To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Abu Dhabi
event, 30 November 2019.
Estimate:
$100,000 - $130,000
- Desirable manual-transmission variant
- Presented in its extremely rare original colours of Verde
Mugello over Beige Tradizione
- Recently recommissioned by marque specialists DK
Engineering
- Just 22,000 km from new
During the late 1960s came the first baby Ferrari in a long line of
illustrious entry-level models, the mid-engined Dino. Evolving into
the V-8-engined 308 by 1975, 328s and 348s continued the baby
Ferrari's reputation for pretty design and spirited performance.
F355s were the fifth incarnations, and from May 1994, they were
offered as either a fixed-head berlinetta or targa-topped GTS;
these were joined by a spider variant twelve months later.
Delivered new to Venezuela, this European-specification LHD F355
berlinetta is presented in the stunning and rarely seen colour
combination of Verde Mugello over Beige Tradizione�potentially the
rarest F355 colour, as just one of the five hundred F355s delivered
to the UK was painted in Verde Mugello and around ten are known to
exist in the USA (of 2,500 cars). This example features the
much-sought-after gated manual gearbox offering the iconic
click-clack gear changes Enzo-era Ferraris are known for.
Living a sheltered life in dry storage near Caracas, the capital of
Venezuela, this F355 has covered just 22,000 kilometres from new.
In early 2019, having spent an extended period of time in storage,
the car was sent to renowned marque specialists at DK Engineering.
DK were instructed to complete a mini-restoration of the car,
comprehensively tending to all aspects of the car; it was stripped
down, removing all external fittings, and was soon sent for a
full-body respray in its original Verde Mugello hue.
Following the respray, the engine and gearbox were removed from the
car, affording complete access to steam-clean and identify any
perished parts. A comprehensive major service was carried out,
including the replacement of the cambelts. All coolant hoses and
the coolant expansion tank were also replaced. The service further
saw replacement of any perished items, including driveshafts,
seals, fluids, hoses, badges, and rubbers. At this time the
alternator and ABS pump were overhauled. Along with these extensive
works, the seats were expertly retrimmed in their original and
correct material. Invoices in the file to the sum of £45,000
document the work carried out, the cambelt work most recently
carried out in October 2019.
With the desirable open-gated manual gearbox and a very special
colour combination, this example presents a rare opportunity to
acquire a stunning, low-mileage F355 berlinetta, which has been
subject to recent care and attention that few other F355s would
have ever experienced.
Please note the temporary import symbol incorrectly references the
EU. It should reference the UAE.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/ad19.