Displayed for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2000 and coming to our shores around the first of the year, the 360 Spider is a predestined classic. It, of course, replaces the much-loved F355 Spider, sold here from 1995 through the rest of this year. Most important is that this new Spider is not just a well-done chop job or conversion; the 360's all-alloy skin and chassis platform were designed from scratch with an eye toward being an open-air model. Raising and lowering the top is a one-touch deal: Press the button, and the top unlatches, lowers, and covers itself in a well-choreographed display of excellent engineering. Stylistically, the 360 Spider resembles its closed stablemate everywhere but the top area and rear deck. Its "shoulders" loosely resemble the fairing on an old Jag D-Type racer, though they don't line up directly behind the headrests. Instead, they're an aspect of the design that keeps the rear deck from appearing too flat; they also serve as the outboard mounting points for the two asymmetrical rollover hoops. The design, as with all current Ferraris, is the masterwork of Pininfarina, and the 360 Spider bodies will be built at the Scaglietti coachworks facility in Modena, Italy.
Perhaps the most engaging styling theme lies below a piece of glass integrated into the rear decklid itself. The Modena uses the engine and even some of the chassis rails as design elements, each a demonstration of the many artistic ways to cast, machine, and finish aluminum. Power comes from Ferrari's 3.6-liter cinquevalvole (five-valve/cylinder) V-8, and its 400-horsepower rating and wailing 8500-rpm redline are unchanged for Spider duty. Take your choice between a conventional six-speed manual or Ferrari's new-tech F1 sequential "paddle shifter" transmission. With its nigh-identical weight to the Modena, we've no reason to doubt its ability to rip off sub-4-second 0-60s. The interior is also every bit as accommodating as the coupe's. Ferrari's pipe benders, muffler makers, and aerodynamicists worked very hard at creating the balance of engine, intake, and exhaust sounds to give the Modena its ethereal scream-its voice is just that much better in top-down, Spider form. Modena's current $138,225 base; add yet another 10 grand if you want the F1 transmission. Is the 360 Spider worth it? Of course a bargain actually, when you consider the price premium that many classic Ferrari convertibles draw over their coupe counterparts. For 2001 Ferrari will build 900 360 models of that only about 590 will be Spiders. This is a stunning example of a 2001 360 Spider, only adult owners and only 15,700 original miles. All fully equipped including F-1 automatic, up graded factory wheels and more a clean car fax and clear California title. This iconic Italian ROCKET-SHIP is so much fun to drive lighting fast, safe, dependable and a soon to be collectible. #123918 Now on display at the home of “over the top cars”CHECKERED FLAG CLASSICS, 7743 monterey st gilroy, 408-847-8788 OR 888-625-2774, sold as-is, California buy are responsible for sales tax and license fees. Buy with confidence I am a licensed bonded California dealer.
