One to Buy: manual 1997 Ferrari F355 GTS with Fiorano Pack & Racing seats
Although Ferrari had produced some era-defining two-seat junior models since the Dino 206 GT made its debut in 1966, the F355 is justly regarded among the finest of this esteemed line.
With its stunning Pininfarina coachwork, neutral handling and barn-storming normally aspirated 375bhp V8, the F355 was in a class of its own during the mid-to-late 1990s.
A little over 11,000 F355s were built between 1994 and ‘99 which had a transformative effect on Ferrari’s finances after a tough early start to the decade.
Three alternative body styles were offered (the fixed head GTB, targa-topped GTS and convertible Spider) along with a choice of a conventional manual gearbox or F1-style semi-automatic paddle shift transmission.
While the pioneering F1 gearbox was an expensive option back in the day, it nevertheless proved extremely popular. However, today it is the traditional manual-equipped F355s that generate the most interest from collectors and thus sell at a significant premium.
One such car, complete with practically all the most desirable options for the period, is currently on offer at the DK Engineering showroom in Chorleywood, Hertfordshire.
Configured in the stunning colour scheme of Nero Daytona with two-tone black and beige upholstery, this fine example was also specified with rarely seen Racing seats and the Fiorano handling pack that featured a lower ride-height, stiffer springs and dampers, wider track, thicker anti-roll bars, drilled and ventilated brake discs and competition brake pads.
Reprinted below is DK Engineering’s description for this exceptional F355 GTS:
Price: POA
Factory Bucket Seats
Manual Gearbox
Fiorano Handling Package
Mileage: 38,710 miles
This example was supplied new by HR Owen May 1998 in London, presented in the stunning combination of Nero Daytona over a Beige/Nero hide and most preferable manual gearbox. The car is equipped with a selection of rare options from the factory such as Carbon Sports Seats from factory, and additionally benefits from the rare but most sought after Fiorano handling pack. On the 355, this consisted of uprated suspension, stiffer anti-roll bars, uprated brakes, a wider front and rear track, and a faster ratio steering rack drastically reducing the amount of driver wheel input.
This example was sold through DK Engineering in June 2023 following a major service and thorough inspection.
