Sold 1996 Ferrari F355 GTS with Carbon Kevlar Racing Seats!

From its introduction in 1994 to the present day, the Ferrari F355 has always been one of the most desirable Ferraris. Featuring a Pininfarina sculpted body with over 1,300 hours of aerodynamics and wind tunnel testing and a 3.5 liter V8 with Formula 1 derived, 5 valves per cylinder technology, Ferrari put the automotive world on notice. Factory rated at 375 horsepower and paired with a 6 speed gated manual, the F355 screams to an 8,500 RPM redline. And the world noticed, with acquisitions by some of the most famous car enthusiasts and collectors including Top Gear and The Grand Tour host, Jeremy Clarkson (this was his first Ferrari!), Formula 1 legend, Michael Schumacher, and Jamiroquai frontman and esteemed collector, Jay Kay, among many others. The blockbuster 1995 James Bond movie, "GoldenEye", featured Pierce Brosnan's Aston Martin DB5 racing through the mountainside alongside a Rosso Corsa F355.

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The common theme with these F355s is that they all chose the targa top equipped GTS, which offers the best of both worlds -- Berlinetta/hard top looks with the option for open air motoring when the targa panel is removed. The F355 GTS is Ferrari's last true targa top model and one of their most beautiful cars ever made. With its similarly curved glass rear window, the F355 is the spiritual successor to the Pininfarina designed Dino, which are now consistently commanding values from $500,000 - $1 Million.

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From a collectibility standpoint, the F355 GTS body style is the rarest by far compared to F355 Berlinettas and Spiders. With worldwide Left Hand Drive GTS manual production at 1,688, an even smaller number were originally sold in the United States. Based on my research, this car is 1 of 2 U.S. spec factory manual transmission cars with the ultra rare TIR Carbon Kevlar/Fiber Racing Seats and 1 of 1 in this color combination in the world. The combination of the Nero Carbonio (Carbon Black) Metallic paint with the red leather and black Alcantara Carbon Kevlar racing seats is stunning. The metallic really pops in the sunlight and presents as a very dark gray, but looks black in the shade.

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The Carbon Kevlar factory racing seats in this F355 GTS are reminiscent of the Euro Ferrari F40's seats that were also constructed by the Italian firm, TIR. Due to the nearly $4,000 premium over stock seats, very few F355s were originally ordered with them and fewer remain nearly 30 years later. Less than 100 sets of these F355 carbon seats are currently accounted for in my database. If you can find a spare set of these seats, expect to pay upwards of $20,000 for them. With manual adjustability and an ergonomic design, these seats are lighter and far more supportive than the stock F355 seats that most buyers ordered.

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In researching the history of this U.S. spec 1996 Ferrari F355 GTS, I believe that it was immediately exported to Europe when it was brand new. F355s were highly sought after when new and were only allocated to existing Ferrari owners. Living its life in Europe until 2022 when I had it professionally re-imported, there are still a few Euro spec parts on the car. The front bumper is Pininfarina's original reflector-less design with clear turn signals. The speedometer and odometer still read in kilometers and the water/oil temperature are in Celcius. The odometer indicates 47,892 kilometers or 29,759 miles. Under my ownership, I have put approximately 1,200 miles on the car driving mostly to Cars & Coffee.

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The Carfax for this car is Clean, but the selling dealer indicated that the car was in a minor accident and was repainted in Europe. I received service records dating back to 2008, but I don't have any additional details or photos. Under my ownership, the paint has been corrected and ceramic coated by a top detailer who works on cars that are displayed in the Petersen Museum. I consider the condition of the paint to be driver quality +, with blemishes that can be touched up to take this car to the next level.

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The provided service records indicate that the major service was done on April 1, 2020. I had the annual service taken care of in March 2023 with all of the fluids changed, in addition to front brake rotors resurfaced, and the e-brake adjusted. The failed rear left shock actuator (common with F355s) was replaced with another actuator as well. In May 2023 the A/C was serviced and now blows cold again. New Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires were installed last July and Hill Engineering 15mm front spacers were added to complement the rear spacers that were already installed. This is the stance that the F355 should have come with from the factory.

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There aren't any sticky buttons present and new center console plastics and a new shift knob were installed to complete the interior. The original stock exhaust system appears to be installed; however, the exhaust valve was welded open under previous ownership. This is a common revision, as the valve can fail; plus, it sounds incredible! I have spent the last year enjoying and improving this rare F355 and now it is ready for its next owner. The factory tool kit and Owner's Manual are also included.

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A few FChat members have seen or sat in this car and take their cars to the same local mechanics. I wanted to give FChat a chance to purchase it before it is offered to the mass market. Located in Orange County, CA.

Asking Price: $215,000. Serious inquiries only.

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Here are another few photos, as only 10 are allowed per post:

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Thank you! It's the only one in this spec from my extensive research. I have taken my car to Ferrari Technologies and Stallion Motorsports.

 

Thank you! The interior is a showstopper

 

No, this is a U.S. spec car with a Euro spec front bumper.

 

That's correct. I've posted a photo of the dash up above.

 

Thank you! I've done all of the heavy lifting and she's ready for her next owner to enjoy!

 

Thanks! The seats are game changers in an F355

 

I appreciate it!

 

Yes, I discussed this in the listing. I believe the car was immediately exported to Europe and converted when it was new, as Carfax does not show it being titled/registered in the U.S. It has all of the standard U.S. tags including the FMVSS one showing that it was built to U.S. standards in 1996. Easy to change back to MPH if the next owner prefers.

 

Thanks man! It's an incredible color combo and spec!

 

I'm lowering the price to $195k, as I have a deposit down on another car and would like to sell ASAP. If you're a serious buyer with money in hand, please reach out directly. Thank you