In the 1970s, Ferrari changed the Berlinetta formula from two-passenger front engine V-12s to a mid-engine V-8 with the introduction of the 308 GT. This basic formula evolved over the years as technology advanced, but took a major step forward with the F355 introduced in 1994. The successor of the poorly received 348, the F355 is based on the same layout, but the two models are definitely generations apart.

Shortly after the F355 Berlinetta was introduced, Ferrari released a Spider variant that with over 500 additional hours of wind tunnel testing and additional bracing produced astonishingly similar performance figures to the closed car.

The 3.5-liter, 375-hp, 268-lb/ft, five valve per cylinder, aluminum block V-8 engine in the F355 was a major technical achievement and supplied breathtaking performance. Belt-driven dual overhead camshafts and hydraulic tappets resulted in a valve train that was unexpectedly quiet in operation – even up to its 8,500-rpm redline. The 180-degree crankshaft, which produced equal firing intervals on each cylinder bank for perfect exhaust timing, had a firing order more like two straight-fours than the four V-twins of a typical V-8 arrangement. On account of these innovations, the F355 produced a sound like no other Ferrari.

Extensive chassis and aero tuning enabled the F355’s suspension to take the enormous power of its engine in stride. This was achieved through an electronically managed variable shock-absorber system that reads data from various sensors and adjusts damping forces to control wheel movement. The driver could control the level of this system or shut it off entirely from the cockpit of the car. As a result, the F355 feels just at home in a high-speed corner as it does on a rough city street. Also new was the TRW power steering system, which was a vast improvement over the stiff manual steering of earlier Ferraris.

Having been developed specifically for Ferrari’s Formula 1 efforts, a paddle shift electro-hydraulic transmission was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show of 1997. As a $6,000 option the 355 F1 was an expensive upgrade, however it proved to be a popular choice as it noticeably improved acceleration times and eliminated the need for a clutch pedal. Drivers could choose between Sport and Touring settings, which provided smooth shifting for regular driving or lighting fast shifts for a thrilling driving experience.

Such was the dual personality of the F355, which made it such a success; along with its beautiful styling by Pininfarina. It could be driven every day comfortably with all the ‘soft’ settings in place, but at the touch of a button could be instantly transformed into magnificent performance instrument. Precise and powerful, yet balanced and tractable with enough driving aids to keep novice drivers in check and brilliant drivers challenged, the F355 reinvented what customers would come to expect of a purebred sports car.

The 1999 Ferrari F355 F1 Spider offered here is finished in Fly Yellow with a black leather interior, and seats that are accented by attractive yellow stitching. Running with the highly desirable F1 sequential gearbox, the Spider comes complete with its tool roll. Notably, the F355 was also ordered with the desirable imbedded Prancing Horse medallions on the front fenders. Among the additional features on the Ferrari are four-wheel disc brakes with red calipers, air conditioning, remote mirrors, audio system, black soft-top, factory alloys, full instrumentation plus many inherent Ferrari qualities one would expect.

A very clean example of the revolutionary 355 F1 Spider from the last year of production, this car offers its next owner the chance to enjoy and drive a truly awesome Ferrari.