1996 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta – SOLD 🏁

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.

Autobiography

Chassis No. 106023 was commissioned with Ferrari’s historic paint of Rosso Corsa and specified with the highly desirable Challenge mesh grille to the rear. But what really sets apart this Type F129B from similar specimens are the ultra-rare carbon fiber sport buckets. According to the available data, less than 60 examples have ever been fitted with the carbon fiber sport seat option at a staggering cost of over $10,000 at the time of production – such option was not available for the spider and randomly applicable to the GTS due to height restrictions.

This F355 under assembly No. 22961 rolled off the Maranello plant on June of 1996 and exported to the Authorized Center of Singen, Autohaus A. Gohm via Ferrari Deutschland Gmbh. The Berlinetta was delivered to its first owner on June 28, 1996 and registered in Feldafing, Starnberg district of Bavaria which according to our records it remained under the same ownership prior to being sold back to the original selling dealer.

The F355 was consequently exported into the United States on late 2021 as part of one of the most significant Ferrari private collections in South Florida, clearing customs on November 23, 2021.

The motorcar has been diligently maintained throughout its life with all service intervals performed as suggested by the manufacturer. While the corresponding 12, 19, and 24 thousand kilometer annual intervals are stamped on the service book, the Ferrari was subjected into the all important engine-out/timing belt and tensioner bearings service on November 3, 2020 with 26,782 kms registered at the time of check-in and carried by the Ferrari official service center of Alfred Bohm Gmbh. At that time the airbags service was also mandated and a new set of Michelin Pilot Sport tires was mounted and balanced at a total cost of almost EUR 12,000.

While in the US the F355 had a new battery installed on February 2022 and its camshaft cover along the intake bank seal replaced on November 2022 with all services performed by Ferrari of Miami.

During its tenure in North America the Berlinetta has clocked just 35 careful miles, never subjected to inclement weather and always stored in a climate controlled facility.

Exterior

The condition of the Pininfarina coachwork is truly impressive and this cherished example presents in exceptional condition; the factory designated Glasurit coat of Rosso Corsa [code 300/12DS] looks sensational and shows with a dazzling depth still retaining its original glaze, free of any blemishes or imperfections with all body gaps tight and consistent.

The Ferrari F355 was the swan song of hand build sports cars from the house of Modena and pushed the manufacturer even further away from its roots as it embraced and offered a far more technologically advanced product.

It is believed that the car still wears its original paint with gauge readings consistent and within expected tolerances on opposing panels, however, the bonnet and headlight covers display a thicker coat reading but without any substantial mil deviation across the surfaces.

Upon close examination the all-steel monocoque body and tubular steel rear-subframe is free of any incidents. The double wishbone suspension is perfectly balanced with the two-stage electronic dampers resulting in very sharp handling and overall agility.

The last Ferrari to feature the signature flying buttress, the F355 is a sleek, handsome creation intersected with deep cavernous intakes that direct cold air to where it is needed most as form and function coexist perfectly. Seasoned owners are aware that there is a certain degree of flex between the buttress and roll over hoop panel causing sometimes the paint to crack. Such repair is quite common and although we can not attest if such remedy ever took place, the paint is flawless and the joint lines are perfectly straight, further emphasizing the high quality and care of this specimen.

A 3M paint protection clear film was partially applied on several aerodynamic areas including the front bumper, mirrors, lower wings, etc. providing an added layer of protection against road rash but without interfering with the overall shine of the factory finish.

The OEM Sigla laminated glass, displaying the corresponding factory etchings all around, including the rear contoured glass pane is indistinguishable from new with no visible abrasions whatsoever. The front windscreen with the green top shade band is free of chips with an absolute minimum of peppering and the black anodized aluminum frame still lucent.

The headlight projectors and passing/fog lamps are crystal clear without any haze or traces of moisture developed inside the sealed housings. The same condition applies to the polycarbonate lenses of the tail lights, lower front turn indicators and amber beehive euro-markers located on the front wings.

The entire exterior trim including the convex rear mesh grill  and screen below the deck lid is splendidly preserved with the flat black coating still radiant and smooth. The cloisonné badging and bright ware presents handsomely in near new fashion.

Interior

Opening the door it reveals the ‘business office’ of the F355 that is both inviting and comfortable while showing its true intentions to the spirited driver.

Cleanly executed in its styling delivery, the tactile interior of the F355 has aged wonderfully, with no flamboyant touches being present to cheapen the appearance or feel. While rather basic, it is all the better for it as everything serves a simple purpose. Unashamedly boxy, the center console is littered with all of the switchgear while the instrument binnacle throws back only what the driver needs to concentrate on as the deeply bolstered leather sport seats provide a reassuringly comfortable hug. Adding to the sense of occasion is the magnificent open gate gear selector; with its chrome finish that sits proudly in the centre of the car and is a welcome sight in a modern world of paddle shifters.

This example is upholstered in a stunning ‘Nero 8500’ Connolly leather, spanning the entire dashboard, center console, doors and leather sport seats, purposefully supplemented by non-skid inserts in Ferrari Rosso fabric and adorned with the ‘Cavallino Rampante’, embossed on the headrests. The carbon fiber shells of the Sport seats are flawless adding plenty of motorsport flair to the cockpit. Please note that unlike the seats fitted in the Challenge Series cars, these sport buckets provide adjustable rake and they are made of a far superior quality while surprisingly comfortable.

The cabin is showroom fresh and unblemished in its entirety with no excessive signs of use, dashboard separation or carpet wear. The notorious ‘sticky residue’ is totally absent from the switchgear, HVAC panel and composite surfaces with the soft, velvet like feel of the low reflective coating impossibly sterile. There is total lack of leather character, creasing or abuse on the seat bolsters further attesting to the fastidious care the car has received during its previous custodianship. The leather steering wheel with its perforated grips at 3 and 9 o’clock is unmarked with the airbag cover equally untarnished.

The door steps do not show any heel marks or chafing with the fragile rubber sills wonderfully preserved. All weather seals are still supple and free of any tears or clefts. Manufacturer’s identification plates and various labels affixed throughout the car are untampered.

Dating back to circa 1997 the Ferrari branded radio, originally supplied by Sony was substituted with a more sophisticated Pioneer DEH-P825R head unit, constituting such equipment the only deviation from the factory build sheet.

All systems, gauges and electrical gear function within factory spec with the A/C and heating elements tested and verified at the time of cataloguing.

The luggage compartment remains in superb condition with perfectly fitting panels and absolutely immaculate carpeted coverings. The underside of the bonnet maintains its original enamel with properly working struts and the trim is supple and bright.

Engine & Gearbox

The intoxicating flat-plane crank ‘Cinque Valvole’ V8 allied to an open gate manual transmission is performing as intended by the manufacturer and guaranteed to deliver analog driving nirvana to its privileged owner.

A twist of the key will be answered by a staccato soundtrack that’s typical of highly-tuned atmospheric eight cylinder motors and a few precursory actuations of the clutch in neutral reveals a standard level of resistance that translates into an excellent degree of grabbiness, once engaged.

This is the second generation of the series featuring the Bosch 5.2 Motronic with OBD-II capability that uses a hot-wire MAF sensor in place of the flapper-door AFM on the 2.7M version – it is important to note that no modifications are present and the Berlinetta retains  its original exhaust system free of any perforations or noticeable signs of oxidation.

Benefiting from the aforementioned major engine-out service and curated to the highest standards this motorcar is on the button and ready for immediate enjoyment on the road or prominently displayed on the concours green.

Wheels, Tires & Brakes

The factory 5 spoke magnesium 18 inch Speedline wheels are in unmarked condition wrapped in a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4 225/40ZR18 92Y  and 265/40ZR18 101Y, front and rear respectively – with just 153 miles since mounting, the entire tread is almost intact on all four corners.

Stopping power is applied by four-piston small frame OEM Brembo calipers and the brakes perform as as they should, with no adverse pitch, pull or drone. The black painted calipers with the Ferrari insignia maintain their original luster with no signs of erosion on the asemblies, master cylinder, valves and spindle.

Undercarriage

Revolve the F355 on a giant rotisserie, and the bottom appears nearly as beautiful as the top with visual similarities to a Grand Prix  car. A full underbody tray extends along the car’s length and is shaped to encourage airflow around such harsh wind-breaks as suspension pieces and exhaust components. Under close scrutiny, the condition of the underbody is pristine and free of any major abrasions with all composite panels still attached by the original fasteners and the exposed engine belly in superb status with minimum patina.

Equipment

The sale of chassis 106023 is accompanied by two keys, alarm fob, owner’s manuals, service booklet, warranty card, informational supplements, Pioneer radio instructions book & installation manual, Schedoni leather case with tool kit, Ferrari leather bifold book wallet, branded silk seat cover and OEM map light in vinyl pouch along  later years service records, TÜV conformity certification and previous European registrations. Furthermore a set of bespoke velour overmats, enhanced by Cavallino etching and red leather binding will be supplied with the automobile.

A brand new battery will be professionally installed prior to delivery.

Scope of Delivery

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. A non-derogatory CarFax report along an overseas equivalent history report is also available upon request.

We are excited to discuss an ownership opportunity of this sensational Berlinetta as well as arrange a private viewing in our motor gallery of what arguably is destined to be one of the most significant chapters in the Ferrari pantheon.