1995 F355
The 1995 Ferrari F355 had as a basis the previous V8 engine Ferrari, the 348. The infamous Italian design studio and Ferrari traditional partner, Pininfarina, did the unusual styling for the new model. The F355 was first produced between 1995 and 1999 in nearly 12,000 units and has become one of the most popular Ferrari’s of all time.
When it was first launched it was available in fixed-head Berlinetta (or GTB) and Targa (GTS) followed later by a roadster variant. The Spider was Ferrari’s first vehicle with an electronically actuated soft top. The engine enhancements over the previous 348 model included an increased displacement from 207 cui to 213 cui and five valves per cylinder that allowed an 80 bhp plus. With 380 bhp the nearly 3000 pound F355 was able to reach 60 mph just 4.9 seconds and peak at a maximum of 183 mph.
Additional improvements over the 348 were the adjustable suspension that could accommodate various types of driving conditions, enhanced Brembo disc brakes and a steel and aluminum body that offered extra rigidity while remaining light-weight. In 1988, the Ferrari F355 was the first production vehicle to be equipped with a sequential gear-box operated by paddle shifters located on the steering wheel.
In 1995 the F355 Challenge was introduced as a specially modified model for North America’s premier single brand racing series. It wasproduced until 1999 in 109 units that raced in both Europe and the North America.
Few changes were done to the stock model in order to prepare the F355 Challenge series. Safety equipment such as a roll cage, racing seats and a down-force wing transformed the F355 into a racer. The F355 Challenge was not street legal and it can be recognized by the emblem on the rear, which specifically denotes “F355 Challenge”.