1995 Ferrari F355

The Ferrari F355 was in production from 1994 until 1999. Styled by Pininfarina, it is a mid-engine, rear wheel drive sports car range seating two adults.

The F355 was a replacement for the 348, and it was developed not only to increase performance but also tractability across all driving environments. Ferrari had been hurt by the media response to the 348, which had seen unfavourable reviews when compared to the Porsche 911 and Honda NS-X. Ferrari responded by drastically uprating the 348, to a point where it could outperform the model’s larger V12 grand tourers with ease.

The Ferrari F355 saw the 348’s V8 expanded to 3.5 litres. Like its predecessor it was available with a choice of three bodystyles – the GTB Coupe, GTS targa, and Spider – which was a full convertible. The GTB was the first model to be made available, with the GTS and Spider debuting in 1995. Ferrari also launched the F355 Challenge the same year, which was fully race prepared and ready for entry into the Ferrari Challenge racing series. For 1999, Ferrari launched the Ferrari F355 Serie Fiorano limited edition, based upon the Spider. 104 were built with modifications to improve the track performance of the model. 100 went to America, 1 to South Africa and 3 were distributed across Europe. Extras included uprated suspension, drilled and vented discs, a suede steering wheel and a sharper steering rack.

11273 Ferrari F355s were produced across a five year lifespan, making it the most widely produced Ferrari by the end of production. Its successor, the F360 Modena, would surpass this records.

The sort of people who’d have bought the Ferrari F355 new would also be likely to have considered the Porsche 993 911, should they have wanted a more user friendly alternative. The TVR Cerbera offers similar acceleration but in a package which is very different, to say nothing of being better value. The Venturi Atlantique was cheaper but offered a similar experience, as did the Honda (or Acura) NS-X. As a modern classic the preceding Ferrari 348 or subsequent Ferrari 360 Modena would make equally interesting purchases.