Firstly please excuse the rather long post. Back in 1994 when the 355 was launched I was a wide eyed 10 year old, I remember being left in awe when I saw the car in a magazine, left amazed when I read how good it was. In 1997 I was lucky enough see a 355 in the metal and I have never forgotten that day, those lines and the sound of the engine. Ferrari's arent common down here so it was a few years before I saw a 355 again, this time a spider, again jaw droppingly beautiful, its rosso corsa paintwork glinting in the sun. In 2002 I finally managed to get a passenger ride in a 355 and after admiring a car for so long it was a special experience, this was an F1 GTS version and that day we hit 290 km/h with the roof off, the scream of the engine through the Tubi, the thought of it now still gives me goosebumps. In 2005 I got to drive that self same car, its new owner allowed me to drive it on my own, to say I was nervous was an understatement and I have to say those 20 min were nothing short of fantastic, I didnt go very fast but I did get the chance to see 7500rpm in the lower gears, the sound and the feel of the car were so special. Before today I hadnt seen a 355 for while, I heard that V8 scream before I saw the car and there it was, a Berlinetta, the rarest of all 355s in SA. 15 years have done nothing to the sheer beauty of this car, its as gorgeous today as it was when I first saw it in a magazine in 1994. To those of you that own 355's you own a piece of art. Its my dream to own one.
Great post!! It was my dream also. Still is my dream, just now its a day to day experience. Keep focused on your goal, everything is possible! Remember to post photos of the day she arrives
Awesome post...and very true! My dream came true 4.5 years ago when my 348 Spider arrived. After a problem free and enjoyable 2 years I sold her for a 355 Spider. Wow, what a machine!! between the looks, sound and feel, Ferrari hit the nail on the head with the 355. It is just as much fun 9K miles and 2.5 years later. Definately a keeper I still feel like I am dreaming.
I love these kind of posts. They always make my day. As all I do is work, l have a tendency to forget how lucky I (we) am to own a Ferrari. Thanks for reminding me to pull my head out of my ass and enjoy life. BTW, I have no doubt that someone as articulate and as passionate a Ferraristi as you are will, in the very near future, own an F355 yourself.
Very interesting, thank you for sharing. I have been enjoying the F355 experience for 6 years now and I still make lots of excuses to go into the garage just to admire it.
Thanks for the kind words. Down here 355's are fairly rare, at the time they were launched they cost R795 000, today its hard a good one for under R1.4mil, not a bad return! Forgot to mention a track event where a good friend took me around in his 430 spider and towards the end of the day there was a parade lap and I found myself in the passenger seat of that same 355 I drove. Comparing the two cars is pointless but grab that 355 door handle and you just know the car is something special, I love the 430 but somehow on that day the 355 felt more like a racing car, even when the 430 came past on the straight. Must admit I wouldnt mind a mint one owner road going 355 challenge a friend of mine owns, will post up some pics.
Not sure if North America ever got these early steering wheels. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/Ferrari360/Cars/IMG_0021-1.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/Ferrari360/Cars/IMG_0022-3.jpg 355 Challenge http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/Ferrari360/Cars/355chleftfrontside.jpg
Always has been my dream, to own a Ferrari, as well, I've been sickly obsessed since I was in the single digit years. I went to Modena when I was 13 and was able to see a lot of 308's and BB's, that I still remember clearly, to this day. Upon leaving the coachwork facility, I was given brochures for both cars. What a joyous and memorable day in my life. I've been collecting diecasts and other Ferrari paraphenalia over the years. After about 25 years of school, and a few years on the job, I was able to buy my F355 GTB, approximately a year ago. The F355 has those "classic" lines from the 308 and BB that I had been in love with ever since that Italian trip in 1983. This year has been the best year on my life. It feels so satisfying if you've had a dream/goal for so long, and then you finally attain it. Nothing can ever bitter the sweetness of it. Even though my car is 12 years old, it brings new joy and excitement "every time" I open the garage and see my car, after a long day of work. I find myself rushing at work to get home early so I can take the car for a drive. I enjoy driving the car with others ad well as with myself. It's that good! My advice is to keep your dream/goal alive and do what you can to get there. Sounds like you are motivated enough to do it. Go step by step and be patient with your dream. Hey, the first car I could afford to buy was a Kia Rio!
That is a very poetic, and right from the heart, narrative that is as sincere and as accurate as I can think of. The 355, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful Ferrari's ever made, and always will be. All 355 owners have the right to gleam and be as proud as a peacock. Its appearance is timeless, and actually is comparable to fine wine: it simply gets better with age.
I didn't care that much for the 355 a few years ago, especially the front end treatment, "plain" side scoops, interior and engine lid compared to the 348. Now it has really grown on me, and as you put it, seems to get better with age. Even the airbag steering wheel doesn't look as bad any more (although I still feel the orange front turn signal lenses MUST be changed for the clear Euros especially on a red or yellow car).
