In the 1996 VHS special Unleashed on Cars, presenter Jeremy Clarkson emerged from his road test aboard a Ferrari F355 declaring it to be: “the greatest car in the world; ever." He reckoned it was the apogee of Maranello lore and modern technology. In fact, the supercar had wormed its way under his skin to such an extent that he “had to have one”. And he did.

Bought via the official Maranello Sales dealership at its art deco Tower Gate showroom in Egham, the F355 was delivered to the Top Gear and The Grand Tour host in August 1996 (as confirmed by the accompanying Warranty Card) registered “P199 YPL”. After some debate over colour and configuration, as covered in the 2000 series Clarkson’s Car Years, he settled upon a targa-roofed GTS. He opted for Rosso Corsa over Crema leather, Rosso carpets, and extremely rare sports seats with Rosso inserts—a specification recorded in the original letters from Maranello Sales to Clarkson.

The F355 would appear in The Sunday Times newspaper, including serving as the vehicle of choice when Clarkson retook (and failed) his driving test for a column published in the 9 May 1999 issue. In Top Gear magazine in 2000, Clarkson wrote that across his four years of ownership to that point, the Ferrari had only covered 6,000 miles. This included returns to Maranello Sales for routine maintenance, with the cambelt being replaced in August 1999.

Departing Clarkson’s stable via a prize giveaway in The Sunday Times, and following a stint with its victorious second owner, a third keeper retained the Ferrari between March 2003 and February 2013 before it joined the collection of the vendor. Under their care, the car has been maintained fastidiously by marque expert John Pogson at his Italia Autosport concern near Huddersfield. Notably, a May 2025 service, belt change, refresh of the steering rack, plus paint correction and detailing cost £9,345. Gaining a fresh MoT at this point, the Ferrari displayed 14,899 miles at the time of cataloguing. It is complemented by owner’s guides in their folio, a tool kit, and a cover.

One of the great modern Modena creations and, thanks in no small part to its famous first owner, this F355 GTS is arguably one of the best-known and finest examples in existence. Today, this F355 is even more desirable due to its rare specification of a manual gearbox with sports seats. In the hands of its next keeper, it is sure to be a talking point at all supercar and Ferrari events it attends.