Richard Hammond and the F355

Thanks Paul. A timely post alongside the ones about prices tumbling and nightmare service reputation.

In my opinion it has a unique design style that is aging nicely and still looks relevant today.

 

Geez, I never felt this proud of being a 355 owner until today, what write-up!

 

I've always maintained that the 355 is a bullet proof car once the known issues are addressed like valve guides (if applicable), headers, stickies, etc. these cars are rock solid. There are many naysayers but it is truly an iconic car. Time will tell if I'm right or not but the 355 is one of the cars when Ferrari got it right.

 

Richard, thank you for the write-up, us owners enjoy exactly what you have written about. OK, I now know that you are not a wanker, however as for James and Jeremy...

 

+1

 

Love it. Great article. Thanks for sharing!

 

Wonderful and completely truthful.

 

Great article. I knew there was a reason why I like Hammond.

 

Yes, but he missed the most important point - the handling. Good article, but it should have been a little more complete, I think.

 

Jeremy owned a Ferrari 355 while they were in production and James bought a 430 towards the end of the production run. They're Ferrari people.

I'm sure they'd different in person from their TopGear personas, because they do play up to a character type for the entertainment value.

All the best,
Andrew.

 

I loved the review and respect that Richard Hammond gave Ferrari in general and the 355 in particular. But of the three hosts of Top Gear, I would have expected these remarks from James May or Jeremy Clarkson, both open Ferrari fans (especially Clarkson). But the fact that a confirmed Porsche enthusiast such as Hammond made these comments is just that much sweeter. I loved my F355 when I first set eyes on her and continue to do so to this day. And while admittedly biased, I think that the 355 design will someday be considered a classic.

 

I was at a farmers market last weekend, had a couple car guys who built a really nice street rod ask me what year the car was I told them a 97 they asked again you mean 2007. Obviously there were not Ferrari guys but for the regular car car they do look classic. Classic is always in style

 

It already is considered to be one. The only reason it isn't technically classified as such is because the car isn't old enough yet - I feel the 355's place in automotive history is secure.

All the best,
Andrew.

 

Yeah cuz he's a Porker pansy!! Just kidding, just bought my second 996 911 and love it!
The F355 is soooooo much more special in so many ways, though. Definitely keeping mine well after it has become a classic and becomes the icon that the model truly is. When the sad day comes that I absolutely cannot get in and out then I will pass it onto my son/daughter if I am ever blessed with one.

 

Hammond did own a Ferrari, he may still own it. Years ago in their Season 7 budget supercar challenge, Hammond bought a 1979 yellow 308 GT4. He kept that car as a personal car...

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lx0S3cIW-q8]Budget Supercars part 1 - Top Gear - BBC - YouTube[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew5cPCYuA9o]Budget Supercars part 2 - Top Gear - BBC - YouTube[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmAY4FQ5L4E]Budget Supercars part 3 - Top Gear - BBC - YouTube[/ame]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOYmiA1ZoFE&list=PLFA9077161778179D&index=4[/ame]

Here's a clip featuring Hammond with the Ferrari on a different show from a year or so later (warning, Ferrari slight abuse):
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8En7Qooyx0]Richard Hammond and his GT4 - YouTube[/ame]

 

I'm pretty sure Richard has also owned another Ferrari a while back.
Maybe a 550?
I recall reading an article he wrote in Top Gear magazine a few years ago about it.

Agree this was a nice write up. A bit more about the handling (which is one of the 355s strongest points) would have been good, and a video would make at even better!

 

Nice post Paul.

 

Great article! I brought my 355 instead of putting a deposit down for a house! No regrets I love it although the girl friend left me.

 

Problem with having a 355 is what to get next as a toy. I don't sell me cars they expire then I burry them

 

Girls come and go.. classic italian exotics are forever.. BUH BUY!