Introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 1994, the Ferrari F355 Berlinetta was styled by Pininfarina and would be the successor to the ageing 348. It brought about a number of technological improvements that made it one of the best performing Ferraris of all time. The main features were the power steering and the electronically controlled variable damping; the damping made all the difference, as it could make the car totally comfortable whilst cruising, but it could also instantly stiffen up as the driver pushed the car harder. All in all, the 355 was far more forgiving and drivable than the 348, making for a much more enjoyable experience overall.

The 355 nomenclature signified a new 3.5-litre engine with five valves per cylinder, which meant more performance in a lighter package, resulting in much higher revving than its predecessor. In its time, this engine was state of the art and featured a new engine management system and a larger, more sophisticated exhaust system, which meant drastically improved performance. Top speed was 183 mph and 0–60 mph was an impressive 4.7 seconds, whilst a 0–100 mph run took just 10.7 seconds. This engine produced what is considered by many to be the best Ferrari V-8 sound of all time, a sound that only gets better with the top down.

The F355 Spider was first introduced to the public in Monaco in 1995. With a stress-bearing, semi-monocoque steel chassis that has variable-section and tubular front and rear sub-frames, the F355 incorporated Ferrari’s Formula One technology of the day and retained much of the performance of its hardtop sibling. Press reviews of the F355 Spider raved about this mid-engine supercar’s blistering performance, luxury, and looks. Dealers could hardly keep new examples on their showroom floor, and the 355 would become Ferrari’s best-selling car yet.

The 1998 355 Spider on sale today is finished in Rosso Corsa with a dark tan leather interior, and the odometer is just shy of reaching 32,000 kilometres. This Spider is in exceptional condition, and it is an excellent example of one of the most popular Ferraris of all time. The F355 Spider might well be considered too young to be classified as a classic Ferrari, but it has aged well nonetheless. A 355 in any body style, especially the spider, remains desirable to enthusiasts, and it is often difficult to find an example in a condition as good as this.