Unveiled at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show, the Ferrari 360 Modena superseded the hugely accomplished and much loved F355 as Maranello’s entry-level two-seater. The design team’s brief was apparently simple - to produce a faster, lighter and more spacious machine that was better in every way than its predecessor. Such was the esteem in which the F355 was held, this was no small task, yet the 360 more than met the mark.
Like its forebear, the new car employed a mid-mounted all-alloy 90-degree V8, but capacity of the five-valve dry-sump unit was stretched to 3,586 cc. A truly astonishing engine that developed 400 horsepower at 8,500 rpm, it was capable of delivering staggering performance. Ferrari factory tests clocked 0 to 60 mph acceleration at just 4.6 seconds, while top speed exceeded 180 mph. On first impressions, British car magazine Autocar described the 360 as “the world’s best sports car”. Prominently displayed beneath a transparent cover, the engine was mated to either a traditional manual gearbox, or a six-speed paddle-shift unit.
Following on from the berlinetta, the open-topped 360 Spider was unveiled in 2000 to an equally rapturous reception. Featuring a fully retractable canvas hood, this latest variant benefitted from a stiffened structure to compensate for the lack of a roof, making it an immensely strong design. Despite this, the Spider was barely 60 kilograms heavier than the fixed-head Modena and blessed with similarly superb dynamics. Capable of generating 170 kilograms of downforce at maximum speed, thanks to its clever aerodynamics, the Ferrari was still every inch the uncompromising sports car.
This example was delivered new to the United Kingdom in August 2001 via Maranello Sales Ltd. It is finished in Rosso Corsa over Nero leather Daytona style seats and was optioned from factory with the desirable and more engaging six-speed manual transmission. Additional factory options include; Black Canvas Hood, Red Brake Callipers, Electric Seats, Silver Wheels and Handy Fire Extinguisher.
The car has had just two owners from new and has been exceptionally well cared for, with 21 service stamps in the book all carried out solely at its supplying dealer Maranello Sales Ltd. It sits today in superb condition showing just over 10,000 miles from new and maintains all original handbooks with leather pouch, Ferrari torch, tool kit, battery conditioner and tyre inflator.
A highly engaging, open-top Ferrari designed by Pininfarina and guaranteed to deliver thrills on weekend drives or long-distance road trips alike. Contact us now for more information or to arrange a viewing.