During the late 1960s came the first baby Ferrari in a long line of illustrious entry-level models, the mid-engined Dino. Evolving into the V-8–engined 308 by 1975, 328s and 348s continued the baby Ferrari’s reputation for pretty design and spirited performance. F355s were the fifth incarnations, and from May 1994, they were offered as either a fixed-head berlinetta or targa-topped GTS; these were joined by a spider variant twelve months later.

Delivered new to Venezuela, this European-specification LHD F355 berlinetta is presented in the stunning and rarely seen colour combination of Verde Mugello over Beige Tradizione—potentially the rarest F355 colour, as just one of the five hundred F355s delivered to the UK was painted in Verde Mugello and around ten are known to exist in the USA (of 2,500 cars). This example features the much-sought-after gated manual gearbox offering the iconic click-clack gear changes Enzo-era Ferraris are known for.

Living a sheltered life in dry storage near Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, this F355 has covered just 22,000 kilometres from new. In early 2019, having spent an extended period of time in storage, the car was sent to renowned marque specialists at DK Engineering. DK were instructed to complete a mini-restoration of the car, comprehensively tending to all aspects of the car; it was stripped down, removing all external fittings, and was soon sent for a full-body respray in its original Verde Mugello hue.

Following the respray, the engine and gearbox were removed from the car, affording complete access to steam-clean and identify any perished parts. A comprehensive major service was carried out, including the replacement of the cambelts. All coolant hoses and the coolant expansion tank were also replaced. The service further saw replacement of any perished items, including driveshafts, seals, fluids, hoses, badges, and rubbers. At this time the alternator and ABS pump were overhauled. Along with these extensive works, the seats were expertly retrimmed in their original and correct material. Invoices in the file to the sum of £45,000 document the work carried out, the cambelt work most recently carried out in October 2019.

With the desirable open-gated manual gearbox and a very special colour combination, this example presents a rare opportunity to acquire a stunning, low-mileage F355 berlinetta, which has been subject to recent care and attention that few other F355s would have ever experienced.