Agreed, 355s are top 5 all time Ferraris. The way the drive with such grace and elegance is unrivaled in this price range. Nice cars will be 250k plus over the next few years because of how special they are. Nothing like a 355 for looks, sound and the drive. Thank you for keeping them sound and driving like new 30 years on!
I disagree, just look at the numbers - over 12000 355s built. You can pick up a nice BBi for 250K and Maranello only imported 42 rhd examples. Do the math (as they say in the US.
Great Video, merci! - I had my F355 GTS (95, 2.7) now for 14 years. "He", I always say, is part of my live, even I drive less than 1000 km per year. The maintenance is expensive, but the car is worth every penny. I like most: the looks, the sound, the feel, the way of driving - and the scent of his fine leather...
It's just so much better looking than the new Ferraris. Same with Porsche. 964 and 993 are a million times better looking than anything that came after that. In the 90's the sports cars were still analog, compact and attractive. That's why they are so desirable.
If I'm not mistaken this is the only other road Ferrari to have a 5 valve head aside from F50. This will go down as one of the greatest road car engines of all time due to its character, reliability and specific output of 109 hp/liter. So special
The other option in the 355 was with or without power steering. Mine has power steering, and some people think it's too slow. But that is the way power steering was back in the 90s. I love my 355 F1. I have an F12 also, and if I had to choose one or the other, I would keep the 355.
I'd be happy to have a drive in any Ferrari, I will never own any kind but I have loved them since I was a boy, and watching Magnum PI, Driving around Hawaii wearing a Hawaiian Shirt in his 308 was a real joy
This fellow knows how to shift a Ferrari transmission. He doesn't slam the shifts. Not rushing the synchros. Slowly & deliberately and they will last forever.
A friend of mine had a 355 manual from maranello purchased with service warranty and a good job he did. Started burning oil quite heavily went in for repair needed new heads ten thousand bill covered with warranty moved it on. Next owner ended ended with replacement power unit = money pit
Whoa! They saying a lot. It’s certainly amongst the most beautiful Ferrari’s ever. And the negative that you hear about is the timing belt-engine pull.
I'm fortunate enough to own a red '97 355 Challenge. Watching this reconfirmed that I should hang on to it. I was thinking of selling it and buying a 458 Sider, also a great Ferrari.
Fabulous car until you have to sell your house to pay the servicing/maintenance bills! I had a Rosso Corsa 1995 Berlinetta (you know, the one with the nice steering wheel) for 12 years. In an unprecedented stroke of luck I bought it for £35K and sold it for £85K, so I made a nice little profit even after factoring in the running costs. My biggest problem with the car was my wife: she loved the car, except for the colour, the noise, the ride comfort and the rather embarrassing attention it got everywhere (I didn't). I sold it to keep her happy (happy wife, happy life) and bought a 21000 mile 2000 model year blue TDF 456GTM slushbox. OMG, she actually liked it! Comfortable electrically adjustable seats, reasonably quiet with a plush ride (for a Ferrari...). Only flogged it 3 years later because a bloke I know had been lusting after one for years and made me an offer I couldn't refuse (he wasn't a mafia chap) I'm now slumming it in a 1995 993 Carrera and a 1986 BMW 635CSi. She seems to like those (phew) so I'll probably keep them for a while. I bought my first Ferrari in 1993 (Rosso 328 GTB) even though I couldn't really afford it and kept it until the bank manager threatened me with financial ruin. I can't believe I paid less than £40K for that car when I see what they're going for now! If we all had 20-20 hindsight we'd all be millionaires. Cheers from a slightly chilly Otford, Kent, UK.
I've owned a few Ferrari's, my current one is a 458 Italia. I've never been very impressed with the 355. It has a wonderful sound, but it's slow and looks quite a bit like many of the cars on the road back then. Engine out maintenance is a deal killer for me on any car. I think these cars have seen a resurgence in value due to nostalgia from the millennial generation whom now has the money to buy their childhood poster car. I will agree that the exhaust sound is hard to beat, but that is about it for me.
Interesting post. I’ve never owned a 458 (have driven several) but have had my F355 for coming up to 5 years now. There’s no doubt the 458 is light years ahead of the 355 in terms of performance but as I rarely do track days I could never use anywhere near the power of the 458 on the public road like I can with the 355 (as they say it’s more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow). Do you agree or do you live somewhere that allows you to use the full potential of your car? Also it would be interesting to get your view on maintenance costs of your 458 as a friend of mine has one and says over a 3 year period his car cost about the same in servicing costs as my 355 (£3k for the engine out cambelt change + 2*£700 intermediate services).
Sounds fabulous. Why does say a flat plane TVR V8, sound so much more like a couple of 4 bangers, whereas the Ferrari sounds so much more like the shriek of a flat 6?
Idle's around 1100-1200rpm when cold on mine, once warm it's 1000rpm. Keep it under 4000rpm and skip second until everything's at operating temperature
You failed to mention with 5 valves why so many catch on fire, and least another dozen problems that will cost a fortune to maintain. You can confirm this on the Internet, as well as here on TH-cam on F355 Ferraris on fire. There are many videos of these cars and their many problems. So be honest as it can be proven here on TH-cam that you are obviously not telling the entire truth. Ferrari built again with the 360, and discontinued because of the massive problems. I almost purchased a 1997 unit I found out the massive amount of problems they have. As well, I am no stranger to Ferraris, so I know the 355 is known honestly as the worst car in their history!! They discontinued the 5 valve, and made the decision to never make anything else but the 4 Valve. I suggest you remove this video as there are so many credible videos about exactly how bad the 355 really is. Thank God for TH-cam as that’s how I found out the truth about these cars. You are leaving yourself open to a lawsuit by putting up this false video. Not good, or worth it!!
F355's had a recall on their fuel lines for bolt position that was rubbing on the lines that was causing fires. Nothing to do with the 5 valves. These cars are reliable if looked after correctly. Sounds like you bought a car that wasn't cared for properly...These are '90's Ferrari's so you have to know what you're getting yourself into when you decide to purchase one. There's going to be costs to ownership; thinking otherwise is a mistake. These costs are worth it to most buyers to own one of Ferrari's most iconic cars. Montezemolo era cars, designed by Pininfarina will go down as all time greats!
Agreed, 355s are top 5 all time Ferraris. The way the drive with such grace and elegance is unrivaled in this price range. Nice cars will be 250k plus over the next few years because of how special they are. Nothing like a 355 for looks, sound and the drive. Thank you for keeping them sound and driving like new 30 years on!
I disagree, just look at the numbers - over 12000 355s built. You can pick up a nice BBi for 250K and Maranello only imported 42 rhd examples. Do the math (as they say in the US.
These Ferraris look just fantastic in this colour! Increadibly classy!
Great Video, merci! - I had my F355 GTS (95, 2.7) now for 14 years. "He", I always say, is part of my live, even I drive less than 1000 km per year. The maintenance is expensive, but the car is worth every penny. I like most: the looks, the sound, the feel, the way of driving - and the scent of his fine leather...
It's just so much better looking than the new Ferraris. Same with Porsche. 964 and 993 are a million times better looking than anything that came after that. In the 90's the sports cars were still analog, compact and attractive. That's why they are so desirable.
If I'm not mistaken this is the only other road Ferrari to have a 5 valve head aside from F50. This will go down as one of the greatest road car engines of all time due to its character, reliability and specific output of 109 hp/liter. So special
And the 360.
The other option in the 355 was with or without power steering. Mine has power steering, and some people think it's too slow. But that is the way power steering was back in the 90s. I love my 355 F1. I have an F12 also, and if I had to choose one or the other, I would keep the 355.
how did you make money and could you pay for some age reversal medical research?
What a sound, superb.
Thanks Ian for another fascinating video! And Yes, what a sound!
One of the greatest Ferrari. Had mine 16 years now. They really get under your skin. Peak Ferrari for me.
In my opinion, right behind the 288GTO and F40.
You are absolutely spot on. Couldn’t have put it better myself.
The most beautiful Ferrari in my eyes. I will own one!
I'd be happy to have a drive in any Ferrari, I will never own any kind but I have loved them since I was a boy, and watching Magnum PI, Driving around Hawaii wearing a Hawaiian Shirt in his 308 was a real joy
They had the GOAT driving for them at the time. He influenced this design somewhat im sure.
Whos that?
Superb video as usual.
*WAS MADE TO BE AN ABSOLUTE ICON*
This fellow knows how to shift a Ferrari transmission. He doesn't slam the shifts. Not rushing the synchros. Slowly & deliberately and they will last forever.
A friend of mine had a 355 manual from maranello purchased with service warranty and a good job he did. Started burning oil quite heavily went in for repair needed new heads ten thousand bill covered with warranty moved it on. Next owner ended ended with replacement power unit = money pit
Because it's the best Ferrari ever. I'll put it right behind the F40.
Whoa! They saying a lot. It’s certainly amongst the most beautiful Ferrari’s ever. And the negative that you hear about is the timing belt-engine pull.
can that be engineered away?
Love my ‘94 F355 GTS and ‘98 355 F1 spider. They aren’t going anywhere. Except if I can swap one for a blue with tan one 😊
well done, sir, thank you!
I'm fortunate enough to own a red '97 355 Challenge. Watching this reconfirmed that I should hang on to it. I was thinking of selling it and buying a 458 Sider, also a great Ferrari.
355 is the most beautiful, I own a 308 but my dream car is the 355
@@agda11 308 is up there in beauty as well. Add a 355 to your collection! Don't swap
@@thedeej84 some day my friend
Great video Ian
Clarkson made this an instant CLASSIC ❤
Que bella macchina!!!!
Best sounding V8 on a Road Car
My Dream is to own a Rosso or Giallo F355 Spider w/ a Tubi exhaust.
Love the Idle engine sound, to 8500 rpm red line!
F40 , F50 and this one ,,, they are the purest Ferraries .
Fabulous car until you have to sell your house to pay the servicing/maintenance bills! I had a Rosso Corsa 1995 Berlinetta (you know, the one with the nice steering wheel) for 12 years. In an unprecedented stroke of luck I bought it for £35K and sold it for £85K, so I made a nice little profit even after factoring in the running costs. My biggest problem with the car was my wife: she loved the car, except for the colour, the noise, the ride comfort and the rather embarrassing attention it got everywhere (I didn't). I sold it to keep her happy (happy wife, happy life) and bought a 21000 mile 2000 model year blue TDF 456GTM slushbox. OMG, she actually liked it! Comfortable electrically adjustable seats, reasonably quiet with a plush ride (for a Ferrari...). Only flogged it 3 years later because a bloke I know had been lusting after one for years and made me an offer I couldn't refuse (he wasn't a mafia chap) I'm now slumming it in a 1995 993 Carrera and a 1986 BMW 635CSi. She seems to like those (phew) so I'll probably keep them for a while. I bought my first Ferrari in 1993 (Rosso 328 GTB) even though I couldn't really afford it and kept it until the bank manager threatened me with financial ruin. I can't believe I paid less than £40K for that car when I see what they're going for now! If we all had 20-20 hindsight we'd all be millionaires. Cheers from a slightly chilly Otford, Kent, UK.
I've owned a few Ferrari's, my current one is a 458 Italia. I've never been very impressed with the 355. It has a wonderful sound, but it's slow and looks quite a bit like many of the cars on the road back then. Engine out maintenance is a deal killer for me on any car. I think these cars have seen a resurgence in value due to nostalgia from the millennial generation whom now has the money to buy their childhood poster car. I will agree that the exhaust sound is hard to beat, but that is about it for me.
Interesting post. I’ve never owned a 458 (have driven several) but have had my F355 for coming up to 5 years now.
There’s no doubt the 458 is light years ahead of the 355 in terms of performance but as I rarely do track days I could never use anywhere near the power of the 458 on the public road like I can with the 355 (as they say it’s more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow). Do you agree or do you live somewhere that allows you to use the full potential of your car?
Also it would be interesting to get your view on maintenance costs of your 458 as a friend of mine has one and says over a 3 year period his car cost about the same in servicing costs as my 355 (£3k for the engine out cambelt change + 2*£700 intermediate services).
I’ve been driving a 355 for 2 yrs and it’s been rock solid. Engine out service is a thing, but really it’s $10k every 5 yrs. Not a big deal IMO.
Beautiful!!!
Without shields, clean.
When buying this car include the expense of maintenance 👨🔧 that’s really high .
355 and 308 beautiful cars
That black Lusso, though.
Sounds fabulous.
Why does say a flat plane TVR V8, sound so much more like a couple of 4 bangers, whereas the Ferrari sounds so much more like the shriek of a flat 6?
The Ferrari F355 got to thanks the 1st gen Honda NSX for the inspiration !!!
Absolutely love them, but the running costs terrify me.
Still my dream car😢
I have a 1999 355F1. I’m considering sell it
Great video. just out of interest, What is the level of exhaust on this car? i have a spyder and was thinking about a level 1 for mine.
Stage 2
What was the white stunner at the back ?
Balisimo! 😍😎
It is normal when its not to operating temperature to tend to run in 2k rpm?
Idle's around 1100-1200rpm when cold on mine, once warm it's 1000rpm. Keep it under 4000rpm and skip second until everything's at operating temperature
I like 308 Gts
The 355 features the single most unreliable convertible top of all time. Beware.
Unfortunately iTool long
The 355 is not a good car at all. The 360 is. Big difference
You failed to mention with 5 valves why so many catch on fire, and least another dozen problems that will cost a fortune to maintain. You can confirm this on the Internet, as well as here on TH-cam on F355 Ferraris on fire. There are many videos of these cars and their many problems. So be honest as it can be proven here on TH-cam that you are obviously not telling the entire truth. Ferrari built again with the 360, and discontinued because of the massive problems. I almost purchased a 1997 unit I found out the massive amount of problems they have. As well, I am no stranger to Ferraris, so I know the 355 is known honestly as the worst car in their history!! They discontinued the 5 valve, and made the decision to never make anything else but the 4 Valve. I suggest you remove this video as there are so many credible videos about exactly how bad the 355 really is. Thank God for TH-cam as that’s how I found out the truth about these cars. You are leaving yourself open to a lawsuit by putting up this false video. Not good, or worth it!!
Hahaha! Catching on fire bc of the number of valves??? Has nothing to do with fuel lines or system... Interesting.
There is no cheap Ferrari - and even the Modena is an expensive one...
Troll
@@EEnnisjr Law suit? Lololol What drugs are you on?
F355's had a recall on their fuel lines for bolt position that was rubbing on the lines that was causing fires. Nothing to do with the 5 valves. These cars are reliable if looked after correctly. Sounds like you bought a car that wasn't cared for properly...These are '90's Ferrari's so you have to know what you're getting yourself into when you decide to purchase one. There's going to be costs to ownership; thinking otherwise is a mistake. These costs are worth it to most buyers to own one of Ferrari's most iconic cars. Montezemolo era cars, designed by Pininfarina will go down as all time greats!