The F355, built from 1994 – 1999 was Ferrari’s reposte to two things: the motoring world’s criticism of the previous model, the 348, and perhaps more importantly, the Honda NSX. The latter was the Japanese marque’s brand new critically acclaimed, useable everyday supercar, whilst the 348 felt much like a 70’s Rockstar who just didn’t know when to finish his solo, stretching the 80’s style and substance out for as long as it possibly could.

The F355 changed all that.  Launched in Berlinetta and GTS (removal hard top) form with a manual gearbox, and having spent a reported 1800 hours in wind tunnel testing, the results were visually arresting. The car’s nose was more dainty and elegant, having removed the rather crude black plastic from under its chin. Gone were the 80’s sidestrakes to clean up the sides and produce a smooth curvature to the doors whilst also allowing more air into the engine. The rear was more rounded and feminine, with a coquettish lip introduced as a spoiler to increase downforce. The F355 has a feline nature to it and, at least to my eyes, is one of the prettiest Ferrari’s ever made. The attention you get whilst driving confirms it.  99 times out of 100, people love this car.