1995 | Ferrari F355 Challenge
Technical Information
Overview
Debuting in 1995, F355 Challenge models were designed exclusively for the single-make Ferrari Challenge Series across Europe and North America, largely retaining their original V8 specification; with minor modifications carried out to the exhaust system, clutch, brakes, and suspension, along with additional weight reduction measures throughout the body and interior. Early examples were standard road-going F355 Berlinettas modified by official Ferrari dealers using a ‘Challenge’ conversion kit supplied by the factory, before later models saw these race-ready models built in-house in Maranello. All 108 units featured a 380 horsepower, 3.5-litre mid-mounted V8 engine, coupled to a six-speed gated manual transmission.
This European-market example brings the iconic Ferrari color combination of Rosso Corsa with Nero (Black) interior, complementing its F355 Challenge-specific upgrades inside and out. Provided information and records illustrate this car was never raced and only used gently in one Ferrari Challenge series race early in its life (deliberately starting last place and holding back from the pack for preservation, finishing after two laps), before being retired and registered for regular road use, away from the rigorous circuit environments. While it has presently been returned largely to its road-going configuration, it retains some of its racing-specific features and equipment as continual reminders of its unique status as a Challenge Series model. A key highlight of the stripped out cabin remains a pair of F50 carbon fibre bucket seats - an extremely rare factory option.
Exterior highlights that make example this stand out from standard F355 Berlinettas include magnesium Speedline Corsa wheels, specific rear wing, front and rear tow hooks, and redesigned, lightweight front bumper. The cabin features various race-car associated changes overlaid with premium Nero leather upholstery and red interior carpeting, including an engine cut-off switch, manual radiator controls, and Competition leather steering wheel.
Careful attention has been paid to this F355 Challenge, with its body and interior preserved in optimal condition, along with regular maintenance performed to keep its mechanical components in good health. Under 18,300 km (11,371 miles) are currently displayed on the odometer. Key, service records, a large collection of spare parts and removed original items (detailed below), Ferrari Vehicle Production Data Certificate, and Automobile Club d'Italia vehicle documentation accompany the sale. For a seasoned Ferrarista looking to acquire a rare breed of a Ferrari ‘racecar built for the road’, this unique example presents a rare opportunity to acquire a late-90s Ferrari Challenge sports car ready to be used for exhilarating drives ahead.
The title for this vehicle is currently in transit and is expected to arrive within approximately 3 to 4 weeks.
Features & Options
- 1 of 108 F355 Challenge models produced, early model produced for 1995 model year
- Originally delivered for European market
- Desirable Rosso Corsa body, Nero (Black) interior specification
- Optioned with Ferrari F50 carbon fibre bucket seats
- 3.5L mid-mounted V8, gated six-speed manual transmission
F355 Challenge (factory-to-dealer supplied) Features:
- Roll cage (currently removed)
- Safety harnesses (currently removed)
- Safety harnesses
- Competition steering wheel
- Competition clutch
- Manual radiator fan control with upgraded fans
- Engine cut-off switch
- Fire extinguisher (currently removed)
- Rear wing
- Lightened front bumper
- 14” Brembo brakes (derived from the F40)
- Solid suspension bushings and competition springs
- Front and rear brake cooling ducts
- Front and rear tow hooks
- 18” Speedline Corsa magnesium wheels
- Pirelli racing slick tires
- ‘F355 Challenge’ rear emblem
Service Records
- Service records (in Italian and English)
- CarFax report
The seller states the Challenge shock absorbers have been rebuilt by Billstein.
A provided invoice lists the most recent work consisted of the following:
June 20, 2022 at Gran Turismo of Los Angeles, CA
- Clutch replaced
- Clutch release bearing replaced
- Flywheel bearing and seal replaced
- Flywheel regreased
- Muffler installed
Ownership History & Provenance
The seller reports the following ownership history and records of this F355 Challenge since new:
- October 1996 - sold and delivered new to the first owner, European model delivered with F40 carbon bucket race seats. Registered with plate number ‘AC 655 PS’
- October 25-28 1996, seen with an unknown owner, still displaying plate number ‘AC 655 PS’
- 2000 - participated in Ferrari Factory Challenge Series, designated #21 driven by Gianni Agiustati under Team Daytona
- October 29, 2000 - participated in the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli, designated #21 driven by Gianni Agiustati at Tutte le Ferrari al Mugello under Team Daytona
- 2001 - participated in Ferrari Factory Challenge Series, designated #21 driven by Gianni Agiustati under Team Daytona
- October 23-25, 2007 - spotted at Finali Mondiali 2007 Mugello, registered on plates ‘AC 655 PS’
- October 24-27, 2019 - offered for sale at Fiera Padova (with rear wing removed), displaying plates ‘AC 655 PS’
- November 17, 2021 - offered for sale at Ruote da Sogno SRL, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- February 24, 2022 - purchased from Ruote da Sogno SRL, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Late 2022 - exported to the United States, US title issued, sold to a buyer located in Kansas, registered in Montana
Carfax records from November 2022 onwards state this Ferrari is currently registered in Montana. This vehicle is currently located with the selling dealer.
Known Shortcomings
Sotheby's Motorsport presents this auction in partnership with the selling dealer. This 1995 Ferrari F355 Challenge shows wear consistent with its age and low mileage according to a Seller's Disclosure. Please review the entire document by clicking "Seller's Disclosure" above. Please click the “Contact Seller” button to reach out with any condition-specific questions. This car is sold where-is, as-is, and bidder is responsible for all due diligence regarding vehicle condition.
- Provided photos show minor surface marks/stone chips on the front section, surface marks on rear bumper, minor surface marks on center console (near air conditioning controls), surface wear on driver's seat side bolsters
Items included in the Sale
The car is accompanied by a collection of spare parts and removed original items:
-
Original Front Bumper (1x)
-
Rear Taillight Panel
-
Original Challenge Seat (1x)
-
AC Compressor
-
Spare Key (1x)
-
AC Lines (3x)
-
Axel Boots (2x)
-
Four Hose Clamps (4x)
-
AC Drier (1x)
-
Red Oil Line (3x)
-
F355 B Emblem (1x)
-
Calipers (2x)
-
Hardware (1x)
-
Headlight Popups (2x)
-
Emissions Air Pump
-
Air Intake Tubes (2x)
-
Plastic Intake Tubes (2x)
-
Engine Bay Encapsulation Panels (L+R)
-
AC Condenser (1x)
-
AC Condenser Fan (1x)
-
Oil Cooler (1x)
-
Engine Oil Tank (1x)
-
Oil Cooler Fan (1x)
-
Inner Fender Liner (1x)
-
Extra Set Speed Line Wheels (total 8x including mounted wheels)
-
Stock Muffler (1x)
-
Steering Rack (1x)
-
Power Steering Pump (1x)
-
355 Stock Wheels (4x)
-
Sticker Sheets (2x)
-
Shock Absorbers (4x)
-
Springs (6x)
-
Roll Cage Components (6x)
-
Exhaust Y Pipe (1x)
-
Bags of Hardware (6x)
-
Fog Light (1x)
-
Metal Quick Release Brackets (2x)
-
Air Ducting Outlets (4x)
-
Rectangular Trim (1x)
-
Carbon Fiber Trim (1x)
-
Rear Brake Cooling Duct (2x)
-
Under Tray Components (2x)
-
One box of hardware: bushings, cables, hoses (all used)
Other items include:
- Key
- Factory certificate of authenticity (Ferrari Vehicle Production Data Certificate)
- Automobile Club d'Italia Italian Automobile Sports Commission ‘Passaporto Tecnico’
