2005 Ferrari F430 F1 Spider
Registration no. RX55 LXZ
Chassis no. ZFFEZ59C00144647

Introduced in 2004 at the Paris Motor Show, the F430 was the latest in the line of V8-engined Ferrari road cars that had begun back in 1973 with the 308 GT4. The F430 was a development of the preceding F360, sharing the latter's aluminium chassis, roofline, doors and window glass, though the body itself had been extensively revised. Styled, as usual, by Pininfarina, the F430 body generated greater downforce without the penalty of increased aerodynamic drag. In styling the F430, Pininfarina referenced some of Ferrari's other great cars, using the Enzo's tail lights and a Testarossa-style driver's-side mirror, while the twin front air intakes recalled the Tipo 156 Formula 1 car of 1961. The open Spider version featured an electrically operated retractable roof, capable of folding away beneath the rear deck in only 20 seconds, while the fully leather trimmed interior - a visual feast - could be ordered with either aluminium or carbon fibre embellishment to customer choice.

Beneath the F430's transparent engine cover there was an entirely new 32-valve V8 power unit displacing 4.3 litres. More compact than its predecessor, this new engine developed a maximum of 483bhp, while 80% of the 343lb/ft of torque was available below 3,500 revs, quite an achievement for a normally aspirated engine. A traditional manual transmission was still available but most buyers opted for the F1-style paddle shift version. One of the F430's more significant developments was the 'E-Diff', a computer-controlled limited-slip differential. As Autocar explained: "with this much power it's quite possible to come to a turn too fast, but in sports mode the diff and its electronics maintain traction, minimise understeer, and assist in the creation of that fast-flowing fluency that keen drivers dream of." And the F430 was certainly fast, with a top speed in excess of 315km/h (196mph) and a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) time of around 4.0 seconds. Helping keep this outstanding performance under control were Brembo brakes and their associated Bosch electronics package. Carbon ceramic discs were an option.

Finished in Grigio Titanio Metallic with beige leather interior, Nero carpets and Nero soft-top, this F430 F1 Spider comes equipped with aluminium dashboard inserts; instrument panel in yellow; aluminium brake callipers; Scuderia Ferrari shields; electric seats; high-power hi-fi with subwoofer and 6-CD changer; and a NavTrak anti-theft system. The sound system has since been modified to provide Bluetooth connectivity. Importantly the car is supplied with its original book pack, with regular servicing which confirms the mileage. A wonderful and cherished example.