Tag Archives: F355

1995 Ferrari F355 Spider

April 13, 2014 Graham 1 Comment

Last week or so, I wrote up a Ferrari 512TR and said it was the best looking of the bunch. Well, the car that redesign language inspired was the successor to the similarly mini-Testarossa 348; the F355. With a streamlined design, the subtle change from angles to curves, some new great wheels and that singing 3.5 liter V8 in the middle, the 355 was an instant success. Unlike the many generations of mid-engined V8s that it replaced, it went as fast as it looked, too - with 375 horsepower on tap from the new 5 valve V8, this car was a screamer. 1995 was the first year of the Spider variant, which really took the great looks of several generations of Pininfarina design to the sun. Today, there's a lovely example available in British Racing Green - not generally a color associated with Ferrari, but certainly a color we associate with roadsters:

Year: 1995
Model: 355 Spider
Engine: 3.5 liter V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 7,039 mi
Price: $64,995

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1995 Ferrari 355 Spider

This Spectacular British Racing Green 1995 Ferrari F355 Spider has only 7,039 Miles. This Ferrari is equipped with a 6-Manual Transmission, Updated F1 Tubi Performance Exhaust System, Beautiful Tan Leather Interior and Top, Air Conditioning, Power- Steering, Power Door Locks & Mirrors, Clock, Tachometer, Power Convertible Top. The 30K Miles Service Has Been Performed. Monza Car thoroughly inspects each of our handpicked vehicles and puts them through a rigorous quality assurance inspection before we allow vehicles to be available for sale. Our ONE PRICE sale expires on March 31, 2014.

Condition wise, this car is pretty much immaculate; it's a lovely combination of green and tan, the wheels are perfect and with only 7,000 miles on the odometer it's hard to believe this is a 20 year old car! As bonus items, this car has had the 30K service already and has Tubi exhaust fitted, which really makes the V8 sing. For some time, the value of these F355s has been sinking but appears to be stabilizing; for the first time in 5 years, Hagerty indicated over the past few months that prices have been heading up. Still, many sellers are optimistic; Hagerty places that top value around $46,000 making this car fairly overpriced on the books. But if you're in the market and find the F355 that you want, book value probably won't factor in - you're buying a special car, so get the one that you want and can afford.

-Carter

Ferrari

1995 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta

August 27, 2013 Graham 2 Comments

The Ferrari F355 was an amalgamation of firsts and lasts. This was the first Ferrari to feature five valves per cylinder and showcased the new F1 paddle shift gearbox. It would be the last mid-engined Ferrari to feature the instantly recognizable flying buttress rear end featured on so many mid-engined throughout the years. But above all, this was perhaps one of the most beautiful Ferraris of recent memory, with the famous wedge shape of the eighties having been smoothed out for the nineties before things got wild in the new millenium. This F355 looks stunning in Rosso Metallizzato, which resembles Alfa Romeo's Rosso Vinaccia.

Year: 1995
Model: F355 Berlinetta
Engine: 3.5 liter V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 24,800 mi
Price: $59,000 Buy It Now

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1995 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta

1995 Ferrari 355 Berlinetta. 6 speed, 24,800 miles. Original two owner car in rare Rosso Metallizzato. Car has recently had its "engine out" belt service with only 400 miles added to the odometer since completed. This is a fully documented, complete example of a desirable 355. Its equipped with a Tubi exhaust that makes the most beautiful music you have ever heard. You wont be able to sneak home driving this one. It has two items that need attention to make it "Show Ready" which are as follows: (1) The emergency brake boot has started to come apart at the seams, and needs to be replaced or re-stitched. (2) The switch surrounds have been effected by the "sticky" issues that is common with these cars. They can be restored for about $600 for the complete set. If your looking for an extremely clean 6 speed coupe with service history, I would find it hard to believe you will find a nicer one. Pre Purchase inspections are always welcomed, and encouraged. I can assist in shipping anywhere in the world, and with importation in the United States.

While there are some small trim items that need attention, this 6-speed F355 presents rather well in this unusual color. Prices have dipped a bit on F355s in the last few years but seem to be climbing again for well kept examples that are equipped attractively. I'd say this F355 is not far off the mark, but somewhere in the low $50,000 territory is probably more like it given current values.

-Paul

Ferrari

1997 Ferrari F355

July 17, 2013 Graham 1 Comment

A chapter is coming to a close in Ferrari history. No longer will you be able to order a car with a Prancing Horse on the bonnet and a proper manual gearbox. Ferrari announced that the California will indeed by the last model with three pedals. Given this news, let’s take a look back at where the shift towards automated manual gearboxes first started to unfold, the F355. In the past, Ferrari had offered larger, grand touring models with full automatic gearboxes, and even offered a semi-automatic gearbox towards the end of the Mondial’s production run in the early 1990s.

The F1 gearbox management appeared in 1997. Like a lot of new technology, it didn’t get a whole lot of love at first, but through several evolutions, it has evolved into the automated gearboxes we have today which have eclipsed manual transmissions in both speed and efficiency. While they may be better at hustling you down the road, hardcore enthusiasts will always shed a tear that fewer sports cars can be had with a row your own gearbox. This F355 is one such Ferrari, the second to last year the hardtop F355 was available before being usurped by the F360.

Year: 1997
Model: F355 Berlinetta
Engine: 3.5 liter V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 62,099 miles
Price: $47,000 Buy It Now

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1997 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta

I am selling my 1997 F355 GTB for a great price. I have spared no expense on maintenance and upkeep and you are receiving a fantastic machine. It has no damage history and it is in beautiful condition for a 1997 and this coupe model is considered by some to be the quintessential Ferrari of all time. It is a pure sports car, with 6 speed manual transmission, 380 hp and zero to sixty in 4.6s. The paint is original and is like a mirror and the interior is in fantastic shape. Only issue is dash near windshield has some shrinkage (see photo) but I have discounted my price to reflect repair for this. This is easily fixed and many 355s of this era have this issue. I have performed the following maintenance on the car for a total investment of $22k.

2011: New alternator, new exhaust headers, campaign #48 repair fuel block clamps replace, new luggage compartment struts, air pump assembly replace, air filter replace, censors cleaned, ABS assembly module and censors replaced, ECU replace, new fog lamp bulbs, wiper blades, oil and oil filter x3, air compressor replace, all fuses.

2012: Full engine out service with new timing belt, spark plugs and deep cleaning of engine and mild restoration work. Wiring replaced from ECU to instrument cluster. Various O2 sensors replaced.

2013: All fluids changed. Brand new Michelin Pilot Supersport tires (25 miles ago).

I also installed a Kenwood Exelon fully integrated DVD, CD, MP3, Garmin NAV, and SAT multifunction display unit. Best available on the market. It can also accommodate cameras should you want to install one. This is a total turnkey F355 in excellent mechanical and physical shape, in a rare color combination. It is the last year Ferrari used the famous flying buttress design. It handles superbly and sounds awesome. Truly a work of art on wheels and a complete driving machine. And lastly it is a Coupe and not a Spider which are a dime a dozen. I have original car cover with toolkit, owners manual and two keys. I have all service records on this car to the beginning of time, including all of mine, in a bound folder.

With Ferraris, it's imperative that any example for sale comes with documentation and service records, hopefully from day one, and this car does. The engine out service that was completed last year will save some headaches and money for the future owner going forward. At $47,000, this is reasonable money given the level of care taken, even if mileage is a bit higher than your usual Ferrari of this vintage. Now is the time to buy one of these. As time moves on and cars become a bit more arcade like, enthusiasts will clamor for the simpler days of yore.

-Paul

Ferrari, Modern Classic

1996 Ferrari F355 Spider

March 29, 2013 Graham 2 Comments

It's often said that clothes make the man. For me, colors make the car. The F355 was the last of the wedge shaped mid-engined V8 Ferraris and in Le Mans blue with a bright red interior and canvas roof, this Spider is striking. For sale in California, this Ferrari is made even more attractive by eschewing the F1 gearbox in favor of the traditional 6-speed manual.

1996 Ferrari F355 Spider

This is perhaps the rarest and most striking of all F355 Ferrari Spiders. It is the only known Le Mans Blue with a Bordeaux interior in the world in this configuration. The only other known Le Mans Blue with a Bordeaux interior is located in England and it is right and drive and has the terribly slow F1 transmission. This is a classic color combination that was very popular in the 50s and 60s and found on period Ferraris and Maserati.

The typical shrinking leather dash on the F355 was just addressed with thousands spent on new leather. Similarly, the red leather cover for the top is also new. The red leather interior, including the very expensive option of a full red leather dash and matching steering wheel, is in excellent condition as are the beautifully contrasting navy carpets with matching Ferrari original navy floor mats.

A full belt service was just performed in March of 2013 and the Ferrari is running flawlessly. The top was serviced and is working as it should. The top is navy blue. I have known of this car since 2005 when it was for sale in Greenwich CT by Hunting Ridge Motors. (I even have photos from when the dealer offered the car for sale back then.) They sold the car to a gentleman in California. He proceeded to hit the curb with the right rear wheel and cause damage to the front bumper on the lower left side. This bent the lower control arm and the drive shaft. For reasons unknown to me, the owner was paid off and the car then sold at an insurance auction for a very substantial sum several years ago. I attended the auction but was outbid. There was no body damage and no mechanical damage.

The damage was very typical for performance cars that owners often fishtail when applying too much throttle, e.g., bending a lower control arm and damaging a wheel on the right rear. Inspections are welcome. See for yourself how nice a car this is with just 17k miles! And she drives like she has only 17k miles. Tight and solid! The 355 is a great investment. It's the end of the Enzo era inspired cars and they made very few with just over 3k spiders being made for the world. Compare that to the 360 where Ferrari made more than 13,000 of that model! This is the end of the small, svelte go kart like handling Ferraris.

It sounds more like an F1 car than any other Ferrari (except the F1 cars of course). It has 5 valve per cylinder. It is the last of the Ferrari with a manual transmission and a true throttle cable as opposed to indirect drive by wire found in the 360 and later cars. It is the best shifting, best driving true sports car from Ferrari.

The 458 is a sweet ride but it is over $200k, only comes with an automatic transmission, doesn't sound as good as the F355, and arguably as a spider doesn't look as good as the F355. If you are wanting a true classic yet modern Ferrari experience, the F355 is the only car that fits the bill. Fast, fun, sounds great, great to look at, limited production. These cars will only appreciate. Spring is just around the corner. Miss this one and you miss this irreplaceable color combination in a low mileage classic. Manual and tool kit included.

High retail for these F355 Spiders is running in the $65,000 to $75,000 range, so this F355 is priced attractively, especially considering the mileage, transmission and, for me, irresistible color combination. These F355s have aged gracefully and I doubt that they'll sink in value much more. If you have the means, now is the time to snag one.

-Paul

Ferrari, Modern Classic

1999 Ferrari F355 GTB

October 16, 2012 Graham 1 Comment

Like many manufacturers of sports cars these days, Ferrari is going down the road of the automated manual gearbox. While these gearboxes are more efficient and quicker off the line than a traditional manual gearbox, I do tend to lament the lack of involvement they offer as compared to cars with three pedals. Some may call me old school or close minded for saying so, but I know what I prefer. It's Ferraris like this final year F355 GTB with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

1999 Ferrari F355 GTB

1999 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, 13,981 original documented miles. Please note: There are a couple of dark spots in the camera lens, it is not in the paint. Very hard to find 1999 F355 6-speed coupe, one of the very last F355's ever produced. There were only three F355 after this Berlinetta produced, production ended with serial # 115890. If you are looking for one of these, that's the one to have. Enjoy a Ferrari for the next four years without a major service and without spending big bucks.

California car, absolute gorgeous condition. Really nice color combination, Argento Nurburgring Silver (101/C), black Connolly leather interior, recent engine out service with new belts, fluids, new brakes etc. in October 2012. Ferrari Owner's Manual with all The Books And With the Original Leather Pouch, Ferrari Toolkit, Red Calipers, New Michelin Pilot Tires, Absolute No Curb Rash On The Wheels, Rear Challenge Grill, Original Ferrari Stereo With 6 CD Changer And Owner's Manual, Everything Works And Is Functional. Ice Cold Air Conditioning,

No Sticky, Beautiful Connolly Leather Dashboard. The Front And Rear Bumper Has Been Painted. Longitudinally Mounted 3496cc V-8, Five valves per cylinder , 380 HP At A Spine Tingling 8500 RPM, Top Speed 183 MPH. 0 - 60MPH In 4.6 Seconds. Electronically Adjustable Shocks Varied Stiffness Within Milliseconds To Suit The Road Surface. California Smog And Ready For A New Home. VIN# ZFFXR41A9X0115887.

If You Are New To Ferrari's, Here's An Interisting One: Around Ferrari's 1.86-Mile Fiorano Test Track, The Ferrari F355 Was Two Seconds Faster Than The Testarossa 12-Cylinder 512 TR. That Level Of Performance - And That Sensational Shape - Landed The Ferrari F355 On Countless Magazine Covers. Testers Were Smitten.

If I was wealthy, I've always said I'm not so sure I'd buy a Ferrari, as I feel they are a bit too in your face, so to speak. But if I was going to own one, the last of the F355s are high on my list, because these were some of the last Ferraris to be made before the electronic nannies started to take over the driving experience. Silver is a bit tame, but there are worse colors for these cars. At $69,900, this isn't priced out of reason for a late production F355 with all the recent servicing. And no doubt, for many Tifosi, this coupe will be all the more attractive due to the manual gearbox.

-Paul

Photos and description courtesy of Star European Inc. Thank you!

Ferrari, Modern Classic

1999 Ferrari F355 Spider

January 15, 2012 Graham 2 Comments

One of my weaknesses with cars tends to be the proverbial "last year" model of the production run. In many cases, these are the best looking, most developed vehicles in a series. Need proof? See the 1998 Porsche 993 (911), the 2001 E38 chassis BMW 7 series or this vehicle, the 1999 Ferrari F355 Spider. This car was the end of an era for the mid engined Ferrari. Styling touches such as the wedge shape, retractable headlights and large side scoops would be gone, replaced with the larger and more bulbous F360. The F360 was lighter and faster, but for me, it lost the magic that Ferraris of yore had. This particular F355 is in the lesser seen California Blue with dark blue leather.

1999 Ferrari F355 Spider

Here is an absolutely stunning F355 Spider with a 6 speed manual. Finished in rare California Azzuro with dark blue interior. Only 19,925 miles with complete engine out major service and other work just completed (receipts present). Runs and drives excellent without any issues. Has an upgraded sound system and subwoofer and tinted windows. Has built in radar. Comes with all books, records, tools and tonneau cover and full Ferrari car cover. Has all keys and remotes. See picture of driver seat bolster; minor wear. This car was well taken care of and loved. This is the last year of production of 355 Spiders. Clean Carfax report available.

As always, recent servicing is a major selling point with Ferraris. It is nice that the seller included pictures of the service, as well. There is a bit more wear in the interior than I'm used to seeing with this kind of mileage, but overall not a bad example of the last of the breed. A breed which blended the sharp styling favored by enthusiasts with refinements like modern engine management systems and an electric convertible, making this F355 a more practical everyday proposition than its predecessors.

-Paul