80k mile 355

[ollyh1988]

What should I be looking for on an 80k mile 355?

I have just seen a 355 Spider coming up for auction. It is LHD and has the F1 gearbox. The advert hasn’t been updated properly yet but just wanted to know if this could be a terrible idea or might actually be worth thinking about.

Any big jobs that need doing (besides routine maintenance) as the car reaches these higher mileages? Mileage doesn’t normally put me off but conscious of potential big bills that could loom.

Has anyone got a 355 with high mileage that could provide some advice? Thanks!

[ollyh1988]

Thanks for the replies - yes def going to speak to a specialist if I decide to go and bid on the car. Still very early stages of thinking if this is a good or bad idea!

[ollyh1988]

Chris355 said:

At that age and mileage I would go in expecting to have some very large bills. A lot of parts are also now hard to obtain for 335’s.

Yeah - a choice between paying a lot more for immaculate or seeing if this is more affordable and then keeping a reserve. Interested to see what it might be worth.

[ollyh1988]

Drclarke said:

There is a similar mileage car listed as coming for auction on Collecting Cars soon. Insist on a Ferrari main dealer inspection before bidding.

Yep it’s that car.

[ollyh1988]

Without knowing more, a basic MOT check does show mileage discrepancy, but maybe this was a Speedo change?
In 2020 it showed 120,000km and the year after 5,000 miles then the year later it was about 50,000km - I’m sure the advert will cover it when they write the full description so not going to worry too much!

[ollyh1988]

Thanks for all the replies - all very useful and a reason I like pistonheads!

It still says ‘coming soon’ on the auction but I’m not sure if there is a way to tell when? I’m on holiday soon so I have a feeling I’ll have a couple of days back to try to go view it once I’ve read the description and worked out if/how much I can go to on the car (if this is the right one).

How does everyone get on with the older F1 gearbox? I’m not expecting it to be like the modern stuff but equally don’t want something that I’ll not like. I’ve seen mixed reviews so any comments from those who tried it would be useful. A manual is not possible for me as I just couldn’t fit in the car properly. Thanks!

[ollyh1988]

Mark_Blanchard said:

ANOpax said:

It’s a perfectly good reason to get the F1. And the difficulty associated with driving the F1 is a myth. If you can drive a manual, you can drive an F1. People who find an F1 tricky obviously can’t drive. The same applies to Maserati MC shift and Aston Sportshift.

Agreed, F1's are fine. I have one on my 360. It took me a good month or so to get used to it, but when you know how they're good.

I don’t fit in the manual car - as in my height stops me from being able to drive it - I can’t go for the clutch without hitting my knee against the wheel. It’s still tight with the other 2 pedals but less of an issue. I found the manual 360 a squeeze as well and that felt like a much bigger car inside. That’s one of the reasons I went with a California - because I fit
The fact the F1 is more affordable is also a bonus here.

[ollyh1988]

HardtopManual said:

I'm 6'3 and have to drive my 355 in race boots (or just socks) and have a 100mm steering wheel spacer. I also have the Hill HTP pedal which makes heel and toe much easier when not wearing shoes.

Interested in the steering wheel spacer as that is what was causing me issues trying to fit in the car - my hip to knee is where a lot of my height is, which is a pain.

Regarding comments on the 360s - I tried one before buying my California and also found the interior space tight. As much as I tried to make it work (manual car) even the salesman said this wouldn’t be a car for me. Maybe an F1 would have been a better option but I’m more interested in a 355 as was a poster car for me.