RE: PH Heroes: Ferrari F355
Discussion
One of my favorite cars the Ferrari 355, I don't think in recent years Ferrari have a more complete car than this. I don't think the 360 and 430 are anywhere as good looking as the 355, they maybe more technically superior but for me I think the 355 has just the right balance. I also think it has the best engine note out of the three which for me goes a long way.
I've been lucky enough to drive a Spider one of these cars in Las Vagas of all places.
Imagine this on holiday with some family friends when one of them knocks you on the shoulder over dinner and says meet me in the lobby at 7am and says no more. You have no idea what's going on but get up meet them in lobby. They then lead you to the front of the Hotel where a beautiful 355 Spider is sitting, they then chuck you the keys and say off you go then. I was in shock I don't think I've ever been so excited and worried at the same time. We drove it down the strip to get accustomed to the car and then headed out to the desert. Like Oli said in his review I couldn’t believe how easy the 355 was to drive after about 5 minutes behind the wheel all my nervousness had gone by the end of the drive I had so much confidence in the car, it really did handle well.
The most memorable thing about the car was the noise, really sends tingles down your spine. Couple that with the clunk of the metal open gate gear box and full acceleration changes and you have one of the most memorable driving experiences.
Unfortunately I had to give it back but I have promised myself one at some point in my life.
She will be mine, oh yes she will be mine!
I've been lucky enough to drive a Spider one of these cars in Las Vagas of all places.
Imagine this on holiday with some family friends when one of them knocks you on the shoulder over dinner and says meet me in the lobby at 7am and says no more. You have no idea what's going on but get up meet them in lobby. They then lead you to the front of the Hotel where a beautiful 355 Spider is sitting, they then chuck you the keys and say off you go then. I was in shock I don't think I've ever been so excited and worried at the same time. We drove it down the strip to get accustomed to the car and then headed out to the desert. Like Oli said in his review I couldn’t believe how easy the 355 was to drive after about 5 minutes behind the wheel all my nervousness had gone by the end of the drive I had so much confidence in the car, it really did handle well.
The most memorable thing about the car was the noise, really sends tingles down your spine. Couple that with the clunk of the metal open gate gear box and full acceleration changes and you have one of the most memorable driving experiences.
Unfortunately I had to give it back but I have promised myself one at some point in my life.
She will be mine, oh yes she will be mine!
http://pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&t...
Guys, just beg, borrow, scrimp and save like I did. It is worth EVERY penny. nfi if I can afford to run it but will cross that bridge when I come to it.
Guys, just beg, borrow, scrimp and save like I did. It is worth EVERY penny. nfi if I can afford to run it but will cross that bridge when I come to it.
The Ex brought me a Ferrari racing experience at Thruxton a number of years ago when the F355 was the current model... Was awesome, only did three laps after building up via Rover 100, MGF etc, got in the car, (Which was also the only left hooker I have ever driven) dropped down into 2nd to take the chicane, and was told by the instructor to leave it in 6th the next time round, which I did, and was completely blown away by the accelaration from 30 mph upwards even in such a high gear. Luck enough to drive a 328 a few years later... was not a patch on the 355!
Try5t said:
Second best car I have ever had the pleasure of owning .... its a shame they don`t build cars this stunning anymore .. the F430 is a bit of a dog in comparison.
I'm assuming you are simply referring to looks? (which are subjective) because in avery other way the 430 is in a different league than the 355 (which is not really surprising given the time gap)jimpritchard said:
The Ex brought me a Ferrari racing experience at Thruxton a number of years ago when the F355 was the current model... Was awesome, only did three laps after building up via Rover 100, MGF etc, got in the car, (Which was also the only left hooker I have ever driven) dropped down into 2nd to take the chicane, and was told by the instructor to leave it in 6th the next time round, which I did, and was completely blown away by the accelaration from 30 mph upwards even in such a high gear. Luck enough to drive a 328 a few years later... was not a patch on the 355!
I had exactly the same experience at Thruxton! Dropped it into 3rd to pass someone and was promptly told to only use 4th, 5th and 6th! Ruined it for me really, coupled with the guy not stopping talking throughout the 3 laps! However without doubt the best sounding car I've ever had the pleasure of driving, and despite being worried by the offset pedal position, after 2 minutes it just felt "right"!No Ferrari has come close in recent years, defintely the first car I'd go out and buy if that lottery win came in, black with crema interior!
fastgerman.com said:
Fantastic car! I saw a black GTS at Auto Italia hosted in Mercedes-Benz Brooklands grounds and decided I will have one!
I drove a lhd at Silverstone for a Ferrari Experience day but found the Lotus Exige more fun as I could get the right gear!
Because of the weight at the back in the 355 any slight braking/accelerating mid corner really does disrupt the handling and there were spins out on the track, however not by me obviously!
Bloody good day out and as mentioned in the PH article, the sound is the best part of the car, however I wouldn't say performance was breath-taking. Pretty similar to an E46 M3 in performance but immensely more involved and you like a god in the drivers seat!
http://www.fastgerman.com/Ferrari.htm
Ditto, one thing I would say is that (I think) these cars revs were limited at silverstone and you are asked/told to stay in a higher gear than you want to AND the width of the track makes you feel you are going much slower than you really are....I asked what we were doing tops down the straight as they blanked out the speedo "Oh, I think abot 130-140mph"....oooookay then! Must have got there pretty quick then!I drove a lhd at Silverstone for a Ferrari Experience day but found the Lotus Exige more fun as I could get the right gear!
Because of the weight at the back in the 355 any slight braking/accelerating mid corner really does disrupt the handling and there were spins out on the track, however not by me obviously!
Bloody good day out and as mentioned in the PH article, the sound is the best part of the car, however I wouldn't say performance was breath-taking. Pretty similar to an E46 M3 in performance but immensely more involved and you like a god in the drivers seat!
http://www.fastgerman.com/Ferrari.htm
Drove my mates E46 M3, and whilst the power comes on smoothly in a similar way, it was not as fast (IMO) neither did it feel as settled and stuck to the road... but hey, just my opinion. I want one!
I was very fortunate to have driven a 355 GTB at Thruxton some years ago. It is the best car I have ever driven (better than an NSX or 911). So much charm and so fast. Ferrari have not produced a better looking car since.
I will have one..One day!!!
I will have one..One day!!!
Edited by Veloce2 on Wednesday 9th July 15:01
I used to think they were amazing... until I drove one. From the outside still beautiful, but close up, it was all a bit plastic and the interior was like been sat in a MK2 golf, with horrible ofset to the pedals. It also didn't feel that quick either, although it did handle very nicely.
It changed from been a dream car for me.
It changed from been a dream car for me.
Edited by BlueEyedBoy on Wednesday 9th July 16:20
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