Page 121 - Wayne Carini's Guide to Affordable Classics

all-new Ferrari 355 was unveiled at the 1994 Geneva International Motor Show, and as before, the automotive press just loved it.
The F355 is built on the same basic steel monocoque chassis platform as the 348, but was extensively revised and equipped with a cockpit-adjustable suspension system and a fresh iteration of the V8 engine. The new engine used five valves per cylinder, added more stroke to push displacement to 3.5 liters (3495.5 cc), and bumped compression up to 11:1. The result was stunning, with 375 horsepower and 268 lb ft of torque. The F355 also received a six-speed manual transaxle or, as of 1997, the buyer’s choice of an “F1” twin-clutch paddle-shifted automatic. The new Ferrari would hit 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds and had a top speed of 183 mph, if you were willing to spin your expensive Ferrari engine past redline. You could still hit 170 if you respected the tachometer, which is good enough for most drivers.
THIS PAGE: The Ferrari F355 was another clean-sheet design. New President Luca de Montezemolo wanted to address the deficiencies he perceived in the 348, and the F355 became a huge success for the brand.
But there was far more to the F355 than just a driveline. Ferrari clad the underside with aerodynamic bits, gave the bodywork an up-to-date look, and offered the car with a berlinetta hardtop, removable targa top, or as a convertible spider. The new Ferrari hit the dealerships at a sticker price of $127,185 for the hardtop, $133,725 for the targa, or $137,075 for the spider. Those prices were only about $6,000 more than the outgoing 348. In all, Ferrari sold 11,273 examples of the F355, so they are not as rare as older models and that has helped keep prices within an attractive range for buyers.
Ferrari Challenge
In the early 1990s Ferrari faced lackluster 348 sales. The company responded by partnering with enthusiast club organizations to create a dedicated Ferrari Challenge racing series. The enticement worked and sales picked up. Drivers could purchase a 348 and a kit that made it into racing car. The kit included a roll bar, body kit, upgraded brake pads, and a driver harness. In 1994, when Ferrari updated the engine to 316 horsepower, Challenge cars could have their engines updated to the new specification.
The racing series was so successful that Ferrari offered a track- ready Challenge edition from the beginning of F355 production. With the new model, buyers could get a race-prepped car directly from Ferrari, or install the parts as a kit. The kits cost $30,000, including brakes from the F40, true magnesium wheels, racing suspension, brake cooling ducts, a rear wing, and a host of other
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