West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely exceptional and ultra low mileage example of this very rare original southern California owner 1999 Ferrari F355 F1 Spider limited edition 'Serie Fiorano' edition (#11 of only 104 limited editions built for the final year) with 5K original miles in it's original factory 'Grigio Titanio' color paint with a 'Dark Blue' Connolly leather interior. Purchased new on 8/16/1999 from 'Ferrari of Orange County' of Westminster, CA and always garaged and owned by the same southern California since new.
For the 1999 model year, the last year of the F355, Ferrari introduced a limited production of F355 Spider models designated, 'Serie Fiorano'. Launched in March 1999, this limited production run of 100 planned units (104 actually produced) included a number of enhancements increasing the track performance much closer to the Challenge track versions with the following specs;
Competizione-derived Fiorano suspension pack, featuring wide track, stiffer springs, a thicker anti-roll bar
Drilled and ventilated brake discs and competition brake pads
Competizione-sourced steering rack
Challenge rear grilles and enameled Scuderia Ferrari shields
Carbon-fibre inserts (normally only available as expensive special order options): centre console, door sills, and paddle-shifters
Suede-covered steering wheel
There were only 100 'Serie Fiorano' units delivered to the U.S. market, 74 with the 'F1' paddle-shift transmission and 26 with the 6-speed manual. An additional 4 units were produced beyond the planned production for the U.S., with only 3 European models and one unit destined for South Africa. The American units were delivered with a numbered plaque affixed to the dashboard (this one being #11) while the 3 'Fioranos' delivered to Europe had no numbered plaque.
The Ferrari F355 (Type F129) was manufactured from May 1994 to 1999. The car is a heavily revised and improved Ferrari 348 with notable exterior and performance changes. Top speeds of over 180 mph and 0-60 in under 5 seconds! The F355 was succeeded by the all-new Ferrari 360 in 1999. Design emphasis for the F355 was placed on significantly improved performance, as well as drivability across a wider range of speeds and in different environments (such as low-speed city traffic)
Apart from the displacement increase from 3.4 L to 3.5 L, the major difference between the V8 engine in the 348 and F355 is the introduction of a 5-valve cylinder head. This new head design allowed for better intake permeability and resulted in an engine that was considerably more powerful. Engine internals are produced using lightweight materials; the connecting rods are forged in Ti6-Al-4V titanium alloy.
The F355 addressed transmission issues which plagued the earlier models. A coolant heat-exchanger was installed which upon startup, warmed the gearbox oil quicker. A rod-driven actuation system, which replaces the 348's cable operated system, was also added for precise gear shifts.
The frame is a steel monocoque with tubular steel rear sub-frame with front and rear suspensions using independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs over gas-filled telescopic shock absorbers with electronic control servos and anti-roll bars. The car allows selection between two damper settings, 'Comfort' and 'Sport'. The road-going models came with Pirelli tyres, size 225/40ZR 18 at the front and 265/40 ZR 18 at the rear. Although the F355 was equipped with power-assisted steering (intended to improve low-speed drivability relative to the outgoing 348), this could optionally be replaced with a manual steering rack setup by special order. Aerodynamics for the car included over 1,300 hours of wind tunnel analysis. The car incorporates an older profile on the upper portion of the tail, and a fairing on the underbody that generates downforce when the car is at speed. The car's standard seats are upholstered with hides from Connolly leather, and are fitted asymmetrically in the car; this results in the driver being slightly closer to the car's centerline than the passenger.
The Berlinetta was introduced in May 1994, as the first in a successful series of F355 models. Initially, the 6-speed manual was the only transmission available. Then, in 1997, the Berlinetta was the first-ever road car to be equipped with the innovative F1-style gearbox management system. Derived directly from Formula 1, where it made its debut in 1989 resulting in a win at the Brazilian Grand Prix, the electro-hydraulic system was operated by paddles behind the steering wheel using the F355's conventional 6-speed manual gearbox. The new transmission guaranteed faster gear changes, with the additional advantage that both of the driver's hands could stay on the wheel at all times. Handling was also more balanced, especially in the wet. The Spider (convertible version), and the GTS (targa top model) were introduced in 1995. The F355 was the last in the series of mid-engine Ferrari models with the Flying Buttress rear window, a lineage going back to the 1965 Dino 206 GT.
You will look long and hard to find a finer lower mileage example of this very rare 'Serie Fiorano' numbered limited edition Ferrari with only 5K original miles and such desirable upgrades from the standard F355 F1 Spider boasting only one mature southern California owner since new in this rare and striking color combination!
