Sold

SOLD 02/22

1999 Ferrari
F355 Spider Fiorano F1

BaT NO RESERVE auction preview: Genuine, factory equipped Fiorano example. Single ownership since new by FCA Chief Judge Emeritus Ed Gilbertson. Final year of production and current on major belt service. Accompanied by factory luggage, books, tools, records, car cover, and many other extras.

  • VINZFFXR48A8X0116499
  • Exterior ColorBlu Pozzi
  • Interior ColorBlu Scuro leather with Carbon Fiber
  • Mileage41965 Miles
  • Engine3.5L V8
  • TransmissionF1 automated manual
  • StatusSold
  • StockFJ2562

Description

1999 Ferrari F355 Spider Fiorano

VIN – ZFFXR48A8X0116499
Exterior Color – Blu Pozzi
Interior Color – Blu Scuro leather with Carbon Fiber
Engine – 3.5 L 375hp mid mounted V8
Transmission – F1 Paddle Shift
Current Miles – 41,965 miles
Owner Purchase – Purchased new by consigning owner

Highlights of this Car

-#62 of 100 “Fiorano” models produced in this final edition of the F355
-Owned since new by highly respected multiple Ferrari collector, Pebble Beach Ferrari Judge, Past Ferrari Owners Club President, and consummate Ferrari enthusiast
-Meticulous records, copious factory extras, and beautiful condition throughout

General Overview

Launched in the final decade of the twentieth century, the Ferrari F355 arrived as the replacement for the 348, capping 50 years of exemplary sports car performance from one of the greatest car companies in the world. Offered from 1994-1999, the five-valve, quad-cam, 375 hp mid-mounted V8 transferred power via a gated 6-speed manual gearbox to rear wheel drive. By 1997, Ferrari introduced the world to the innovative F1 gearbox, making the F355 the first road car to utilize this ground-breaking 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 which made 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, besting 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 also improved air flow and reduced high speed wind buffeting. F355 Spider production would run from 1995-1999 yielding a mere 1,127 examples equipped with the rare and innovative F1 gearbox.

In the final series of this offering (1999), Ferrari assembled just 100 units of the Serie Spider Fiorano. This series offered many of the features in the Challenge series cars including a Competizione-derived Fiorano suspension package with wide track, stiffer springs, lowered ride height, and a more robust anti-roll bar. All four ventilated brake rotors were cross drilled, while the red painted calipers employed competition brake pads. A Competizione-sourced steering rack, Challenge rear grilles, and Scuderia Ferrari shields completed the exterior details. In the cockpit, a suede-covered steering wheel, carbon fiber inserts on the center console and door sills, and for North American delivery, a number plaque designating the series and number of each car. Power top, power windows, air conditioning, premium audio with CD, and other amenities were included. In addition to the 100 North American delivery units, an additional four cars were built, three of them being European models, and one for South African delivery.

History of This Car

This stunning example is #62 of just 100 Serie Spider Fioranos built. Ordered new by the current consigning owner, the Ferrari of North America Certificate confirms that this car was delivered to Ferrari San Francisco, CA July 9, 1999. In addition to the stunning features of the F355, this exceptional example was optioned with a colored upper dashboard, colored steering wheel, and stunning custom fitted extra cost Connelly leather Luggage by Schedoni, specially labeled Serie Fiorano and finished in Blu Scuro to match the interior.

After taking delivery of the car, the owner was so pleased with the car, he elected to keep it in his personal collection for 23 years. Despite having owned iconic Ferraris, the owner was quoted in several specialty magazines that he found it to be one of the best Ferraris he’d ever driven. And while this would be high praise from any Ferrari enthusiasts, the owners substantial resume as a Ferrari expert include ownership of multiple rare V12 powered vintage Ferraris, serving as Chief Judge Emeritus of the Ferrari Club of America, Chief Judge Emeritus of the Cavallino Classic, and Chief Judge Emeritus of Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Among his additional expertise in the car community,the owner is founder and Chairman Emeritus of the International Advisory Council for Preservation of the Ferrari Automobile (IAC/PFA) and also serves as President of the Jury for the Salon Prive' Concours at Blenheim Palace in the UK.

Over the past 23 years, the owner has kept meticulous records on the car including the most recent engine-out belt service by Ferrari expert John Heim at Patrick Ottis Co. In addition to the service work performed on the car, the typically “sticky” knobs found on these cars have been correctly addressed throughout. The most recent major service was performed by John Heim in October 2021, with 41,855 miles including cam and belt service, new timing belts and tensioners, bearings, water pump bearing shaft, new gaskets, o-rings, new accessory belts, air filters, new spark plugs, AC refrigerant, and replace engine oil, coolant, and F1 fluids. At the same time the driver’s seat recliner release was repaired, the right window regulator repaired, door glass adjusted, and the soft top checked for smooth operation. Other services include:

May 2021, 41,792 miles – New battery installed.

February 2019, 41,285 miles – New Michelin Pilot Sport tires, new front and rear brake hoses installed.

March 2016, 40,135 miles – Sticky knob removal
January 2010, 34,861 - $16k service at Ferrari of San Francisco including replacing the clutch assembly and clutch sensor mount, new inner CV joints, new motor mounts, OBD2 software update, replace left, right, and by-pass thermocouple ECUs, and a complete (recommended) Ferrari 30k mile service.

General Condition

Today this beautiful 355 Spider shows just 42,000 miles. The overall cosmetic condition is crisp and beautiful offering a stunning blue on blue color combination as ordered new by the consigning owner. Digital paint meter readings confirm the factory original blue paint in all metal body areas. The smooth and glossy paint is excellent throughout with no significant marks of note to the exterior. From day one the lower bumper cover commonly damaged from pavement transitions has been protected by hard plastic skids, but otherwise the exterior finish throughout is very cohesive and reflective of ongoing care since new. The glass, windshield, and lighting are in original condition. There are common front fascia stone nicks associated with 42k miles, some of which have been brush touched-up by the owner. Trim and emblems are exceptionally well-preserved showing very nice color and finish in all respects, including the tastefully upgraded black prancing horses (original chrome units included as spares) and US amber parking lenses changed out with clear European lenses (original ones retained and included as spares). The doors, hood, and trunk all open and shut with confidence, displaying very nice factory fit and finish including door jambs and underside surfaces of the engine and storage lids, all of which maintain factory finishes. The wheels are in excellent condition accented by vivid red brake calipers and striking yellow Ferrari centers. A set of correctly sized Michelin Pilot Sport tires were installed in February 2019.

The interior of the car is in especially nice condition. There are no “tacky” or sticky knobs or surfaces. The commonly impacted components have been replaced and the surrounding areas detailed to a very high standard. The leather surfaces are supple and smooth with excellent surfacing, excellent seat foam resilience, and no significant scuffs or scratches of note. The dark blue convertible top is in excellent condition, holding tight position when mounting in the up position, including the distinctive trailing sail panels. The matching blue carpets are also in excellent condition. The dashboard surfaces and blue perimeter stitching are in excellent condition showing beautiful color and tight material adhesion, particularly in areas often seen lifting or bubbling due to excessive sun exposure. The center console, door panels, carbon fiber inserts, 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 passionate consigning owner showing original finishes on the various components.

The engine and drivetrain overall 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. Hoses, fittings, and assorted under-hood components have been expertly 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, single documented ownership, and consecutively accrued mileage all contribute to a remarkably well-preserved Ferrari.

This beautiful one-owner F355 F1 Spider Fiorano, presented in stunning colors with beautifully maintained finishes and impeccable service history, is ready to enjoy just as intended when originally delivered more than two decades ago. The supple leather interior and deep blue exterior offer both captivating and desirable open F1 performance, certain to delight the next owner into the next decade of ownership.

Items Included with the Car

This beautiful Ferrari is accompanied by the original factory owner’s manual book set and leather case, the original leather tool case and tools, factory tire inflator and case, the factory steering wheel cover and tote bag, Ferrari car cover and bag, the original chrome cavallino front and rear badges (removed from the car but retained when replaced with new black finish parts), the original ember parking lenses, a can of touch up paint, and the unused rare cost-option three-piece set of Ferrari branded luggage with protective yellow bags.

Also included with the car is a set of Ferrari workshop manuals, copies of service records, and the original factory window sticker.

Walkaround video: https://youtu.be/xO5BwddyzCw

Driving video: https://youtu.be/7WQRNh4SOd4

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.

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