Skip advert
Advertisement

Ferrari F355 - Best Ferraris ever

Elegant lines and a screaming V8 made the F355 the most desirable Ferrari of the 1990s

Years: 1994-1999Engine: 3.5-litre V8, 375bhpTransmission: Six-speed manual or six-speed electrohydraulic clutch auto, rear-wheel driveTop speed: 183mphNumber built: 11,273Current value: £63,000-£135,000

If the F40 was the ultimate incarnation of the 308/328 bloodline, then the F355 was the last model to use the familiar silhouette of this series of mid-engined sports cars. With simple lines penned by Ferrari's most popular design house, Pininfarina, the F355 is arguably one of the most elegant sports cars the firm has ever built.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It followed in the footsteps of the Ferrari 348, which featured styling cues from the larger Testarossa. This featured side strakes in the doors and a slatted engine cover, and yet more slats covered the tail-lights. The F355 simplified things by getting rid of all the slats in favour of gaping air intakes, which fed cold air to the naturally aspirated V8 mounted behind the cockpit. The flying buttress design gave it a sporty profile, while the wide rear end and squat stance gave it head-turning looks.

The engine was a development of the 348's V8, bored out to 3.5-litres, while the a five valve per cylinder head was bolted to each bank, hence the F355 name. Add in a flat-plane crankshaft that gave the car a distinct engine note, and peak torque made at a heady 8,250rpm, and the F355 was a car that needed its neck wrung to make the most of its performance.

The six-speed manual is the model of choice, because while the F355 F1 featured an electrohydraulic clutch and race car-inspired paddleshifters, this single clutch auto isn't the crispest performer. Other options included a convertible F355 Spider - the first Ferrari convertible to include electric operation in its folding roof - and the F355 GTS, which was a targa-topped version of the standard Berlinetta.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior test editor

Dean has been part of the Auto Express team for more than 20 years, and has worked across nearly all departments, starting on magazine production, then moving to road tests and reviews. He's our resident van expert, but covers everything from scooters and motorbikes to supercars and consumer products.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 grant for new EVs sold
News
15 Jul 2025