Lot details
Registration No: S40 GWW
Chassis No: ZFFXR41C000112764
Mot Expiry: May 2006

The late 1960s launched and mid V6-engined Dino had evolved by 1975 into Ferrari's V8-engined 308. Subsequent 328s and 348s continued these baby Ferraris' reputation for being able to cloak spirited performance in exceptionally attractive bodywork while at the same time providing fortunate owners with a race-honed driving experience.
The F355 was actually the fifth incarnation and, on launch in May 1994, was available in fixed head Berlinetta, the GTB, or targa-topped GTS configurations; a spider version joining them twelve months later.
Hand-built from 1994 to 1999, the new model was a fundamental departure from the 348 in almost every area of construction, from chassis innovations to employing a totally new power unit, and with different styling inside and out. The chassis changes made an F355 faster through the corners and, countering what had been a criticism by 348 road testers, a 355 was easier to handle on the limit.
A new electronic damping control system fed information on road speed, brake pressure, suspension loadings and steering into a computer that then determined the firmness of the dampers. Full underbody aerodynamic changes radically improved airflow beneath the car to increase high speed stability. As with the preceding 348, F40 and 288GTO models, the F355's 90-degree V8 was positioned longitudinally and mid-mounted, which, along with the active suspension, endowed it with great balance and razor-sharp handling.
The 355 engine was new, capacity being increased to 3496cc, 91cc up on the 348, thanks to 85mm bore and 77mm stroke. Thanks to five-valve cylinder heads and lightweight materials, such as titanium connecting rods and forged lightweight alloy pistons, the engine was not only more powerful, but could be more compact than previous Ferrari V8s. For with a high compression ratio at 11.1:1 and Bosch Motronic M2.7 engine management, the 355 twin overhead cam produced 380bhp at 8250rpm and resulted in potential performance statistics of 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds and a 185mph top speed.
This F355 GTB, a right-hand drive Pininfarina-styled fixed head, first left the famous Maranello works in Northern Italy in 1998, since when full Ferrari service history has been recorded; the last service, which included a cambelts change, being carried out by marque specialists R&D Automotive.
Chassis, bodywork, paintwork in Nero Black, alloys and tyres, and black leather interior are described by the vendor as being currently all in good condition, whilst 3496cc capacity eight-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission (with chrome-plated open-gate selection) as well as electrical equipment are reportedly all in good order too. The 28,915 mileage displayed when entered for the sale is believed by the entrant to be the genuine total for the GT from new.
Among true supercars, such near contemporary Ferraris provide stupendous performance, look absolutely sensational and represent the most enormous value for money on the top car market - and, being a rare `All Black', this low mileage 355 is discreetly tasteful too.
If you do not become the fortunate owner of this F355 today, our best advice is to savour the chromed Cavallino Rampante on the tail before this prancing horse and S40 GWW disappear rather rapidly over the horizon!