2003 FERRARI 360 CHALLENGE STRADALE - LHD

This 2003 Ferrari Challenge Stradale is a truly stunning example of the limited-run supercar, presented in excellent, low-mileage condition. Its engine is the 3.6-litre ‘Tipo F131’ naturally aspirated V8, which produces 420bhp at a heady 8,500rpm, coupled to a six-speed ‘F1’ semi-automatic gearbox, for a 0-62mph time of just 4.1 seconds. The odometer shows 26,541 miles (42,713km) from new.

Created with both the road and track in mind, the Challenge Stradale is up to 100kg lighter than the standard Modena, and includes carbon-ceramic brakes, tuned suspension and revised gearbox software as standard, as well as altered bodywork for 50% more downforce.

Delivered new to its first owner in Germany, this left-hand-drive example was specified in Rosso Scuderia, with interior trim in carbon-fibre and black leather for the seats. It is believed to have had just one keeper in Germany, and one further previous keeper in the UK, having been imported in 2014. It is now being offered for sale by its current owner, who has enjoyed 1,000 miles behind the wheel in the past two years.

The bodywork and paint presents excellently, with a deep gloss and crisp shut lines. Free of any accident damage or noticeable blemishes, the paintwork is described by the seller as being in near concours condition. It also been further enhanced by a full machine polish, with the same treatment being applied to the engine bay’s carbon-fibre items. The car’s carbon-fibre mirrors, Scuderia wing shields, and polycarbonate headlight lenses are all in great shape, with no significant wear or marks. It rides on its original, 19-inch BBS wheels, which are in fantastic condition, while the brake calipers are finished in Giallo.

Inside, the Challenge Stradale is every bit the refined racing car, with pared-back carbon-fibre door cards and an uncarpeted floor doing their bit to avoid unnecessary weight. This example’s black leather upholstered carbon-fibre bucket seats present excellently, with only minor wear to the driver’s seat bolster, commensurate with the car’s age and mileage. The seller does note some small marks to the lower door panels, caused by the driver and passenger entering and exiting the vehicle, but these are minor. The leather-covered dashboard is very smart, and the steering wheel has been re-trimmed in leather.

The current owner has also smartened up the cabin by replacing a number of plastic trims, buttons and switches with original Ferrari parts, to eliminate the common ‘sticky plastic’ finish that models of this era suffer from. Only the reverse selector button is showing some signs of wear. All of the switchgear and electrics work without fault.

This Challenge Stradale’s last scheduled service was carried out in January 2020 at 26,275 miles, during which a number of items were replaced, including a lower suspension ball joint and the left and right bank cam covers and end plate gaskets. A faulty brake light was repaired, and the F1 transmission pump was replaced, along with the power unit and relay, as well as the clutch block. This was in addition to the usual service items, including replacement of the engine oil and filter, a brake fluid change, replacement of the pollen filter and a gearbox oil change.

Within the last year, the seller has also spent a substantial sum to replace all of the car’s carbon-ceramic brake discs and pads, as well as the exhaust outlet pipes. He believes he has spent the best part of £20,000 over the last year to bring the car up to a superb standard.

Prior to this, a service was carried out in May 2018 when the cam belt was also replaced, as well as the rear main oil seal, clutch release bearing, and transmission fluid. In April 2014, a suspension ball joint was changed while an annual service was carried out.

The car’s last annual MOT test was carried out on 13 January 2020 at 26,297 miles, where it received a clean pass with no defects or warnings. In fact, since arriving in January 2014, it has always passed the MOT test on the first attempt, and with no advisories. Its wheels are shod with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres which were fitted only 1,000 miles ago, and remain in good condition.

Accompanying the car are all of its original handbooks, the tan leather document wallet including its Ferrari-branded torch, tool kit, wheel nut key, and some previous documentation pertaining to its early life in Germany.

This Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale is an absorbing and characterful track-focused but road legal supercar, which boasts wonderfully direct handling and one of Maranello’s most sensational exhaust notes. Presented in genuinely superb condition, and described by the seller as one of the best available, this limited-run road car will make an excellent addition to any collection.

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.