The Ferrari 355 is the absolute best of Ferrari's "3 Series" Vehicles, i.e., the 308, 328, 348, 355 and 360, because it is stunningly beautiful and an absolute wonder to drive (and listen to). Further, of the 3 Series vehicles, the 355 appears to have the largest "upside" for long term investment.
Ferrari manufactured the car with three (3) major design flaws including: (1) the exhaust manifolds (a/k/a "headers"); (2) the F1 automatic transmission; and (3) the "semi-automatic" convertible top. While I could describe each of these flaws in greater detail, those familiar with the history of the 355 are well aware of the flaws, their causes and the "fixes" they necessitate.
In order to overcome these design flaws, I replaced the factory headers with a set of stainless steel headers from FabSpeed, I converted the transmission from an F1 automatic to a manual transmission (using all factory parts and retaining the original transmission) and I converted the top from "semi-automatic" to manual. Each "fix" was performed by a bona fide Ferrari tech with years of expertise in the Ferrari field. These alterations greatly improved an already impressive automobile and made it ready for daily use.
In addition to the foregoing, in December of 2016, I had a 30,000 mile service performed and replaced the timing belt and all accessory belts. At the same time, I had the engine resealed and tuned. Further, the clutch was replaced and the rear axles were rebuilt. All service parts were obtained from Ferrari and - excluding the headers - no aftermarket parts were used. Finally, I replaced the tires in early 2016 and they currently have less than 500 miles on them. Thus, as this car sits, it needs no routine maintenance and can be immediately driven.
For those of you interested in the particulars of the "fixes" and routine maintenance performed on the car, please feel free to contact me and/or see the photos below (which document most of the work performed).
The instant car is equipped with its original factory paint (Grigio Titanio) and retains it original interior. Both the paint and the interior show slight age (19 years worth to be exact) but are presentable and do not need to be replaced, repainted or otherwise changed. The car's convertible top is in great shape, the back window is clear and the top does not leak water. The top has no tears, rips or loose seams. The car has never been in a known accident and the Carfax report reflects this. The car's mileage is currently just below 38,000 miles which equates to roughly 2,000 miles per year. The car's mileage will increase slightly because I drive the car one or two days a week. The car's original tape player has been replaced with an aftermarket Alpine AM/FM/CD/USB unit which utilizes the original speakers. The car's original tape player is located in the boot and will be sold with the car. The car is equipped with all of its original books and its original tools and tool kit. All gauges in the car are operational and accurately reflect speed, RPM's, temperature and oil pressure. The clock on the dash works and keeps accurate time. The car's airbag warning light is on and a sticker on the passenger side windscreen visor states tha the airbag's gas cartridge needs to be replaced every 10 years. I have not replaced this gas cartridge (and do not intend to).
All in all, this 355 represents a unique opportunity to own a very nice Ferrari that should appreciate greatly over time. The car - which is in very good but not perfect condition - should provide its new owner with many years of driving pleasure (and a nice a payday when it is time to sell it).
If you would like more information on the car or are interested in purchasing it then please contact Mark Counts @ 713-320-3059.
Looks & runs great.
Never seen snow.
New tires.
No accidents.
Performance tires.
Runs & drives great.
Well maintained.