1998 FERRARI F355 SPIDER - MANUAL

This Ferrari F355 Spider is a superb open-top supercar, from the peak of the 1990s era of analogue excellence, boasting low mileage and a handsome factory colour. Its engine is the characterful 375bhp 3.5-litre V8 with five valves per cylinder (hence ‘355’), coupled to a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows just 33,853 miles from new.

First registered in March 1998, there are eight previous registered keepers on the V5C log book. The seller has owned the car for the last three years, having acquired it in May 2017.

The seller reports that the bodywork presents very well, with flush shut lines, and no evidence of previous accident damage. The blue paint finish is described as being in good order, with tiny stone chips on the front bumper, a larger chip at the leading edge of the front bonnet, and some surface scratches around the rest of the body, as shown in the photo gallery. There are also chips along the trailing edge of the driver’s door.

Its exterior has been retrofitted with front and rear parking sensors, which are installed within the original bumpers. The exhaust has also been upgraded with a de-cat system that enhances the aural character of the sonorous V8. Its blue fabric soft top is in generally very good order, with minor wear to some of the binding near the windscreen join, and one or two small defects as shown.

In the cabin, the dark blue leather presents well, with only slight surface cracking and bolster wear visible on the seats, though with no rips or holes in the material or stitching. While the main ventilation control panel looks to be in good order, elsewhere there are some ‘sticky switches’ - a common foible on Italian cars of this era - that would benefit from a straightforward re-refinishing process. In the centre console, a more contemporary Alpine stereo head unit is installed, with a CD player, Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

In April 2019 at 32,375 miles, this F355 Spider was seen by The Ferrari Centre in Kent for an inspection service, and a repair to one of the door locks. More recently, in July 2019, it was given a full four-wheel alignment and the driver’s side roof catch was attended to to ensure the roof mechanism was working well.

The last major service was in June 2018, when the car had a full cambelt replacement, including refurbished backing plates for the cam drive pulleys, new cam cover gaskets and a new crankshaft seal. The water temperature sensors were also replaced, along with an exhaust vacuum hose, the handbrake hoses, and the front handbrake cable. The Ferrari Centre installed new gearbox mounts, and also cleaned off the underside and coil springs before applying an anti-corrosion treatment. Finally, the air-conditioning system was re-gassed. In total, the invoice for parts and labour came to £5,286. A few months later, the battery was replaced, and a CTEK battery conditioner was supplied. During a previous owner’s tenure, the manifolds were also replaced.

The most recent MOT test was on 26 April 2019 at 32,725 miles, when it achieved a first-time pass with no advisories. The certificate expired in October 2020, so it will require a fresh 12-month MOT certificate before taking to the road again. The wheels are all shod in Bridgestone Potenza tyres, which were fitted three years ago and are in virtually as-new condition with ample tread.

This Ferrari F355 Spider is an exciting Italian supercar, which offers the alluring and involving combination of an evocative naturally aspirated V8 with a slick manual gearbox. Benefiting from a major cambelt service just 1,000 miles ago, this is a striking modern classic that deserves to be taken out and enjoyed on the road as often as possible.

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 where available. 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. It is currently covered by a finance agreement, but the remaining balance will be cleared before ownership is transferred to the buyer.