Lot 190

Open Roads, December 2021

1998 Ferrari F355 Spider

{{lr.item.text}}

$148,500 USD | Sold

Canada | Kingsville, Ontario

{{internetCurrentBid}}

{{internetTimeLeft}}


language
Chassis No.
ZFFXR48A9W0112217
Documents
Canadian Registration
  • One of approximately 3,717 F355 Spiders produced, 2,664 of which are said to have been fitted with a manual transmission
  • Showing less than 4,800 kilometers on the odometer at cataloguing time
  • Benefits from single ownership since new
  • Exterior finished in rare Blu Pozzi color; tan leather interior
  • Timing belt and other service completed in 2012
  • Includes factory tool kit and manuals in a leather case

The F355 Spider was introduced to the public in 1995, a year after the Berlinetta and GTS versions made their debut at the 1994 Geneva Motor Show. Notably, it was the first convertible Ferrari to feature a power-operated soft top that lowered at the press of a button. Its rigid, semi-monocoque steel chassis with variable-section, tubular front and rear sub-frames ensured that the open-topped F355 retained much of the performance of its hardtop sibling. Also playing a key part was the same mid-mounted, Formula 1-derived 3.5-liter V-8 engine found in its coupe and targa counterparts. With a newly designed cylinder head featuring five valves per cylinder and Bosch Motronic fuel injection, it was rated to produce 380 horsepower. Precise, power-assisted steering and electronically adjustable dampers worked well with the staggered 18-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli rubber. The F355 also carries the distinction of having debuted another F1-inspired feature for Ferrari: the paddle-shifted automated transmission, which would quickly evolve and become a mainstay.

This example is finished in the rare color of Blu Pozzi and benefits from single ownership since new, having been driven sparingly its entire life, with less than 4,800 kilometers showing on the odometer at cataloguing time. It is believed to be one of only 2,664 F355 Spiders equipped with the desirable six-speed manual transmission. The interior is finished in tan leather and features the factory stereo with cassette player. The car rides on 18-inch, factory, five-spoke, alloy wheels.

In June 2012, Ferrari Maserati of Ontario replaced the timing belt, accessory belts, and all fluids. The odometer reading at the time, as logged on the accompanying service invoice, was just 4,291 kilometers, indicating how little the car was driven. In addition to the timing belt service, the dealership also refurbished the hydraulic system for the convertible top, and replaced the alarm siren, both engine-lid shocks, the reverse-light switch, and ashtray. In addition, various interior trim parts were removed, sent out for refurbishment, and reinstalled. In May 2016, the same dealership replaced the heat exchanger.

Besides service invoices for the above work, a factory tool kit and manuals with a leather folio accompany the sale. With its uncommon color, extremely low mileage, and well-documented service history, this is a compelling example of an inherently captivating Ferrari.