Ferrari’s have the extraordinary habit to age beautifully. But there are always exceptional cases. Take for example this F355 Berlinetta in absolute dream specification, including manual transmission! The condition is also splendid; we recently spent 18,000 euros (!) on this unique collector’s item. Speaking of which: the Ferrari was owned by a genuine car collector and loyal Prins customer. Our investment includes major maintenance plus a timing belt, a special leather treatment for the interior and various detailing activities. Other parts won’t ever need an upgrade or whatsoever. By that, of course we mean the naturally aspirated 8-cylinder which has left a very strong mark on Ferrari’s history. And still causes goosebumps all over the place. Because… That sound! To be really honest, you couldn’t ask for a purer driving experience in a 90s icon.

History
The Ferrari F355 is a legendary collectable on P Zero tires. This Berlinetta has no open roof(top), making it the most desirable version for the purists among us. Although the bright red 355 got all the love it needed from its former owner, our team has fine-tuned the details with lots of passion and expertise. We spent something around 18,000 euros to make the overall condition next level. A thorough service, new timing belt, leather spray treatment and massive interior cleaning – including the removal of sticky surfaces on all buttons – ensured that the Rosso Corsa Ferrari is in a unique, super smooth condition.

Exterior
Rarely a model evolution was executed this perfect. The Ferrari F355 Berlinetta succeeded the 348 (G)TB in 1994. The silhouette remained intact, and yet the F355 is a completely different car. The bumpers, mirrors and taillights became rounder. With that, the well-known Testarossa rear light ‘slat’ cover was replaced once and for all. The air intakes in the doors are still there, but the ‘fins’ were removed. Due to its exotic, yet stylish Pininfarina design, the F355 is still seen as the ultimate 90s Ferrari. Spider, GTS or Berlinetta; every version has its charm. Although nothing beats the original: the one with the closed bodywork and uncompromising shape of a proper supercar. The Rosso Corsa paintwork is not a plus but a must, because it fully reflects the true nature of the F355. This is how a genuine sports car should be!

Interior
Tradition dictates that a Rosso Corsa F355 has a Nero leather upholstery. Our car doesn’t disappoint: from the seats to the angular dashboard and of course the sporty 3-spoke steering wheel (so not the big airbag version); it’s all Nero and has a beautiful leather finish. Also note the aluminum gear shift above the so-called ‘gated manual’ transmission. The classic H-pattern of the extremely popular gearbox contains gorgeous milled aluminum slots and feeds the nostalgic feelings like crazy. Other typical Ferrari F355 features are the perforated aluminum sports pedals and chrome trim around the analogue gauges plus meters in the compact instrument panel and center console. There’s still room underneath to integrate a radio system. But don’t bother, because after 30 years we now know that the Ferrari V8 in the back is the only thing you want to listen to once you’ve turned the key inside the Berlinetta…

Technique & performance
Like any Ferrari, the name links to the technique. Indeed, the 3.5 liter 5-valve V8 is really something to be proud of! This 8-cylinder has no turbo’s and that has only positive consequences for the sound experience. It’s dramatic, it’s intense, it’s sensational! When you put your foot down on the heavy clutch, the insane howl is briefly interrupted. That’s the only way to hear the 6-speed shifter clicking through the aluminum gear wings. Just wow. The F355 Berlinetta sends 380 horses to the rear axle; 60 hp more than the outgoing version of the Ferrari 348, the GTB, and even 80 hp more than the original TB. That difference has been made extremely clear in terms of performance, because the top speed of 295 km/h is 20 km/h higher and the 0-100 km/h sprint within 4.7 seconds is almost a full second faster. Fortunately, the V8 volume and intensity wasn’t compromised. As soon as the F355 revs up, the adrenaline rises in a straight line. Unreal.And yet this dream car is available. Now for sale at Prins.

Kind regards,
team Prins.