- SOLD SOLD SOLD
- Only 26,910 miles from new
- Giallo Modena with Nero leather
- Serviced by Foskers since 2003
- Fresh cambelts and service by Bob Houghton

Looking resplendent in its Giallo Modena colour scheme, this 1997 Ferrari F355 Spider was delivered new on 2 January 1997 via Stratstone. Chassis number 107151 is a right-hand-drive example with Nero leather trim and yellow stitching, plus the optional extra of a CD player.

Although 1997 was the year in which Ferrari introduced the F355 F1 with its innovative paddle-shift semi-automatic gearbox – technology that Ferrari had pioneered in Grand Prix racing in 1989 – this car retains the manual six-speed transmission. Total production of the manual-gearbox Ferrari F355 Spider ran to only 2664 cars with just 454 UK delivered examples. As per marque tradition, the lever is housed within an open gate.

This F355 was bought by the current owner in 2004 from renowned Ferrari specialist Foskers. The service book and paperwork include invoices showing that they looked after the car from 2003 onwards and that the F355 has been well maintained regardless of cost. In 2016 the engine was removed so that the cambelts could be replaced. New cam cover gaskets were fitted at the same time and the engine was cleaned and detailed. New front brake discs and pads were also installed.

In 2017, the soft-top’s hydraulic operating system was serviced as part of the annual maintenance, and in June 2021 the engine was once again removed so that a full cam belt service could be carried out, bringing the service history right up to date. The total mileage still stands at only 26,910 miles, and the owner’s manual and service record are supplied in their original leather wallet.

This Ferrari F355 Spider is now being offered for sale by The Classic Motor Hub, ready for its new owner to experience the model’s well-deserved reputation as one of the best driver’s cars of all time.

Model history

Ferrari’s legendary line of mid-engined V8 sports cars stretches back to the Bertone-styled 308 GT4, which was launched under the Dino name in 1973. It then progressed through the 308, 328 and 348 before the arrival in 1994 of the new F355.

The ethos behind this latest model was to improve its usability compared to its occasionally temperamental forebears, and it did so without comprising performance. Quite the opposite, in fact, and the F355 was fitted with an updated 3495cc V8 engine that gained a five-valve cylinder head and produced 375bhp at a heady 8250rpm. A rod-operated gearchange replaced the 348’s cable system, and the Pininfarina-designed shape was refined using extensive wind-tunnel testing.

The 0-60mph sprint was dispatched in less than five seconds, and the Ferrari got to 100mph in less than 11. Its top speed was officially quoted as being 183mph.

At first, only the Berlinetta body style was offered, but in 1995 that was joined by the Spider and the GTS; the latter featured a targa-style removeable roof panel that could be stored behind the seats. In 1997 came the addition of the Formula One-derived semi-automatic gearbox – a world first for a road car that used a ‘paddle shift’ electro-hydraulic operating system for the otherwise conventional six-speed gearbox.

The F355 Challenge was a competition-spec model developed for use in the Ferrari Challenge series, and for 1999 Ferrari produced a limited run of 104 ‘Serie Fiorano’ F355 Spiders, which, among other modifications, featured upgraded suspension.

In total, more than 11,000 Ferrari F355s were built at the Maranello factory before the car was replaced in 1999 by the new 360.