1998 Ferrari 355 F1 Berlinetta

Highlights

• 3.5-litre V8 with F1 transmission

• 44,502 miles, verified

• Comprehensive service record

• Well maintained, unmodified example

• MOT to September 2026

Overview

Supercars of the naturally-aspirated variety must accomplish a number of things to be considered truly great. Obviously they need to look fantastic, well-proportioned and neatly detailed with that wonderful ability to appear that they’re doing 100mph standing still. Naturally, they should be great to drive, with a powertrain that stirs the soul and leaves you wringing it out in each gear to revel in that glorious mechanical crescendo. 

Perhaps less obviously, they need something that’s more than the sum of their parts. Something indefinable yet essential. This can’t be designed in or forced, some cars have it and others don’t. It’s the automotive equivalent of “cool” in the music world. At the risk of offending some music fans, one could argue that Prince was cool without even trying while Nickelback wouldn’t know cool if it landed on their collective mush and wriggled.

When it comes to insouciant supercar cool, no one does it quite like Ferrari. And, in our opinion, the late 90s / early 00s was a peak era for anyone who wants gloriously analogue, beautifully styled, endlessly desirable prancing ponies. It was the era of clean, timeless Pininfarina design, exquisite naturally-aspirated engines, dashboards that weren’t plastered with touchscreens or USB ports and charismatic, light, airy cabins with large glass areas which allow the driver to (shock horror) actually see things. 

And of all the Fezzas to come from this period, the 355 Berlinetta is one of our favourites. They still look incredible – positively dainty and delicate by modern standards in fact. They’re great to drive, without feeling like they want to kill you every 8 seconds, and they’ve proven to be exceptionally well engineered machines that are growing more collectible and desirable with each passing year.

Of course, what you really want is an unmodified example that has been regularly driven and well maintained. Preferably one finished in Rosso Corsa over Crema, that most classically Ferrari of Ferrari colour schemes.

Well it just so happens that’s exactly what we have here. A lovely, genuine example that hasn’t been messed about with, has been meticulously serviced and maintained and where, instead of sticking it in a bubble where it never gets used, the owners have actually driven it. And we all know that cars, particularly performance cars, want to be driven.

In fact, how the car came to be bought and used starts from the seller's initial test drive: the car broke down but consequently received extensive detailed maintenance to make it reliable and usable. The seller reports that he has exercised the car regularly ever since, including a memorable day that took in an old PH favourite and subject of one of our 'Dream Drive' articles: the B4520, Brecon to Builth Wells. A 265 mile round trip for the seller, he reports that it was huge fun and and the car was faultless.

Do you want a 355? Yes, of course you do, you’re not mad. Would you like to own one of the nicest examples we’ve seen for a while? Naturally. Here you go then.

That was easy. You can thank us later.

History and documentation

• First registered October 1998

• Present owner since October 2023, 12 previous owners

• Current mileage 44,502 miles, verified by the service and MOT records

• Current MOT with no advisories expires 20 September 2026, excellent previous MOT history with no significant issues or advisories

• Comprehensive service record with specialists / main dealers as follows: November 1998 @ 962 miles; July 1999 @ 6,470 miles; September 2000 @ 12,800 miles; September 2001 @ 18,122 miles; September 2002 @ 22,987 miles (main belt service); April 2004 @ 27,133 miles; September 2008 @ 34,805 miles; August 2010 @ 35,250 miles; August 2011 @ 35,483 miles; July 2012 @ 37,991 miles; October 2014 @ 39,031 miles; June 2016 @ 39,224 miles; June 2018 @ 39,304 miles (main belt service); October 2019 @ 39,777 miles; September 2023 @ 40,391 miles (main belt service); October 2024 @ 42,800 miles

• Full document pack in original leather wallet

• Large folder of invoices for servicing and maintenance, as well as old MOT certificates

• Two keys

• V5 present in owner’s name

• HPI clear

Interior

• Classic Crema leather upholstery, with Nero leather to the upper dashboard

• The upholstery is in good condition, with some light patination consistent with the car’s age and mileage – there is also some mild creasing and cracking to the driver’s seat

• The headlining is a light beige material, and appears to be secure, undamaged and free from staining

• All of the carpeting is bright red, and looks to be in fine fettle, with no staining or threading on show

• There is a little wear/fading to the upper part of the steering wheel leather, probably due to UV exposure

• Air conditioning

• Electrically operated side windows and door mirrors

• Period Alpine CD/radio system

• All of the internal instruments look clean and clear, with no fading or notable wear we could see

• The internal trim and switchgear presents well, with some light blemishes commensurate with the vehicle’s age

• Handy front boot, which contains a branded red indoor car cover as well as the original tan leather Ferrari tool case

• The vendor tells us that everything in the cabin operates just as it should, with no faults or issues reported

Exterior

• Legendary Rosso Corsa paintwork, presenting here in excellent condition, with a fine gloss and no significant wear we could discern

• There are a few minor blemishes and stone chips to the front of the car and wing mirrors, as you’d expect, but nothing that would cause us any concern

• The seller also notes that on left-side of the car, right at the bottom of the rear corner behind the rear wheel there are three scratches which are only faintly visible in the photos but you have to know they are there to make them out

• Steel and aluminium body construction, over a steel monocoque structure

• The bodywork all appears to be in fine condition, with no damage, panel misalignment or corrosion apparent

• The history file tells us that a new 355 Challenge grill was fitted in August 2011

• We adore the details of the 355’s design, from the smart black mesh rear panel to the integrated front fog lights and those gorgeously slim pop-up headlights

• All of the external trim and badging appears to be complete and undamaged

• The glass areas and light clusters are clean and clear, being free from obvious cracks, chips and misting

• Underneath the car looks to be clean, straight and solid, with a smattering of surface corrosion to some components as you’d expect from a 30 year old car

• The five spoke 18-inch alloy wheels were refurbished in 2011 and are still in very good order, with just a few minor marks

• A matched set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports tyres have been fitted (225/40 front, 265/40 rear), they appear to have excellent tread depth and clean, undamaged sidewalls

Mechanical

• 3,496cc 90-degree naturally-aspirated V8, mid-mounted

• Factory performance figures: 380bhp, 268lb-ft, 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds, 183mph top speed

• Rear wheel drive

• 6-speed F1 paddle-shift transmission (electro-hydraulic operated manual)

• Switchable sport mode

• The engine bay is very clean and tidy, with no evidence of leaks or overheating that we could see

• Extensive service record, with a cambelt service having been carried out by Super Car Clinic in September 2023 @ 40,391 miles

• In August 2025 Super Car Clinic carried out significant work on the electrical components operating the transmission

• New battery fitted June 2025

• Uprated oil cooler fitted

• Fully independent wishbone suspension all round

• Power assisted steering, ABS and traction control system

• We’re assured that the car starts first time, every time, runs beautifully and drives just as you’d expect, with no known mechanical faults or issues

Summary

The F355 has long been highly regarded amongst enthusiasts and collectors. There’s good reason for that too – it’s a truly excellent driving machine. You’d have to go a long way to find anything with as much personality, charisma and sheer kerbside as this stunning classic. 

Whether you want to experience one of the truly great Ferraris, simply adore the way it looks or are looking for a modern classic to invest some spare cash into, the 355’s time has definitely come. This is a great example that’s been driven, properly cared for and benefits from just the right level of patina. Get your bid in now!

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Liverpool.