Although closely related to the Ferrari 348, the F355 was a massive step forward and also heralded the return of the beautiful Ferrari after the brash brutality of the 1980s machines. In developing the new F129B V8 engine for the F355, Ferrari had looked to its contemporary V12 F1 programme, adopting five-valve-per-cylinder heads that helped raise the rev limit to a stunning 8500rpm. Titanium rods featured, too, while a 2mm increase in bore took the overall capacity from 3.4 to 3.5 litres. The result was 375bhp, a substantial increase over the 348 GTB’s 312bhp, giving the F355 the highest specific horsepower per litre of any naturally aspirated engine on sale in 1994, McLaren F1 included.

The example we are offering for sale was sold new in Holland, and is now registered on a Belgian numberplate. It has a good service history with many invoices and detail pictures of the work done to the car in recent years. It looks absolutely stunning in the classic Ferrari colour combination of Rosso Corsa with black hide, and is a delight to drive. The typical high revving idle makes clear that this is a proper supercar from the nineties, and promises and exciting ride !

I am sure this is one of the most collectable recent Ferrari's, as it offers the perfect balance between dropdead gorgeous looks and a fantastic driving experience. With only 2048 examples of the F355 GTS with manual gearbox produced, it is a reasonably rare car as well. So if you fancy one of these beautifully styled F355, it is probably the right moment to buy as prices will only go up in the years to come.