Before the formal introduction of the Ferrari 355’s successor, there was no doubt that the replacement had big shoes to fill. The ageing 355 was Ferrari’s best-selling car of all time, and it showed that Luca di Montezemolo was bringing the company back towards profitability and success after Enzo’s death. Introduced as a 1999 model, the 360 Modena launched a number of key updates that made the car more user-friendly whilst also keeping the requisite Ferrari drama.

Pininfarina’s design for the 360 was massively different than the 355, trading sharp angles and pop-up headlights for smooth, flowing lines. Additionally, the 360 saw the introduction of Ferrari’s now trademark clear engine cover, showcasing the design of that beautiful V-8 and its red heads.

Everything mechanical about the 360 was new and improved. The aluminium space frame chassis was 40 per cent stiffer than the 355’s, and it was much lighter, despite an increase in overall size. Ferrari’s brand-new 3.6-litre engine only increased overall power by 25 horsepower from the 355, but the 360’s performance was markedly increased due to a drastically lower power to weight ratio. Perhaps the most important change was the introduction of a removable panel in between the passenger bay and the engine compartment. This, combined with the placement of the 360’s timing belt at the front of the engine, which allowed for belt changes to be completed with the engine still in place, dramatically reduced service costs over previous mid-engine Ferraris.

Unlike the 355, the 360 platform was originally designed to work as both a coupé and convertible. Ferrari designers strengthened other areas of the chassis to keep as much torsional rigidity as possible. As a result, the spider is just 130 pounds heavier than the coupé.

The Ferrari 360 Modena F1 presented here, chassis number 123874, was delivered on 4 May 2001. The car is finished in the most desirable Rosso Corsa with a black hide interior. Options include red-painted brake callipers, Scuderia Ferrari shields on the front wings, Xenon headlamps, and very rare racing bucket seats. With only 21,765 recorded kilometres, this car remains in exceptional condition, with only minor signs of wear.

In the 360 Modena, Ferrari had produced a world-beating performance car that has fabulous looks in addition to its usual comfort and luxury, producing complete driving satisfaction.