Ferrari F355 Berlinetta

Blu Scuro Micalizzato over Crema leather.

Some Ferraris are defined by their condition. Others by their specification, provenance or rarity. This exceptional F355 Berlinetta brings all four together.

Originally ordered by acclaimed musician and noted Ferrari aficionado Chris Rea, Chassis 102113 is an early UK right-hand-drive Berlinetta in what many collectors regard as the definitive F355 configuration: Bosch Motronic 2.7 engine management, a six-speed open-gated manual gearbox and the elegant non-airbag steering wheel.

It is also believed to be unique. Finished in the extraordinarily rare Blu Scuro Micalizzato over Crema leather with Blu carpets, its restrained, sophisticated colour combination is a refreshing departure from the familiar Rosso Corsa and perfectly complements the purity of Pininfarina’s design.

Unveiled at the 1994 Geneva Motor Show, the F355 represented far more than the replacement for the 348. It marked a decisive change in direction for Ferrari and the beginning of a new era in which dramatic styling and traditional character were combined with a far greater level of technical sophistication, usability and dynamic polish.

At the heart of the F355 is one of Maranello’s finest road-car engines: the 3,496cc, naturally aspirated, flat-plane-crank F129 V8.

Equipped with titanium connecting rods and innovative five-valve-per-cylinder heads derived from Ferrari’s Formula One thinking, it produced 375bhp at 8,250rpm. Its specific output, approximately 107bhp per litre was exceptional for the period and confirmed the engine as one of the most advanced naturally aspirated units of its generation.

Ferrari was sufficiently proud of the five-valve design to incorporate it into the model’s name: “355” denoting approximately 3.5 litres and five valves per cylinder.
The numbers remain impressive. The F355 could accelerate from rest to 62mph in approximately 4.7 seconds and reach 184mph. But statistics tell only part of the story. The engine’s defining quality is the way it delivers its performance, building from a hard-edged mechanical growl into the soaring, unmistakable crescendo that made the F355 one of the best-sounding road cars ever produced.

Following its comprehensive refresh by Bell Sport & Classic, the car presents superbly throughout. The work was undertaken with the objective of preserving the originality of an important example while ensuring its mechanical condition, finish and driving experience meet the standards expected of a truly exceptional F355.