Ferrari F355 Challenge: You Know You Want To

This 355 goes to auction this weekend; fancy a new track toy?

By Matt Bird / Thursday, 22 May 2014 / Loading comments

This year marks two decades since the introduction of the

. Its 20th birthday is in fact a significant indicator of just where the junior Ferrari has come since the 1990s. Back then having three pedals was compulsory, every display was analogue and carbon ceramic brakes were unheard of in road cars. The baby Ferrari also had 200hp less than it does in 2014 also...

If it looked good on the outside...

So things have moved on quite a long way then, but that's not to say the F355 doesn't hold huge appeal. Prettier than the 360 that succeeded it and damn near anything else Ferrari has made, it's a highly covetable little thing. Using one of the most thrilling roadgoing V8 engines ever only adds to the appeal.

This one could be even more covetable than most. Made for the Ferrari Challenge back in 1996, it's an exceptionally rare RHD car. It is believed only 16 other similar cars were ever made. In 1997 it was registered for road use, which meant returning the brakes and springs to standard spec; you would imagine Ferrari could address those if required but this car still carries the roll cage, faster steering rack, lighter panels and Speedline wheels included in the Challenge pack. It was around 90kg lighter than a regular Berlinetta too.

Forza Italia!

However much this car sells for at auction, the interior has to be worth a fair chunk of the price. Just look at it! The competition wheel, the Recaros, the harnesses, the drilled pedals and the open-gate 'box create the perfect gentleman racer vibe. It's the SEGA game made real and it looks really rather wonderful. On top of that, the Challenge pack also included 'loud and quiet lightweight exhausts', ergo there's absolutely no excuse not to take it on as many tracks as possible.

Still need convincing? It was serviced recently and has an MOT until March so is literally ready to race. If you want. It will probably make a fabulous road car or occasional track toy as well. Furthermore with an estimate of £45-55,000, it's no more expensive than 'regular' F355s in the classifieds. And you want to you drive a F355 Challenge, right?

FERRARI 355 CHALLENGE
Price: Auction (estimate £45-£55,000)
Why you should: It's a racing version of one of Ferrari's prettiest cars for relatively littleWhy you shouldn't: Too compromised for road use?

See the lot listing here and the full Silverstone Auctions catalogue here.