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1999 FERRARI 355 F1 BERLINETTA

This 1999 Ferrari 355 F1 Berlinetta is a low-mileage example of a modern performance icon, presented in superb condition and with a rare factory colour scheme. The 375bhp 3.5-litre V8 has five valves per cylinder (hence ‘355’), and in this car is paired with the ‘F1’ electro-hydraulic automated manual transmission. It now shows just 31,290 miles from new.

An original right-hand drive example, it was ordered in January 1999 by a Ferrari UK director and first registered on 25 March 1999. He went on to sell the car to a colleague, but then bought it back from them in August 2005 - so two of the four previous keepers on the V5C are the same person.

The current owner purchased the car in October 2011, when it had covered 27,821 miles from new. He has enjoyed some 4,000 miles in the car, but having been used much more sparingly in recent years, it is now offered for sale to a new owner.

Its bodywork is painted in the rare and striking colour of Giallo Modena, with a finish that the vendor describes as being in excellent condition. There are a few minor stone chip blemishes to the front, which are shown in the photos, as well as some small scuffs to the underside of the bumper.

Overall, the paintwork is smooth and glossy, accented by the factory-fit Scuderia wing shields and polished exhaust tail pipes, as well as the rear Challenge grille, which has been repainted and lacquered. The original 18-inch magnesium alloy wheels are in very good condition, and house black painted calipers on the brake discs.

In the cabin, this 355 F1 Berlinetta was specified with the optional and sought-after carbon-fibre bucket seats. The Connolly leather trim is all original and remains in superb condition. The steering wheel column stalks and main centre console buttons present well. As is common on 1990s Ferraris, the plastic coating around the air-conditioning controls has deteriorated slightly and would benefit from a refresh. Most importantly though, all of the switchgear functions as it should. The car also features the original Ferrari-branded Sony XR-F21RDS radio cassette deck and six-CD changer.

The vendor reports that the underside of the car is in excellent order and, as shown in the photos, the engine bay is also very presentable. Its 3.5-litre V8 is fitted with the later Bosch Motronic M5.2 electronic injection system.

There are nine stamps in the original service book (photos are in the gallery below), with a mix of Ferrari main dealers and independent specialists, including Maranello, Graypaul and DK Engineering. It was last serviced in October 2015 at 30,887 miles by PK Supercars in East Lothian, The car was put into storage shortly after this, and has only covered around 400 miles since then.

During the last service, the engine was taken out so that the cambelts could be properly renewed. The owner took this opportunity to commission the replacement of the engine lid struts, the clutch slave cylinder and release bearing, and the repainting of the cam covers.

It was also fitted with new off-side and near-side front brake flexi hoses, new front and rear brake pads and handbrake shoes, a replacement clutch with a skimmed and balanced flywheel, and a new battery. Finally, the air-conditioning was recharged and all four alloy wheels were refurbished.

The most recent MOT test was in April 2018 at 31,289 miles, resulting in a clean pass with no advisories. Since then, the car has been in storage, but has been started and run during the last two years to keep it in fine fettle. The vendor states that it would certainly pass a new MOT first time round.

A matching set of Bridgestone Expedia S-01 tyres are fitted to the Ferrari, in size 225/40 ZR18 at the front, and 265/40 ZR18 at the rear. The tyres are around five years old, with only 800 miles driven on the rubber, so are still in great condition. In May 2009, a Navtrac system was fitted by Graypaul in Nottingham.

This Ferrari 355 F1 Berlinetta is accompanied by the factory toolkit, along with the complete book pack - owner’s manual, stamped service book and other literature - in the leather wallet. It is presented in superb condition, with desirable factory options, and is fully documented with all receipts and previous MOT certificates. A totally original and unmodified example of a true modern classic supercar, ready to thrill a new owner on the open road.