1996 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta

About This Car

“As art, the F355 can be appreciated in two ways: as a sculpture and as a dynamic driving experience. As sculpture, it may be the most beautiful modern classic Ferrari, and surely it’s one of the best-looking mid-engine road cars yet to wear the prancing horse. As a driving experience, from the song of its 3.5-liter DOHC five-valve per cylinder V-8, to its composed handling, it’s unlike any car in the world. And, best of all, it’s really fast even by todays standards and still capable of delivering more than enough shove to beat its modern contenders into submission. Captivating from every angle, the F355’s taut, athletic lines possess a timeless quality. Thirty years after it was first unveiled, it’s still regarded as car designer Pininfarina’s most successful work since the Dino”.

So what’s the big deal about the F355? It was Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo’s redemption car following the company’s much-criticized 348, which was a big disappointment in terms of performance. With the F355, he re-engineered and revitalized Maranello’s fabled mid-engine V8. Starting with a chassis that was 30 percent stiffer than its predecessor, the F355 was treated to engineer Paolo Martinelli’s masterpiece – an all new 40-valve, 90-degree flat crank 3.5 liter V8. Benefiting from Ferrari’s Formula One racing experience, Martinelli’s engine featured individual throttle butterflies, five valves per cylinder and titanium connecting rods. The result was a then record output of 108.7 brake horsepower per liter (the mighty McLaren F1 could only manage 103 bhp per liter) with 380 bhp at 8,250 rpm, and 363 Newton meters of torque at 6,000 rpm.

By 1995, Nicola Larini helped develop a challenge series that followed the successful 348 Challenge Trophy. It was a one-model race that was held throughout Europe and became hotly contested since each car was identically prepared by Ferrari before being sold.

Speedart Motorsports, is delighted to announce the offering of this contemporary icon for the first time in the North American marketplace and an opportunity to experience Ferrari’s era of analog glory, guaranteed to please the most demanding collector and discriminating connoisseur alike.

The Berlinetta was imported from Switzerland in January of 2023 as part of a significant Ferrari collection in South Florida. The Ferrari has enjoyed a sheltered life with a single ownership provenance while in Europe and after a closed inspection it has been determined to be a first paint example free of any blemishes or imperfections. Furthermore, the motorcar was subjected to the all-important timing belt, engine out service on June 20022 with just 150 miles added ever since.

Chassis No. 103891 is finished in Rosso Corsa (FER300/12) over Beige (4208) Connolly  Leather along Light Brown (172) carpeting and it was originally optioned with the ultra-rare carbon fiber sport seats.

The F355 is a full matching numbers Berlinetta of paramount originality still retaining its M5.2 engine no. 42332 and gearbox no.238 constituting such specimen as a most serious candidate for FCA Platinum Standard.

All import duties have been paid and the automobile is compliant with all domestic importation laws – the Ferrari is sold with a free and clear Florida title and may be registered for unlimited road use (California residents may check with their local agency). A non-derogatory CarFax report is also available upon request. The car is presented in absolutely concours condition and it is accompanied by two keys, owner’s manuals, service & warranty booklets, tool kit with roadside equipment, and pertinent documentation.

At Speedart Motorsports we are excited to discuss an ownership opportunity of this sensational Berlinetta in its original glory as well as arrange a private viewing in our showroom of what is arguably one of the most defining chapters of Ferrari’s contemporary history.