Seeking 355 Challenge in US

I'd talk to Luke at Ferrari of Houston. They get them periodically and may have one not advertised. I'm sure he can help you find what you are looking for.

 

Stephen,

The 1995 F355 Challenge cars started their lives as F355 Berlinettas. They were ordered by the driver through one of several Ferrari dealerships along with the Challenge kit (Challenge shocks, springs, steering rack, roll cage, OMP VID CF racing seats, muffler and straight pipes, fire suppression system, Brembo brakes, etc). The dealership modified the car according to the F355 Challenge handbook. Miller Motorcars assembled my car for Peter Sachs in early 1995. Starting in 1996, the Factory built the Challenge cars and they were sold with Manufacturer's Statements of Origin ("MSOs").

My car always had its windshield wipers, headlights and directionals. I've replaced the horn, now operated by one of the console switches for the power door locks which were originally removed. The original interior door panels were reinstalled. The wing was added in the late 90s to keep the car competitive in the Challenge Series. Otherwise, the car is set up as it was when it was raced in 1996 and 1996.

These days, I have Classic Coach transport my car to track events.

Barry
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Interior looks nice and clean. Why do you have your car transported to the events (as opposed to driving her) ? Is she still a plated car in NJ ?

 

@barry, fantastic Car!!! Thats what I like, Great combination.

 

LFSC has a 1998 Black/Black with yellow stripe

1998 Ferrari F355 Challenge - Factory Autorized New and Used Ferrari, Maserati, Aston Martin, Lotus and McLaren Dealer

 

Did you get my PM?

 

Stephen,

To correct what I posted last night, other than the wing and the interior door panels, my F355 Challenge is set up the way it was when it was raced in 1995 and 1996. The car has always been registered by myself and its previous owners. Catalytic converters were required by 1995 Challenge rules and my car retains its converters.

As I previously mentioned once you get the chance to drive an F355 Challenge, you'll see why its place is on the track. My car has the upgraded 2,200 lb Front and 900 lb Rear springs in addition to its Challenge shocks. That combination renders a brutal ride on city streets. The car's ride height and alignment is also Challenge spec and speed bumps, road irregularities and pot holes present problems. The car does drive nicely on highways but I needed to stop every 1 1/2 hours for 20 minutes or so to regain my composure. Track sessions are 20-30 minutes for a reason.

Challenge rules at the time required cooling fans to be on while the car was on the track. The Challenge fans are more powerful than stock and, in my car, are not automatically controlled. Thus the placards "FANS ON?" I have toggle switches to independently control the right and left cooling fans. I always have to be mindful of that. The Challenge clutch, picured below, is different than stock. It's meant for race shifting and is cumbersome and uncomfortable in stop-and-go traffic. In all, it's a racecar and is set up for the track.

A few '95 US Challenge cars are around. A possible source near you is Universal Autosports, a FerrariChat sponsor.

Barry
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"Brutal" is a relative term. Since I wouldn't drive her in stop and go traffic that isn't really an issue for me. She'd be put in the "lineup" of cars that I drive for a day or two a week (which is fine for me). I drive a 599GTO, S5504matic, Range Rover and Jeep Wrangler (my favorite. I did speak with Universal as they are 10 minutes from me. They will keep an eye out for a 95 355C. It just may be that it will take several months to find. I might never find one that meets my specs. I might give up and try finding something else.

 

"Brutal" is a very real term for the car's ride on streets. Sitting in a racing bucket with a six-point harness only adds to the rough ride. But as I said, everything settles down once the car gets on a highway. Fortunately there are several tracks in commuting distance. Once at the track, my Challenge wheels with racing slicks would replace my Challenge road wheels with street tires which also serve as rain tires on track days. You might enjoy doing the same when you purchase an F355 Challenge. I think the track is the only place where an F355 Challenge can be appreciated and thrive. And transport by the support team assures the car arriving safely and with nothing shaking loose.

As Ryan mentioned earlier, Ferrari of Houston is a good source. So is Independent Ferrari Service in South Easton, MA. You can also attend regional FCA track events where you'll see several Challenge cars whose owners might be considering a sale.
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L, what didn't you like about them?

 

your cars?

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aybo-WbRmF4&list=PL9hCWIX0PZ7NoS4SfkYpFF6p_yXxNoEaN]Ferrari Challenge Cars - F430 Challenge and F355 Challenge - YouTube[/ame]

 

from my perspective, its a bit about what you are looking for.

I have a 98 car that is street legal. I dont really track it, more drive it around for fun.

It rattles an bangs, most peopl find it uncomforatable to get in and out of.

After afew weeks of driving on the race springs, i flipped them for fiorano springs which are much better for the road and lifted the ride height a little so i can get over speed bumps.

I dont find the clutch to heavy, though its not an ideal setup for traffic and i try and avoid.

Tickover is a bit erratic, though this could be my car, i am still ironing out the issues.

And the altenator doesnt seem upto running a full road car.


however, simply getting in it and driving down to the shops is an event in itself !!!

 

Barry,

Thank you very much for the insight. It is greatly appreciated.

 

Yes. Sorry, for delayed reply.

 

Street legal and fast on the track:
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interesting .. it has lexan windows

 

What year is your 355C and where is it street driven (ie. Europe, US, etc.) ?

 

Built 1995, first registration 02/1996 in France.
Car has all 1998 factory challenge upgrades.
Located in Germany, Europe.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaiP6PJf-yQ]Hockenheimring Ferrari 355 challenge on board - YouTube[/ame]
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That is a great ride ! 95 with title and 98 evo upgrades sounds perfect. Great video too. Thanks for sharing. Need to find that ride in NY

 

And, found a 355ch?

 

No. I haven't found one yet. Probably just bad timing on my part.

 

As you mentioned previously, "I get the feeling that when the super clean 95 355C with title does pop up it will be either a private sale or snapped up in a matter of 24 hours."

That's what will happen. You'll have to learn who owns 1995 Challenge cars and let them know you are interested in buying when they decide to sell. The support facilities maintaining these cars are another good source. I mentioned a few that I know.

All of them have been raced hard in the Challenge Series and some later on in SCCA, CCR, etc. They're tough cars. They can take it.

Barry

 

+ 355 Ch. I might buy another if another decent one comes up.

 

i know of a rhd 95 car in uk street legal for sale

 

rhd are much rarer... 18 uk cars plus the other handfull of aus cars