OVERSTEER ROAD TEST: Ferrari F355
There is only one way to say this; the Ferrari F355 is an exquisite piece of machinery. It has received much praise from the motoring press over the years and for good reason; it is a properly good car!
Built as a replacement for the 348TB, it was more than a face lifted version of its predecessor. Production lasted from 1994 till 1999 and what buyers got was an amazing all round package of beauty, power and refinement.
The heart of the F355 is a 90 degree 3.5-litre V8 with five valves per cylinder, making 285kW of power and 362Nm of torque. Zero to 100km/h is dealt with in 4.7 seconds and the car will reach a top speed of 295 km/h.
Underneath the F355 has a flat underbody – starting from the front spoiler – which splits in the middle to harness the airflow under the car, thus producing low pressure and downforce.
Inside, the interior is utterly focused on the driver. The speedometer and rev counter are simple white on black and are easy to understand, especially the 8,500rpm redline. A chrome open-gated gear lever with seven slots – including reverse – looks stunning and is something that is sadly missing from current Ferraris.
Turn the key and the noise of the 3.5-litre V8 engulfs you. Blip the throttle and you get a spirited growl rather than a deafening bellow.
Moving off and the changing gear is classic old-school Ferrari. Every change is an experience in itself with the snick-snick sound as you change from second to third. A Ferrari is not everyone’s idea of an everyday car but it’s so good to drive one that is amazingly useable.
Plenty of rear visibility and rear three quarter vision puts the mind at ease, especially when commuting. Power steering means turning the wheel is a doddle and a reasonably light clutch will provide parking with relative ease.
Now for the part you have been waiting for, what is it like on the open road? Quite fantastic actually. On the straight and narrow the F355 delivers the primeval fizz in spades. As the horizon comes ever closer, the howl of the V8 is utter joy. In the corners the handling is a revelation. Neutral and agile, plenty of grip and plenty of oomph to charge out of the next bend.
Ferrari made both hardtop Berlinetta, targa top GTS and soft top Spyder versions of the F355 during its production run and a good deal of these found owners in New Zealand. In the past, people asked Enzo Ferrari what was his favourite Ferrari. His reply was always, “the next one.” From now on when someone asks me what one of my favourites is? I’d say F355!
Need to know
Year: 1995
Production: 1994-1999
Engine: 3496cc V8 petrol
Power/torque: 285kW/362Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
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