1995 Ferrari F355 Challenge

The Ferrari F355 Challenge was the second in the series of single-make gentleman-driven race cars seen at some of the world’s most important race tracks as a support series. It replaced the 348 Challenge as the series standard-bearer in 1995. This 380-horsepower F355 Berlinetta, equipped with solutions learned from Formula 1, marked Ferrari's resurgence in 1994 after the less successful experience with the 348. Featuring a naturally aspirated V8 engine, it reached a top speed of almost 190 mph and could accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds. It also saw the debut of the paddle shift gearbox in a road car. Ferrari incorporated extensive Formula 1 technology into the F355 Challenge. This included electronic injection, a sequential gearbox, and suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers adjustable from the passenger compartment in two modes: Normal and Sport. Over 11,300 F355 road cars were built, with significant sales success for the Berlinetta, followed by the GTS, Spider, and limited series Fiorano variants. The F355 Challenge version was designed exclusively for the single-make Ferrari Challenge Series across Europe and North America. The racing version featured only minor modifications to the exhaust system and clutch, as per the rules, with the V8 engine's characteristics remaining unchanged. The Challenge Series cars were fitted with mandatory safety and performance enhancement kits installed by dealer teams. The kit, more substantial than the 348 Challenge predecessor, included sealed engine, gearbox, and shock absorbers to prevent unauthorized modifications. The $30,000 factory-to-dealer kit included: - Roll-cage - Racing bucket seats - Safety harnesses - Fire extinguisher - Engine cut-off switch - Manual radiator fan control and upgraded fans - Competition steering wheel - Lightweight exhaust - Rear wing - Competition clutch - Upgraded 14″ Brembo brakes (from the F40) - 18″ Speedline magnesium wheels - Pirelli racing slicks - Solid suspension bushings and competition springs - Front and rear brake cooling ducts - Challenge black perforated rear grille (added mid-1995 season for extra engine-bay airflow) - Lightened front bumper - Front and rear tow hooks This Ferrari F355 Challenge is one of the few examples that raced and was later registered for road use, retaining a regular license plate. While it returned to standard configuration, some racing equipment remained unchanged. The bodywork and mechanicals are in very good condition, with regular engine servicing. The leather interior over red carpeting is in near-perfect condition, and the car retains its original dashboard with all control dials in working order. It is fitted with Speedline Corse racing alloy wheels and has been regularly registered.