Fantasy Junction

Description

1999 Ferrari F355 F1 Spider

VIN – ZFFXR48A5X0114743
Exterior Color – Red
Interior Color – Tan leather
Engine – 3.5 L 375hp mid mounted V8
Transmission – F1 Semi-Automatic Paddle Shift
Current Miles – 24,478 miles
Owner Purchase – Purchased in 2003 with 5,900 miles

General Overview

Celebrating the end of the twentieth century, the Ferrari F355 arrived as the replacement for the 348, brimming with technological advances and a beautiful Pininfarina design. Offered from 1994-1999, the F355 featured a five-valve, quad-cam, 375 hp mid-mounted V8 engine which transferred power via manual gearbox to the rear wheels. By 1997, Ferrari introduced the world to the innovative F1 gearbox, making the F355 the first road car to utilize this ground-breaking paddle shift transmission. Now used by nearly every premier performance car builder, the then innovative F1 transmission allowed shifts to be managed from paddles on the steering column. This system allowed for rapid gear changes without removing your hands from the steering wheel. Engine development included the use of titanium connecting rods, 11:1 compression, Bosch Motronic fuel injection, and dry sump oiling. The steel monocoque structure with tubular steel rear sub-frame and independent suspension delivered remarkable track performance, taunting contemporary competitors with impressive 0-60 times of 4.5 seconds and quarter mile times under 13 seconds.

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 which improved air flow and reduced high speed wind buffeting. F355 Spider production would run from 1995-1999 yielding just 1,127 F1 examples.

History of This Car

This example was completed at Ferrari in November 1998 and delivered to the California dealership and received a Pre-delivery inspection in February 1999. A California car since delivered new, the first owner retained the car until late 2001. The second owner purchased the car with just under 4,000 miles. Emissions tests and interval services were performed through 2003 when the current owner, a former Ferrari Club President purchased the car through a Northern CA dealership. At that time, the odometer indicated approximately 6,000 miles. Under current ownership the car has received services from qualified Bay Area experts including Ferrari of San Francisco, San Francisco Motorsports, and Brian Crall Company. A detailed overview of mechanical services of note include the following recent services From Patrick Ottis & Company totaling over $32k in 2022 supported by numerous service records dating back to 2003.

August 2022 - 24,451 miles indicated, Patrick Ottis and Co. performed an engine out belt service, subcontracted StickyNoMore services for all switches, vents, and multiple components, leather dashboard material replacement, and the installation of a set of new Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

April 2022 - 24,344 miles a new battery was installed, brake fluid flushed, power steering fluid replaced, antifreeze flushed, new wiper blades installed, new power steering hose installed, new coolant hose, 2 axle boots replaced, 2 new engine mounts, 2 new gearbox mounts, air and fuel filters, air conditioning, power steering, and alternator belts replaced, and the water pump rebuilt with new bearing and shaft.

February 2012 – 23,075 miles, Engine out service including cam seals and belts, coolant hoses, accessory belts, hood struts, new clutch and T/O bearing and seals, left and right-side cat converters replaced, and new CV boots.

February 2009 – 20,675 miles, three new (updated version) ECU Cat temp sensors and air pump installed.

August 2004 – 11,579 miles, engine out service replacing belts and timing gears.

September 2003 – 9,196 miles, new F1 hydraulic actuator installed.

General Condition

Today this 355 Spider shows just under 25,000 miles which are supported by the history of services and a clean Carfax. The overall cosmetic condition is consistent with thoughtful ownership displaying very good exterior driver level cosmetics. The smooth and glossy red paint is in good condition throughout showing some light scratches, scuff marks, and typical stone chips on forward facing surfaces, but otherwise the exterior finish is very cohesive and reflective of ongoing care over the past 19 years of current ownership. The glass, windshield, and lighting are in very good condition. Trim and emblems are well-preserved showing very nice color and finishes in all respects. The doors, hood, and trunk open and shut with confidence, displaying factory fit and finish including door jambs, the underside of the engine lid, and storage lid surfaces, all of which maintain factory finishes. The wheels are in excellent condition, finished in factory silver accented by yellow Ferrari prancing horse center emblems. A set of correctly sized Michelin Pilot Sport tires bear 2021 tire date codes, installed in August 2022.

The interior of the car is consistent with the low miles and has benefited from important services often neglected on these cars. There are no “tacky” or sticky knobs or surfaces. The commonly impacted components have been removed, sent to the premier service provider, StickyNoMore, and beautifully refurbished. Additionally, the surrounding areas, vents, and console pieces have been detailed to a very high standard. The driver’s seat has typical left seat bolster wear but overall, the leather surfaces are supple and smooth and remain in excellent condition with no significant scuffs or scratches. The convertible top is in excellent condition, holding tight position when mounting in the up position, including the distinctive trailing sail panels which hold position when in place. The matching top boot cover is also in excellent condition. The dashboard top surface has been recently reupholstered in black leather. The perimeter dashboard stitching is in excellent condition including correct contouring to the edge lines and tight material adhesion to the dash surface. The center console, door panels, sun visors, and A pillar covers are also in excellent condition. The trunk area remains fresh as well, consistent with the rest of the interior; enthusiastically maintained by the dedicated consigning owner, a former Ferrari Club President. The trunk features a correct factory spare tire, tools, and Ferrari accessories displaying original finishes on the various components and trunk liner.

The engine and drivetrain are in excellent cosmetic condition. The factory air boxes, hoses, and cast aluminum intake plenums are wonderfully preserved and properly maintained with correct hardware and appropriate detailing. Having just returned from Patrick Ottis, the engine out cam-belt service included cleaning and detailing as well as addressing all hoses, fittings, and assorted under-hood components which have been properly preserved or replaced using correct Ferrari parts as needed. The undercarriage is clean and dry, retaining the aerodynamic chassis shields and correct factory hardware. There is no evidence of structural damage or repair to the floor or suspension mounting points. The clean aluminum engine and suspension castings, detailed service records under current ownership, and consecutively accrued mileage all contribute to a well-preserved Ferrari ready for enjoyable use.

The car drives very well overall with rapid F1 gear changes up or down and fantastic acceleration from the freshly serviced engine in 2022 totaling over $32k. The brakes are responsive, and the suspension delivers satisfying handling especially with the top down, windows down, and the engine willingly delivering that distinctive Ferrari sound.

Items Included with the Car

This Ferrari is accompanied by the original factory owner’s books and leather case, the original leather tool case and tools, factory tire inflator and case, the factory steering wheel cover and seat covers with tote bag, two prancing horse embroidered driver’s side floor mats, and an emergency light.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608