Sold The Ultimate Driver's F355

Section 1: The Beginning of the Journey

It has been an incredible five-year journey with this car. When I purchased it in January 2020, it was the first time I felt like I had really made it. To own a car that I idolized as a kid felt unreal. My favorite arcade game in my youth was F355 Challenge (as with many of you), and driving the real thing was all I had hoped for. Unfortunately, shortly after purchasing, it became apparent why the owner was so quick to get rid of it.

It had just had a major service performed, and it was leaking some oil. When I took it in to get looked at, I was told that since it was leaking from the head gasket, a compression test needed to be performed. Five bent rods and two scored cylinder walls revealed a car that needed a lot of work to get roadworthy again.

And so the journey began to rebuild this car to its deserved state. It took quite a bit longer to get it on the road than I would have liked. It didn’t help that Italy was shut down for months during COVID, making accessing the needed parts difficult. But I swore not to cut any corners on this car. To build it right from the start. That meant a complete bottom-end rebuild, including all new Nikasil cylinder liners, engine bearings, and replacing the original brass valve guides with steel (a common issue on the earlier 355s). The heads were also completely rebuilt.

Section 2: Addressing Reliability Concerns

I have done every maintenance item that can possibly be done in order to make sure the most reliable and usable F355 possible. This car has Hill Engineering bearings, a significant upgrade over stock. In addition to items like Hill Engineering tensioner bearings, other measures have been made to ensure reliability, and omission of known problem areas. I have personally driven the car on over three 1,000+ mile trips, and would not hesitate to do it again. The car starts right up, shifts great once warmed up, has the fans kick on at the right places, is clean and dry underneath, and does not burn any oil.

Of course, while you’re rebuilding the motor, you also do the A/C compressor, the alternator, the dry sump tank, the valve covers, and all new lines. You also replace the factory manifolds because those are prone to issues. In addition, every ball joint, tie rod end, and control arm bushing have been replaced (including Challenge rear mounts and other bits where appropriate).

The transmission has also been refreshed, with new internal bearings, a new factory clutch, and a Hill Engineering flywheel. The shifter itself has been disassembled for cleaning and lubrication. Even the entire parking brake assembly has been replaced and rebuilt. This, in my opinion, is one of the most thoroughly refreshed driver-quality F355s in existence.

Section 3: Performance and Handling Upgrades

Beyond the mechanical and service work performed, this car became an expression of my modern take on an F355 “Challenge Stradale”. The brakes were significantly upgraded to six-piston Brembo GT-S front and four-piston GT rear calipers with 355x32mm rotors all around. The factory coilover suspension was replaced with Nitron R1s, equipped with a KW HLS hydraulic front lift. One of the many F50 easter eggs on the car is the factory F50 axle lift switch in place of the factory damper adjustment. The wheels are bespoke forged Augment centerlock modeled after the F50 GT race car. The 18x8 and 18x11 stance includes Michelin Cup2 tires (225/40 front, 295/30 rear).

The breathing work is extensive. A Gruppe M carbon fiber intake adorns the engine bay, where you will also find glimpses of the MS Racing Y-Pipe and Tubi 4-2-1 headers. Out back is the most revered exhaust for the F355: ITO Racing. The handmade muffler is an absolute work of art. It embodies Japanese build quality and attention to detail. Right above it is the necessary Challenge grille, which helps remove heat from the engine bay, which is also assisted by the Capristo test pipes.

Section 4: Interior Enhancements and the Decision to Sell

While the exterior of a 355 is a beautiful work of art, it’s really the interior where I gave it a notable change of aesthetic. The horrendous factory airbag steering wheel has been replaced with a Factory F50 wheel, which is the perfect size for the vehicle and is positioned to remove the awkward factory Italian driving feel. Full carbon fiber door panels and center console add a motorsport feel to the inside. The Recaro Pole Position seats give the perfect amount of hold while remaining comfortable, even on long journeys.

The radio has been replaced with an unobtanium factory leather delete plate. While no radio is present, Focal Utopia components play via a Bluetooth amplifier, giving a surprisingly high-quality stereo sound to enhance the driving experience. The sticky buttons have all been replaced, and I miraculously sourced new original switches, console, center gauge pod, and air vents. These are not parts you can just buy off the shelf.

My 10k miles of ownership have been nothing short of an incredible experience. That said, I’m a father of three boys, and as they get older, I’m seeing a passion for cars that I possessed as a kid. It’s not worth sacrificing precious time together on the weekends, fueling the passion to only allow one at a time with me. It’s time to be a responsible father and get a fun four-seater we can all enjoy together.

If you’re in the market and interested in a vehicle of this caliber, please DM me to discuss it further. This is not a fire sale. This is a car for someone who wants the best driver-quality F355 in existence, who enjoys enhancements over factory originality (all factory parts are included with the car). Someone who wants a well-sorted F355 that will provide years of smiles—and 8,700 RPM Formula 1 screams.

1995 Ferrari F355 Rosso Corsa/Nero
42k miles
Clean title in hand
Vehicle is located in Newport Beach, CA

$215k OBO including the following stock parts:

· Wheels
· Brakes
· Coilovers
· Door panels
· Center tunnel
· Seats
· Steering wheel
· Binnacle
· Y-pipe
· Rear panel insert (where Challenge grill goes)
· Many other ancillaries

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Modifications list:

⁃ 18x8, 18x11 Augment centerlock wheels, Cup2 tires
⁃ Brembo GT-S 355mm F, GT 355mm R brakes
⁃ Nitron Racing R1 coilovers
⁃ KW HLS front hydraulic lift
⁃ Morimoto fog lights

⁃ Tubi headers
⁃ Ito Racing muffler
⁃ MS Racing Y pipe
⁃ Gruppe M carbon fiber intake
- Forza electronic valve controller

⁃ Recaro Pole Position seats with BBI side mounts
⁃ Ferrari F50 steering wheel with MTecnologia adapter
⁃ Carbon fiber door panels
- Carbon fiber mirror triangles
⁃ Carbon fiber center tunnel
⁃ Carbon fiber door sills
⁃ Ferrari Challenge radio delete plate
⁃ Focal components with Bluetooth amplifier
- Alcantara binnacle with red stitching

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Thanks! I have $100k in maintenance receipts from the last five years to prove it. Car needs NOTHING.

 

In car sound. I do have other vids if people want to DM me on IG.

 

That is a tremendous compliment from the F355 subject matter expert. Thank you, Elliott!

 

I think you know the answer

 

Thank you very much for the kind words!

 

Thanks everyone!

A few more pics for your enjoyment

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