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Ferrari F355: generations, V8 engine and what to know before buying
The Ferrari F355 is a V8 supersports car produced between 1994 and 1999, whose engine with five valves per cylinder became one of Ferrari's most famous features. In this article, we look at the generations, engine, and what to check before buying a used F355.
The F355 in brief
The Ferrari F355 replaced the 348 and was introduced in 1994. The name signifies a 3.5-litre capacity and five valves per cylinder. The design is by Pininfarina, and the car is considered one of the most beautiful Ferraris of the 1990s.
Available in three body styles — Berlinetta (fixed-roof coupe), GTS (with removable roof panel) and Spider (convertible). This was one of the first Ferraris with a robotised F1 gearbox, which appeared in 1997.
Which version to choose
The Berlinetta is the base version, often praised for its purer driving feel and sturdier body. The GTS has a removable roof panel, and the Spider features an electrically retractable fabric roof.
The choice largely depends on whether you want an open-top driving experience. The manual gearbox is more favoured by collectors, while the F1 gearbox offers quicker gear shifts but requires more maintenance.
Engine and gearbox
The F355 is powered by a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine with five valves per cylinder, producing around 380 hp. The car is rear-wheel drive.
The gearbox is a 6-speed manual with an open gate or a robotised F1 with paddle shifters. The manual gearbox is more sought after, but many cars come with the F1.
What to check when buying a used F355
Usually, the most important thing is the service history: timing belt replacement should be carried out regularly, and early model power steering racks sometimes need attention. Check the wear on the F1 gearboxes and hydraulic operation.
Inspect the body for signs of accidents, corrosion, and roof operation (GTS and Spider). Before buying, it's worth consulting a Ferrari specialist.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the most commonly found trims in Europe.
F355 Berlinetta
1994–1999The closed coupé is the main version.
- 3.5-litre V8, around 380 bhp
- Manual or F1 gearbox
- A more upmarket body
F355 GTS
1994–1999With a removable roof panel.
- The same V8 engine
- Removable roof panel
- Often comes with a manual gearbox
F355 Spider
1995–1999The open-top version with an electrically operated roof.
- The same V8 engine
- Electric folding roof
- Open-top driving
F355 versions compared
| Berlinetta | GTS | Spider | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | For pure driving pleasure | For semi-open-top driving | For open-top driving |
| Body style | Closed coupe | With removable roof | Open-top |
| Power (approx.) | 380 HP | 380 HP | 380 HP |
| Gearbox | Manual or F1 | Manual or F1 | Manual or F1 |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | €€€ | €€€ | €€€ |
Most buyers will be happy with a GTS or Spider with a good service history. The Berlinetta will appeal more to those seeking a purer driving experience.
Pros
- The five-valve V8 engine with its excellent sound
- Stunning Pininfarina design
- Direct, balanced handling
- Collector's value
Cons
- High maintenance costs
- F1 gearbox repairs are expensive
- Many cars have a complicated history
Frequently asked questions
What does F355 mean?
"F" stands for Ferrari, "355" refers to the 3.5-litre engine capacity and five valves per cylinder.
Is it worth choosing a manual gearbox?
A manual gearbox offers more driving feel and reduces the risk of gearbox repairs. There are fewer of these cars around, and they are often sought after by collectors.
What is the F355 engine power?
The 380 AG is powered by a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine with five valves per cylinder.
Updated 2026-10-19 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
