IN THE GARAGE: 1995 Ferrari F355 Spider

Rare twin-intake Spider with fresh service

ALONG CAME A SPIDER. When the Ferrari F355 was introduced as a Berlinetta in 1994, it was both a radical departure from and a return to form to the best V8 Ferraris that preceded it. It was—and remains today—state-of-the-art performance and technology combined with graceful yet aggressive lines. By returning to the smooth profile and round taillights of the iconic 308/328, while retaining classic touches like retractable headlamps missing from the modern cars, Pininfarina penned what many consider to be the most beautifully styled of the V8 Ferraris. In 1995, the Berlinetta coupe was joined by a targa-roof GTS and a convertible-top Spider. 1995 was unique in that these cars were outfitted with dual air intakes, resulting in slightly higher horsepower from later models. With Spiders seeing production later in 1995, it is rare to find one with dual air intakes, such as the one presented here.

OVERALL CONDITION
The first thing we notice about the car is its paint. It’s dazzling, deep and glossy and the Rosso Barchetta color is a perfect complement to the F355 Spider’s sexy, elegant lines. Perhaps even more spectacular is that it is 100% original with no respray and no touch-up. None. The car has never had any accident damage, much less frame damage that was reported at auction a year or so ago. It’s one of the unfortunate casualties of cars sold at auction: frame damage can be suspected without verification and if left uncontested by the prospective buyer, it stays in the report. A certification from a Ferrari mechanic will be provided to verify NO FRAME DAMAGE. Ever. And despite relatively high miles for a Ferrari, a tremendous amount of care has been given throughout its ownership to preserve the car’s integrity. It can be argued that because the car was used regularly, it performs better and had its needs tended to much more attentively than low-mileage cars. Rubber is like new all around and was clearly kept out of adverse conditions. Inside, we find a sumptuous leather interior that shows no wear, no cracking or fading. Stitching around seats and instrument pod is intact (you don’t see that every day). AC, windows, top and all controls/instruments work properly. Carpets are clean, fresh and unmatted. The canvas top is free of tears, snags or runs and is a deep dark black. As gorgeous as the car is aesthetically, perhaps its most beautiful attribute is its motor. Like any Ferrari motor, it is a sublime piece of machinery but with a fresh (April 2011) major service performed by Ferrari of Denver, this one is nothing short of majestic. A complete engine-out belt service was done, exhaust manifold (common issue) replaced, plugs, fluids, etc. All told, a $20,000 bill. The transmission has also been serviced on schedule and is very solid with tight linkages up and down through all gears. Tires are near-new with excellent (90+% tread). The end result is what you see here: a gorgeous original example of an F355 that’s intended to be driven.

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
We nestle into the sport seats covered in rich leather and turn the key. Behind us the 3.5 litre motor comes to life with a gasp of its 40 valves leading to a sexy growl telling you it’s ready to go. Pulling away, all is surprisingly civilized at lower RPMs, but with a more spirited right foot, the motor and factory sport exhaust compose a symphony. It’s a deep, primal, grumble that quickly finds a screaming pitch as it approaches the 8,500 limit. The clutch and shifter together are crisp, tight and positive. Ride is surprisingly tight for a Spider. There’s no shake and rattle over road imperfections. Handling, typical of any Ferrari, is magnificent. Despite a lack of electronic aids, it’s a very forgiving car. If you’re inclined to kick the tail out, it’s balance and natural instinct for forward motion make it easy to right. If your style is more fluid, cornering is spot-on with fantastic braking in and gobs of torque out. Fresh tires on the lovely factory fluted 5-spoke wheels (my and many others’ all-time favorites) keep grip steady and strong. It’ll blow your hair back and we haven’t even taken the top down. Lowering the semi-power top, and it becomes a sun-seeking grand tourer, ready for a drive in the country or down the coast, turning heads along the way. With its robust performance, lively handling and classic good looks, this is car that evokes passion and grace. La dolce vita.