1998 FERRARI 355

Inheriting the proportions of its predecessor, the F355 was outwardly a much better resolved proposition, both aesthetically and aerodynamically. However, beneath the fabulous styling and smoother skin were further major advancements, including power steering, variable damping and a 100cc engine enlargement. The longitudinally mounted 3,496cc V8 generated a market-leading 380bhp at a spine-tingling 8,250rpm and the gearbox now had six speeds with a revised synchromesh making gear changes so much smoother. New electronically adjustable shock absorbers varied their stiffness within milliseconds to suit the road surface and the result of all these developments was evident around Ferrari's 1.86 mile Fiorano test track when the F355 was two seconds a lap faster than the 12-cylinder 512 TR.

Sitting on the cusp between analogue and digital the F355 is considered the forerunner of all modern Ferraris and as the last of the hand-built cars before the 360 and later descendants moved to mass production. It will inevitably slip into the role of 'Classic Ferrari' with ease, becoming increasingly sought after now as the market appreciated next year's investment.

Classically presented in Rosso Corsa with a Crema interior and red carpets, this UK-supplied, right-hand drive F355 is fitted with the desirable manual gearbox and according to its accompanying service book, was delivered via Stratstone, Wilmslow to a Mr Higginson on 4th August 1998.

The odometer at the time of cataloguing was showing 36,938 miles and the V5C shows four former keepers. The car has been off the road without an MOT since 2010 kept in professional storage and is therefore fresh to market from long term ownership. In preparation for this sale, in June 2025 over £8,000 was invested into the mechanicals of the car including removing the engine, replacing timing belts, hydraulic tensioners, aux belts, AC belt, spark plugs, ignition leads and oil and fuel filters. In addition to this work the seller tells us that new discs and pads have also been fitted and prior to the auction, the 355 will be issued with a fresh MOT.

We very much encourage interested parties to come and see the car in the metal at Silverstone. Cosmetically it is in need of some further love and attention and despite the recent investment, it has been off the road for 15 years so buyers will perhaps need to factor in further recommissioning considering it’s lack of road-use.

Guided very competitively, factoring in the above, this is a rare and desirable car that is crying out for its new owner to get it back on the road. A 355 when fully sorted is hugely engaging to drive, particularly when fitted with the manual gearbox, the V8 when on full song sounds like an F1 car and is simply addictive.