1998 Ferrari F355 Spider

Description 1998 Ferrari F355 Spider VIN – ZFFXR48A4W0111623 Exterior Color – Red (Rosso Corsa) Interior Color – Tan leather Engine – 3.5 L mid-mounted V8 Transmission – 6-speed manual Current Miles – 26,896 miles General Overview The F355 was a comprehensively re-engineered evolution of the 348 and the first project of Ferrari’s then new CEO, Luca di Montezemolo. Reportedly, he owned a 348 and lost a traffic light drag race with a Volkswagen Golf GTI, so when he returned to Ferrari as CEO (he previously ran the company’s F1 program in the 1970s), his first item of business was to improve Ferrari’s mid-engined sports car, and thus the F355 project was born. The heart of the F355 is the engine, a masterpiece of natural aspiration, with a 107 hp per liter specific output thanks to quad cams, five valves per cylinder, titanium connecting rods, dry sump lubrication, an 8500 RPM redline, and an 11:1 compression ratio. The 375hp power plant was available with either an F1 actuation automatic transmission, or more desirably, a 6-speed gated shifter. The F355 employed a steel monocoque structure with tubular steel rear subframe and independent suspension with 18 inch wheels and Brembo brakes, all of which was clothed in beautiful yet aggressive Pininfarina bodywork. The evolution from the 348 proved to be transformative with the F355 delivering remarkable performance, including a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds and top speed of 185mph. Among the many mechanical advances developed for the 355, Ferrari also integrated advanced wind tunnel testing to refine tail contours and intake ducting, underbody downforce assistance via a specialized chassis fairing, and numerous other improvements benefiting both high-speed stability and fuel consumption. Offered in coupe or spider configuration, the spider was, for the first time, fitted with an automatic convertible top, tailored with distinctive trailing sail panels. This specialized canvas top cleverly aided aerodynamic flow while also giving the car a strikingly purposeful stance when the top was up. F355 Spider production would run from 1995-1999 resulting in just 2,664 examples equipped with the desirable gated 6-speed manual gearbox. History of This Ferrari This 355 Spider was built in January 1998 and sold to the first owner in Hewlett, New York on March 3, 1998. The car remained with the first owner until 2002 when it was sold with 8,032 miles, followed by the second owner, also in New York, who retained the car until 2005 with mileage recorded at 9,180 miles. The third owner, also a resident of New York, sold the car in March 2007 to the fourth owner, a resident of California. Following their purchase, the owner commissioned services by Northern California Ferrari expert Patrick Ottis who performed an engine out belt service and chassis service in July 2008 at 12,022 miles, an October 2013 service with 17,048 miles, including sticky interior component replacement, a December 2014 service with 22,027 miles including an $11,000 engine out cam belt service, followed by a May 2017 service with 25,094 miles including all fluids and the installation of a new catalytic converter, new O2 sensor, new exhaust seal, and a windshield replacement using a correct and carefully sourced NOS unit to maintain the originality and correctness of the car. After consignment with Fantasy Junction in 2018, this Ferrari was sold to the current owner who has continued to keep the accumulated miles at a minimum to preserve the pristine condition and authentic components of this rare 6-speed Spider. Recent services include a new battery, service to the retractable top mechanism, and an oil and filter service performed in preparation for consignment. Current Condition Today, this 355 presents in very fine cosmetic condition, offering a crisp and nicely detailed appearance consistent with the 26,896 careful miles it has covered since new. Digital paint meter readings are consistent with factory original paint on all metal panels with the possible exception of the front deck lid, which meters at 6 to 10 mils compared to 3 to 6 mils on the rest of the car. The paint is in excellent condition showing smooth gloss throughout and no significant surface marks. The front bumper cap has been nicely repainted to remedy typical front facing stone chips, and the left side rocker panel cover has been replaced and correctly painted to match due to minor surface damage. The glass, correct NOS windshield, and all lighting are in excellent condition throughout. Trim and emblems are exceptionally well-preserved showing very nice color and finish in all respects. The doors, hood, and trunk all open and shut with confidence, displaying very nice factory fit and finish. The wheels are in excellent condition, accented by vivid red brake calipers and striking yellow Ferrari center caps. The Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires are in very good condition with the front set dated 2017 and the rear set dated 2012. The interior of the car is in especially nice condition. The tan leather is supple and smooth with excellent surfacing, very good seat foam, and no significant scuffs or scratches of note other than light wear typically found on the driver’s seat bolster. Common to this era of Ferrari, the sticky buttons have been permanently addressed with all components refinished except for the soft top release lever and stereo bezel, both of which remain sticky. The carpets are generally nice, with light evidence of use in the driver’s footwell but otherwise well-preserved considering it is original to the car. The dashboard surfaces, instruments, and switches are all in excellent condition showing beautiful color and tight stitch lines. The leather surfaces including the center console, door panels, visors, and pillars are also in excellent condition. The original radio is installed but not currently functional. In all, the interior is handsome and fresh with excellent fit and finish. The trunk area remains fresh a