As shared already in Part 1, Bill had written on his 328 GTS. A car that has to be said must be in the top ten list of coolest cars. Ferrari is always please with these works of mechanical moving art. Bill now shares more with Part 2 being his wonderful and again iconic 355 Berlinetta.Â
The Ferrari 355 F1 Berlinetta is an incredible true Supercar. Enjoyable on the road or at the track this car is truly an amazing vehicle to drive, operate and fully enjoy. Before entering the cabin of this phenomenal machine I suggest you take some time to walk around and admire the gorgeous Pininfarina Italian styling, a strikingly beautiful, efficient and practical V shape. Starting with the iconic Ferrari egg crate grille with it’s proudly displayed Cavallino front and center, the pop up headlights, the large, elegant and very effective side air intakes, the ventilated deck lid with the slight upturn at the rear creating tremendous down force while the underbody’s front air dam is designed to guide air into the twin Venturi tunnels creating negative lift keeping this rocket firmly on the road, five spoke 18 inch magnesium wheels all around, double dual exhausts and the four circular red taillights, two each side separated in the center with a large chrome Cavallino. Appearing on the back side positioned between the rear deck lid and back panel is the moniker of this heritage, 355 F1 Berlinetta in it’s sleek form.
Now the moment of truth has arrived. Walk up to the driver’s door, reach into the massive side air intake locating the door release and open the entrance to a fantasy come true. The luxurious leather seats await, when fully seated your position is less than 9 inches off the road surface. Firmly depressing the brake pedal with your foot, insert and turn the key. Instantly the dash lights up the engine comes alive and the letter “N” is displayed in the gear indicator found between the speedometer and tachometer, front and center. Before taking off you have a decision to make – what driving mode is preferred? Choices are located on the center console.
  NORMAL – smooth manual selection
  SPORT – allowing for rapid and quicker shifts, improved suspension and grip
  LOW GRIP – used for rain or slick surfaces
  AUTOMATIC – decides when to shift for you
  REVERSE – selected with the tiny “T” bar lever
The 355 F1 is based on the existing six speed manual transmission using a management system of electro-hydraulic actuators that allows shifting in 0.125/sec. The paddles are in a fixed position behind the steering wheel enabling both hands to remain in contact and on the wheel for the driver’s extreme safety. Â
Â
When your choice is confirmed, to proceed in reverse lift and pull back the tiny “T” bar on the center console, the letter “R” will now appear in the gear indicator. To move forward depress the brake pull both paddles toward you for neutral, do the same with the right side paddle (Upshift) and “1” will appear. Slide your foot from the brake to the accelerator and you are off for the thrill of a lifetime. This 90’s mid-engine rear drive two seat car is a beast. 40 valves of pure naturally aspirated V8 power, an unheard of at the time 109 bhp/liter, 380 bhp @ 8250 (redline 8500 rpm) rpm, 492 kb-ft @ 6000 rpm resulting in probably the best sports car engine ever made at that time. Using both paddles (right/upshift) (left/downshift) riding up and down the gears and RPM range with your foot firmly planted on the accelerator is an indescribable thrilling experience. This Exotic is also so refined it could suffice as a daily driver. My wife Kathy (she loves driving this car) and I choose the 355 for any type of drive. Be it a few miles to the grocery store or a multi hundred mile trip to a favorite vacation destination. The 355 is confidently driven through city traffic at low speeds as well as upper level open road highway speeds. The pure V8 power, suspension, steering, ABS brakes, variable exhaust back pressure control, cabin comfort, front, side and rear visibility and incredible sound are nearly PERFECT! The 3.5 liter V8 8500 rpm manic scream can be heard at great distances (there is no quite approach with the 355) resulting in the curious turning of heads wondering what is that sound and where is it coming from. When noticed we are greeted with smiling faces, waves, thumbs up and hands reaching for their camera/video phones to capture this moving piece of Italian art and the beautiful sound symphony playing in their ears. More often than not, when it is safe to pull over Kathy and I will stop and converse, meeting new people (some friends to this day), allow for pictures inside or outside the car, always sharing with others who may never have an opportunity to be up close to a FERRARI. Everyone is thankful, appreciative and gracious, a good feeling to be had for us all.
In closing I must say driving the Ferrari 355 F1 at any speed is sensational, a sheer delight, making it my favorite of the Ferraris I own to drive.
Â
Phil Hill named the 355 as one of “The 10 Best Ferraris Ever”!