Ferrari F430 spider F1 in perfect condition. Full-equiped: carbon fiber, carbon ceramic brakes, heated seats, Bose sound system and many more.

HISTORY

Although its manufacturing date may indicate otherwise, this car deserves to be considered as a true sports classic. In fact, it is said that any Ferrari acquires that condition when it leaves the assembly line. Therefore, all them are destined to become collector's vehicles sooner or later. And the proof is this 2008 F430 Spyder, the newest and probably most sophisticated automobile preserved in our garage.

The F430 was the replacement for the 360 Modena, inheriting a fair amount of its components as a light and strong aluminum chassis. But it is a quite bigger model, 5 meters long and almost 2 meters wide. It has an electrically operated folding canvas so well insulated that when driving one can hardly hear any other noise from outside than the sound of the powerful 4,3 liter 500-HP V8, roaring just behind the passenger's back.

And it is that engine, located amidships and clearly visible under its smoked glass cover, which turned the F430 into the first true "modern" Ferrari for quite some time. Until then, all Maranello's V8s had been mere evolutions of the original Dino racing engine. The Formula 1-experimented technology can be seen in several points, such as the four-valves per cylinder, intake manifolds and valves, or carbon-fiber disc brakes (ceramic units as optional). Also in some control systems for suspension, traction, electronic differential and gearbox, fitted on that tiny steering wheel that Ferrari affectionatelly calls manettino.

One of the most striking aspects of the F430 -introduced at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show- is its bodywork. Behind the well-known Pininfaria label is the work of Frank Stephenson Santos, son of a Norwegian-American father and Spanish mother, considered one of the most influential car designers of the 21st century (author of the Ferrari FXX Super Enzo and the Maserati MC12 and Gran Sport, among other vehicles). The two large elliptical air intakes dominating its front end are said to be inspired by the Ferrari 156 Sharknose single-seater that Phil Hill took to victory at the 1961 Formula 1 World Championship.