Ferrari 360 Spider | PH Auction Block
If there's one thing currently separating the wheat from '00s-Ferrari chaff, it's a six-speed manual...
There’s an intriguing rumour, based on patent filings, that says Porsche is looking at ways of making a manual transmission work with its T-Hybrid powertrain. This is interesting for the technically novel way the manufacturer has suggested it might work - but also for the fact that it is toying with the idea at all. Row-it-yourself gearboxes, if not exactly as dead as disco, are certainly supposed to be heading that way. Not just for their inconvenience in terms of cleanliness and efficiency, but also because buyers so seldom select them when given a choice.
One clue as to Porsche’s reasoning might be found in the secondhand market, where it’s the manual versions of old sports and supercars that now command a premium (and therefore demand) despite the presence of a perfectly serviceable two-pedal option. The 360 is a case in point: the F1 paddle-shift ‘box was all the rage when the car launched (accounting for about 70 per cent of sales), but now everyone apparently wants to experience the metal-meets-metal mechanical precision of slotting home a gear via an open gate.
Granted, it helps if the lever in question is connected to a 3.6-litre naturally aspirated V8 - doubly so when we’re talking about the last eight-cylinder Ferrari unit to trace its heritage all the way back to the famed Dino engine. Elsewhere, of course, the 360 represented something of a watershed moment for Maranello, being the first of their mid-engined V8s to use a much stiffer, lighter aluminium spaceframe chassis. At any rate, the result is precisely the thing everyone now claims to want: an analogue driving experience, yet with sufficient modernity not to ruin your weekend plans.
This one, a 2001 Spider in Argento Nurburgring, appears to tick all the boxes. The Blu Scuro interior is a classy choice, avoiding the more common red or tan options that seem to adorn every other 360. More importantly, with 18 stamps in the book from Ferrari specialists, it has been well maintained, with the all-important timing belt service completed in 2023 at 24,376 miles (along with ball joints), giving the next owner plenty of breathing room before the next major service milestone.
The current mileage of 28,237 is arguably just right, too – not so low that you'd be afraid to add to it, but low enough to suggest it's been used sparingly and appropriately by its six previous owners. Certainly, the presence of the complete original toolkit in its leather case (often missing or incomplete) and the original documentation pack speaks to a pleasingly consistent level of diligence - not to mention the always welcome bonus of a relevant (and desirable) private plate.
But mostly it’s about the 360’s understated styling, the tactile joy of the transmission and the unfettered access to the glorious noise the V8 makes when delivering 400hp at 8,500rpm. Oh, and the price. Obviously, we’ve no idea what the car will fetch at auction (it kicks off this Sunday), but, as we’ve discussed before, mid-engined Ferraris from the ‘00s look like great value for money right now. By way of comparison, this one in Rosso Corsa, of similar age and mileage, is up for £69,990. It just does without the gearbox that everyone reading this really wants - right?
I would prefer the Coupe, but wouldn't say no to a Spider. For me, Nero with Tan leather would be the ideal combo.
Best without the auto flappy paddles, these are really an ideal car for the price, A real Ferrari with everything you would expect, and none of the downsides. No special maintenance is needed and several Ferrari specialists can keep it on the road for you without having a kick up the wallet with main dealer servicing.
The Daytona seats are the best option too, these are too cheap for what you get for your money. Light, precise, and a joy to drive, plenty of low down torque means you don't need to bother too much about being in the right gear at the right time. Plenty of grip in the rain, I even drove one in the snow and ice which defeats a lot of Ferraris. It needs a 360 Challenge rear grille, easy fit, then reversing is so much easier as you can see through the mesh and the silk black finish is a nice contrast at the rear.
They got everything right with the 360, unlike the 348 where not only is everything wrong, the car is so angry it tries to kill you if you give it the slightest chance.
If you have the money I can assure you having this to look at is infinitely better than looking at a bank statement.
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