F1 Berlinetta was delivered new to Spain in August 1998 and was supplied via the concessionaires in Madrid to the car’s first owner in Valencia. It is understood to have been imported from Spain to the UK in 2017, and was the subject of a mechanical overhaul at Emblem Sports Cars soon after it arrived. It has covered just 200 miles since then. The photos of the car were taken just before its new UK registration plates were fitted, which are under the mark S915 AJL.

Its Giallo Fly paintwork is in good condition all around the body, with a smooth and even finish. It is not known whether the car has ever received paintwork, but the sections at the bottom of each rear roof buttress are in great shape, which is where imperfections are commonly found on other 355s.

The car sits on the correct set of 18-inch magnesium alloy Speedline wheels, which are all in superb order. There is no damage to the indicator, tail lamp or fog light lenses, and all of the other exterior trim presents very well.

Its interior is trimmed in Connolly leather in the Blu Scuro colour, which is all original and remains in good condition. There is minor discolouration on the driver’s seat bolster, which can be seen in the photo gallery, as well as some sagging on the passenger airbag panel.

The plastic coating around the air-conditioning controls has deteriorated slightly, which is common on this era of Ferrari, and would therefore benefit from a refresh at some point. All of the switchgear works correctly, and the car also retains the original Sony XR-F21RDS radio cassette deck and six-CD changer.

The last scheduled maintenance was at Ferrari specialist Emblem Sports Cars in November 2017 at 31,066 km (19,303 miles), which included an oil and filter change, brake fluid renewal, and strip and rebuild of the brake calipers.

In the two months prior to this, Emblem Sports Cars also undertook numerous recommissioning tasks to bring the car into very good order. The team fitted reconditioned exhaust manifolds, complete with new gaskets, fire rings and washers, as well as a new exhaust bypass valve. The F1 gear shift display was also refurbished, new spark plugs and HT ignition leads were installed, and the speedometer sensor for the gearbox ECU was replaced.

An invoice on file shows that in October 2015 at 30,776 km, a new hydraulic actuator for the F1 transmission was supplied and fitted by supercar specialist Talleres Rotor in Marbella. The camshaft timing belt is believed to have been renewed three years ago, so should be considered due for replacement very soon based on age rather than mileage.

Its last MOT test was on 31 August 2019 at 31,241 km (19,412 miles), which resulted in a pass with just one advisory regarding wear on the rear tyres. The car is fitted with a set of Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres in size 225/40 R18 at the front and 265/40 R18 at the rear.

Accompanying the Ferrari is the original leather wallet, housing the owner’s manual, service directory, stamped maintenance booklet and all other user guides. The factory-supplied tool kit in the Schedoni tan leather case is also present.

This Ferrari 355 F1 Berlinetta is an iconic V8 supercar presented in a striking factory colour combination, and with genuine low mileage from new. While previous keepers on the continent drove it sparingly, the recent work by a marque specialist in the UK means that this celebrated Italian is ready to thrill and delight on the road.

Summary of service history: