27,052 Actual Mile F355 Spider 3.5L 40v V8 6-speed Serviced

Asking a car guy about their dream car is always a risky proposition. Some may gravitate towards one particular model without hesitation, but most of us will only respond with questions. What era? What country of origin? What price range? It's a complex topic. One thing is for sure though – start asking about European cars and you'll eventually end up talking about Ferraris. When it comes to blending speed, exclusivity and pure one-upmanship, few marques do it better. This 1997 Ferrari F355 Spider is a quintessential high performance drop-top that bridges the gap between modern Maranello masterpieces and timeless Italian collectibles. And if you're ready to bring home an immaculately maintained fantasy sports car, it's a perfect candidate for your next classic!

BODYWORK/TRIM

As far as looks go, you'd better be an extrovert, or an introvert with a strong desire to switch teams, if you're planning on taking this Spider home. It certainly grabs attention, firing up conversations wherever it's driven. That appeal begins with the car's classic Ferrari proportions, only to be elevated by requisite Rosso corsa paint and a tight cloth roof. Judging by its clean CarFax report, the small amount of road time this drop-top has seen was likely executed during sunny, drama-free weather. And the car's sculpted body displays precise fit and excellent finish under ancillary hardware that functions well and seals great.

Combining whittled sheetmetal and crisp trim with a buttoned down stance and clean, modern detailing, this awesome Spider is the product of over 1,800 hours of wind tunnel testing. At the front of the car's Pininfarina-penned body, Ferrari's trademark grille hangs a chrome horse between bright driving lamps, clean marker lamps and retractable headlamps. Behind those lights, tinted mirrors reflect small markers, smooth doors and aggressive cooling coves. Above those vents, a short hood anchors monochromatic wipers in front of like-new glass and a striking Tan convertible cowl. And behind that cover, a louvered tail panel anchors a functional Nolder profile above clean taillights, simple ornamentation and a sculpted bumper that centers a functional diffuser above polished exhaust tips.

ENGINE

Naturally, all that visual testosterone is backed up with plenty of power from the engine room. In 3.5 liter guise, Maranello's familiar Tipo F129B V8 benefits from significant upgrades that make the F355 a very impressive performer. For starters, the block was bored an extra 2mm and bolted to new 5-valve cylinder heads. Forged titanium connecting rods nicely complement dry-sump lubrication. And a Bosch Motronic ECU maximizes efficiency between the car's ignition and electronic fuel injection. Those tweaks result in impressive 11 to 1 compression and a stout 375 horsepower. And, in typical Ferrari fashion, this convertible sounds as fierce as a racer. In addition to a lifetime of excellent maintenance, this drop-top recently benefitted from a 30K-mile, engine-out service that was completed by GT Motorsports of Pewaukee, Wisconsin. That service began with deep improvements like new fuel injectors, a new battery, new cam seals, a new water pump and a new crank seal. With that work completed, new belts, new plugs, new fluids and new filters joined a new thermostat, recalibrated cam timing and a recalibrated ECM. To finish things off, GT installed new hood struts, refinished the car's valve covers and acid washed the car's engine. And, as you might imagine, the silky powerplant looks, revs and performs almost as good as the day it left the factory!

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Under the car, wind-cheating panels conceal a roster of technologically forward components. A steel monocoque frame rides a fully independent suspension that features both “Comfort” and “Sport” settings. That driving experience is augmented with optional power steering. And that steering complements power-assisted discs, which, like this Ferrari's cooling system and clutch system, were completely flushed during the aforementioned service. To many purists, proper sports cars require proper manual transmissions, and this Spider's gated 6-speed is about as proper as they come. That gearbox gets the car talking through a stainless Capristo exhaust, which plants trick butterfly valves between new vacuum lines, new O2 sensors and new catalytic converters. And at the corners, Ferrari 360 Challenge wheels spin 225/35ZR19 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3s in front of 275/30ZR19 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3s.

INTERIOR

No matter how many times you crawl in to a sports car, there's always a sense of excitement. This Spider takes that energy even further with classy Connolly Leather surfacing. Passengers occupy supportive, asymmetrical buckets that position the driver slightly closer to the car's centerline. Between those seats, a leather-wrapped console founds a gated shifter amid modern Alpine audio and factory climate control. At the base of that island, plush carpet frames aluminum foot pedals. The driver carves curves through a leather-wrapped steering wheel. And throughout the plush cockpit you'll find the usual assortment of safety and convenience features, including power windows, power door locks and dual front airbags.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

* The car's original Owner's Manual (with leather case)
* Original factory accessory literature
* Recent service records
* A Ferrari work light
* A few spare parts

Ferraris are legendary automobiles, and the F355 is, to some, one of the last proper Ferraris. Driven a mere 27,052 miles in roughly 20 years, this clean drop-top walks the fine line between properly maintained and carefully preserved. Ready to be the proud owner of an uncompromising thrill machine that's rooted in a rich history of high-performance? Step right up and check out this awesome F355!

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SUMMARY

* 3-owner car that's logged only 27,052 miles
* Recently benefitted from a professional, 30K-mile service / Service invoices included with the car's sale
* 3.5 liter Tipo F129B V8 / 375 horsepower
* 6-speed manual transmission
* Connolly Leather interior / Modern audio
* 19-inch Ferrari 360 Challenge wheels
* Stainless Capristo exhaust system / Vacuum-actuated mufflers
* Optional power steering
* 4-wheel power disc brakes
* Rosso corsa paint / Black cloth top