1999 FERRARI F355 GTS - EX-JAY KAY

This Ferrari F355 GTS is a stunning example of one of the all-time great supercars to leave the gates at Maranello, benefitting from superb provenance and very low mileage. Its engine is the wonderful 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 18,548 miles from new.

An original UK market car, first registered in March 1999, there are five previous registered keepers on the log book. The private owner immediately prior to the seller was none other than renowned car collector, Jay Kay of Jamiroquai. In 2015, he commissioned a remarkable overhaul at Maranello Egham, with the aim of taking it to concours standards. As such, it still looks stunning five years later. It has been owned by the seller for the last four years.

Today, the bodywork presents in excellent condition, with flush shut lines and tight panel gaps all around the car. Its Rosso Corsa paint was given a full respray five years ago, and remains in superb order, with just a couple of small stone chips on the bonnet edge. All of the inner panels such as the door jambs, shut panels, engine bay and boot rain gutters look pristine, and the black sill kick plates also present well. The car rides on the original 18-inch magnesium alloy wheels, which are in great condition.

Inside, the Connolly leather upholstery is undamaged, and shows only minor wear and scratches on the side bolsters of the driver’s seat. Otherwise, the trim looks pristine, with high-grade leather also used for the dashboard, centre console, and the door cards. There is red stitching throughout. Other than a contemporary Sony stereo head unit with USB and aux-in connectivity, the cabin remains entirely original and unmodified, and the seller states that all of the switchgear works perfectly with no faults.

Mechanically, this F355 GTS is on-the-button, having been well cared-for throughout its life by Ferrari main dealers and leading specialists. Its last scheduled maintenance was in March 2020 at 18,055 miles, carried out by SMDG Performance in Horsham. This consisted of a full annual service, with adjustment of the handbrake shoes and cleaning out of the rear discs.

In April 2019 at 16,995 miles, SMDG Performance carried out a major service, including replacement of the cam belt and tensioner bearings, new spark plugs, new bearings in gearbox bellhousing and flywheel, adjustment of the throttle linkage, and renewal of the coolant return pipes. The air-conditioning was re-gassed, and four new tyres were fitted.

Its extensive £40,000 refurbishment in 2015 including a full strip and respray at a cost of nearly £11,000, attention to the leather in the cabin costing more than £3,000, stripping and painting both cam covers, and refurbishment of all four alloy wheels. The gearbox was also stripped down and rebuilt, and scores of other components were replaced to ensure the car was pristine.

The most recent MOT test took place on 24 March 2020 at 18,057 miles, when it achieved a first-time pass with no advisories whatsoever. Bidders should note that its MOT test in July 2016 was recorded at 18,976 miles, but the correct mileage at this test was 16,976 miles and the tester mis-recorded it. The tyres are approximately two years old, and are virtually unworn.

All of the original books are present, including the stamped warranty and maintenance record, and two full sets of keys and immobiliser fobs. Stored in the front boot is the original tool kit - missing only two large bulbs - as well as tyre inflator kit and air compressor.

This F355 GTS is a genuinely remarkable example of the breed, presented in superb condition throughout. It is a modern-era performance icon that drives beautifully, with no annoying squeaks or rattles, thanks largely to the comprehensive refurbishment carried out five years ago. Boasting terrific provenance, not to mention very low mileage, this is an unmodified example that would be a credit to any collection. Prospective owners of any car are often told to ‘buy the best example you can afford’, and this particular F355 GTS is one of the very best examples of all.

Summary of service history:

• 24 Jan 2001 - 1,613 miles
• 17 Dec 2001 - 5,092 miles (inc. belts)
• 29 Jan 2003 - 7,152 miles
• 10 Feb 2004 - 10,524 miles
• 7 Jun 2005 - 11,630 miles (inc. belts)
• 30 Oct 2006 - 14,202 miles
• 24 Jan 2008 - 15,134 miles
• 23 Apr 2009 - 15,623 miles (inc. belts)
• 20 Apr 2010 - 16,082 miles
• 26 Apr 2012 - 16,336 miles
• 16 May 2015 - 16,656 miles (inc. belts)
• 5 Apr 2019 - 16,995 miles (inc. belts)
• 26 Mar 2020 - 18,057 miles

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.

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.