• The most powerful and lightest Ferrari 360, with race-bred dynamics
• Equipped with a 425 horsepower 3,586 cc V-8 and paddle-shift transmission
• Claimed by Ferrari to lap the Fiorano test track within 1.6 seconds of the Enzo hypercar
• Odometer reads just 42,847 kilometres

With voluptuous styling inspired by the 250 LM, the Ferrari 360 Modena was unveiled in 1999. Conceived to replace the magnificent F355, it didn’t disappoint. The all-new aluminium monocoque was 40 per cent stiffer and yet—although roomier—the 360 wasn’t significantly heavier. It was, however, demonstrably faster.

Thanks largely to improved breathing, its 3,586 cc 40-valve V-8 could summon 400 horsepower. There was greater torque at lower revs, while throttle response was quicker thanks to Ferrari’s first fly-by-wire set-up. Offered with a six-speed manual or F1-style paddle-shift, the car employed sophisticated aerodynamics as well as lightweight aluminium suspension. The electronic dampers were faster acting, while the brakes, tyres, and 18-inch wheels were all quantifiably improved. Unsurprisingly, performance was electrifying, but more was to come.

In 2000, the 360 Challenge joined the line-up. Developed for Maranello’s in-house race series, it featured the same 400 horsepower V-8 but weighed less—and also boasted a razor-sharp chassis tuned for the track. The FIA-homologated 360 GT later followed, while in 2003 the ultimate road-going version arrived: the Challenge Stradale.

Derived from the racer, the Stradale was 110 kilograms lighter than the standard 360, while output was raised to 425 horsepower. The specification included carbon ceramic brakes, stiffer titanium springs, recalibrated dampers, plus fatter 225/35- and 285/35-profile tyres on the front and rear 19-inch wheels, respectively. Sitting 15 millimetres lower than the regular 360, every Stradale featured the paddle-shift (reprogrammed for even faster changes) and F1-derived launch control. The aerodynamics were also tweaked in the name of performance. More than five seconds faster than the regular 360 around Fiorano, it was among the most exhilarating Ferraris of the modern era.

One of fewer than 1,300 produced, the car offered left Maranello on 3 February 2004. Finished in Rosso Corsa with matching brake callipers, the Stradale was supplied with carbon fibre seats, a black roll cage, and red stitching to the Nero and Rosso interior. Delivered to its first lucky owner by Autohaus Gohm in Germany, the Ferrari was regularly exercised: within 11 months it had covered a healthy 10,352 kilometres. In recent years, however, this extremely collectible machine has enjoyed more sparing use—at the time of cataloguing, it was showing just 42,847 kilometres. Acquired by the vendor in 2022 from the Parisian Ferrari dealer Charles Pozzi, this lightning-fast V-8 comes with its leather wallet containing manuals, invoices, and stamped service book (showing a cambelt change at 41,537 kilometres).

This Challenge Stradale is a well-presented example of one of the most desirable variants of the Ferrari 360 platform; the perennially desirable colour combination of Rosso over Nero only adds to its considerable appeal.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/mc24/.