1997 Ferrari 355 Spider

The Ferrari F355 was produced from May 1994 to 1999 as a heavily revised successor to the Ferrari 348. It used a 3.5 L 5V F129 B/C V8 engine, up from the 3.4 L of the 348. The new engine employed a 5-valve cylinder head that gave it a higher power output of 375 hp paired to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed F1 automated manual. The F355 also fixed transmission issues of earlier models by using a coolant heat exchanger to warm the gearbox oil quicker, as well as using a rod-driven actuation system for precise gear shifts. The Spider model was released in 1995 with the first electronic automated manual soft-top used on a Ferrari. The Spider was first offered solely with the 6-speed manual transmission before the 6-speed F1 automated manual was introduced as an option in 1997. A total of 3,717 examples were made, with 2,664 being equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission and 1,053 with the F1 automated manual transmission. This particular example, Chassis # ZFFXR48A7V0108665, was purchased on May 5th, 1997, from Ferrari of Dallas in Verde Mugello over a Tan leather interior. According to multiple sources, it is believed to be one of only 10 examples of this color exported to the United States. On November 19th of that same year, Ferrari of Dallas certified that the car’s 1,200 and 1,500-mile services had been completed. The car stayed with its first owner until 2002, when it was registered with its second owner in Shreveport, Louisiana, on September 16th. They drove the car from Texas to Shreveport per a 2004 receipt and had Foreign & Classic Auto Centre in Shreveport perform the 15,000-mile service at only 9,789 miles. On May 6th, 2004, the Ferrari was registered with its third owner at 10,488 miles in Irvine, California. Sometime later, they consigned it with Newport European in Newport Beach, CA, from where it was sold to a dealer based out of PA/NH with a collection in VA on July 12th, 2005. On August 3rd of that same year, it was titled to the dealer at 13,188 miles in Blue Bell, PA. On October 14th, 2005, both catalytic converters, O2 sensors, and parking brake shoes were replaced at 13,539 miles by Ferrari Maserati of Washington in Dulles, VA. On May 11th, 2006, the air pump fuse was replaced at the same dealership. On August 2nd, 2006, the Ferrari was sold yet again with 14,700 miles on the odometer to its fifth owner, who lived in New Hampshire. On May 22nd, 2007, it received a $4,000 interior and exterior detail as well as a re-spray of paint and clear coat on the front bumper performed by E-Muscles LLC in Middlefield, CT. Sometime in February of 2009, the fourth owner bought the car back at about 15,000 miles per an agreement that they have first right of refusal, making them both the fourth AND sixth owner. Fast forward to May 14, 2016, when the previous owner purchased it at Ferrari-Maserati of Washington in Dulles, VA, with 17,454 miles. On November 23rd, Little Speed Shop in Rochester, NY, replaced the spark plugs, air filter and performed an oil change at 18,770 miles. On June 28, 2017, Performance Auto of Webster, NY, performed a timing belt, power steering belt, and clutch disc replacement service at 19,580 miles, but one wire was thought to have caused a sporadic non-start issue. In June-July, the car was delivered to Algar Ferrari of Bryn Mawr, PA, who found that a single wire had been stretched and properly repaired during the engine removal. The car passed inspection at 18,386 miles. The AC was also recharged, exhaust serviced, belts and tensioners replaced, engine-out clutch service completed, and it also received a complete detail, and a repaired window regulator bracket. From then until now, this Ferrari has undergone routine maintenance and inspections with no issues to date. As it sits, this Ferrari 355 Spider has just over 23,000 miles on the odometer. It is a well-maintained example that is stored indoors with a car cover and only driven on days above 50 degrees with clear skies. With its gated 6-speed manual transmission and the top-down, summer driving has never looked or felt this good. Ferrari put an emphasis on the raw driving experience when developing the F355, ensuring these cars were drivable at any speed and environment. It was also the end of Ferrari’s “wedge” era, with the subsequent 360 bringing rounder corners and less sharp edges. Thanks to these two attributes in particular, the F355 has seen steadily rising prices in recent years, and they are sure to continue to appreciate in value. Upon purchase, the new owner will receive the top boot, leather-bound driver’s manual and warranty/care documents, fitted car cover, correct trunk-mounted leather-bound toolkit, and extensive service documentation on file. EXTERIOR Body And Paint This exceptionally rare Mugello Verde example shows beautifully with what we believe to be mostly original paint throughout. LBI did have the front and rear bumpers and rockers painted to clean up the inconsistencies that were present. The hood appears to meter higher than the rest of the car as well, indicating that the hood may have been painted. Today, the car shows straight down the sides with excellent panel fitment and benefiting from no previous accidents or other impactful events. Glass And Trim All of the glass appears to be the correct original glass. The anodized windshield trim is also in excellent condition. All of the rubber seals, lighting, lenses, badges, and emblems are in excellent condition. This is a car that has been carefully cared for and kept. Wheels LBI did have the wheels refinished due to each having enough minor flaws that it was deemed necessary. They are now consistent and present beautifully finished with new center caps. Notable Flaws The hood shows multiple pencil point-sized chips. There are touched-up chips by the driver's door edge in a couple of spots, as well as on the right rear corner of the engine cover. Lastly, one small spot on the passenger side front fender, on the horizontal surface of the belt line, has seen a touch-up (only noticeable if on the ground and looking up at it). The top does have a ¼ inch perforation on the drivers side, as photographed. INTERIOR Seats And Surfaces 355 interiors can be tricky, prone to leather shrinkage on the dash and elsewhere, as well as sticky buttons, etc… This example is above average, excellent really. The dash gauge pod leather is showing the slightest bit of shrinkage just starting. The dash is otherwise in excellent condition. The interior surfaces are a mixture of original soft touch still in good condition and refinished as needed (as is very common on these cars). In its current state, it does not require any attention. The seats show minimal wear commensurate with the mileage. The jambs, sills, kick panels, center console, carpets, steering wheel etc.. are all in excellent condition. The floor mats are the latest version of the originals that Ferrari offers, and are new. Functionality And Accessories Everything that was tested appears to be in working order. All toggles for lighting, seat adjustment, top, lock/unlock, suspension setting, etc., appear to be functioning as intended. ENGINE BAY AND TRUNK Engine Bay The engine bay appears to be in good condition, correct, with nothing out of place or aftermarket beyond normal wear items. The correct crinkle-red coating on the valve covers is free of any flaking. Trunk Area The front trunk area is tidy with no issues to note beyond the light failing to turn on when opened (likely a bulb). Underside The underside shows signs of use, some scrapes etc… but is otherwise in acceptable condition with no excessive leaks found and everything as it should be. MECHANICALS Engine The engine starts easily, runs strong, holds temperature within spec and generally runs out nicely. Transmission The transmission shifts as it should with no issues once warm. It has the typical 2nd gear stiffness that nearly all manual Ferrari transmissions have when cold. Brakes And Suspension The brakes appear to be in good condition with lots of life left. No pulling or pulsating, warped rotors etc… With the suspension quiet and tight, and even tiger with the flick of a button. The suspension is without issue. Tires The tires are new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 265/40ZR18 (rear) and 225/40ZR18 (front) with date codes of 2023. DRIVING EXPERIENCE Ferrari 355s offer a high-revving F1-like song that resonates with the idea of an “exotic car.” This 355 is no exception; it does everything as intended and does it well. It is a wonderful place to spend the day without any issues these are so commonly plagued with. This is a car that has seen consistent use and care throughout its life, with well-documented servicing and ownership. A strong example in one of the rarest and most desirable color combinations.