Ferrari F355 GTB 1994

Early German demo car · Manual · One of the First 50 Produced

The Ferrari F355 GTB Experience

The Ferrari F355 GTB is widely regarded as one of the defining Ferraris of the modern era, combining classic analogue driving sensations with genuine supercar performance. Its naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V8, featuring five valves per cylinder, delivers an unforgettable soundtrack and razor-sharp throttle response, while the open-gated six-speed manual gearbox remains one of the most tactile and rewarding transmissions Ferrari has ever produced.

Early European-specification cars such as this example represent the purest expression of the model. Free from airbags, lighter in feel, and equipped with the original non-airbag steering wheel, they offer a more direct, mechanical connection than later production cars. In Berlinetta form, the F355 GTB remains the most focused and visually pure interpretation of the design.

Model Context & Production Significance

Total Ferrari F355 production amounted to 11,206 cars, broken down as follows:

• F355 GTB (Berlinetta): 4,915 produced

  • of which 3,829 were manual (approx. 77%).

  • Note: it is estimated 30-35% were delivered to USA, 10% to United Kingdom, meaning true Eurospec cars are maybe around 50% in total.

• F355 GTS: 2,577 produced

• F355 Spider: 3,714 produced

With the F1 gearbox introduced later in production (from 1997), early manual GTBs now sit firmly at the top of the desirability spectrum.

This car, produced in July 1994, 38th produced, is confirmed as one of the first approximately 50 F355s built, placing it among the very earliest examples of the model and giving it particular historical interest.

Identity & Configuration

• Model: Ferrari F355 GTB (Berlinetta)

• Chassis number: ZFFPA41B000099521

• Production date: 12 August 1994 (Ferrari system)

• Invoicing date: 9 June 1994 (Ferrari system)

• Warranty start date: 22 July 1994

• Engine: 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V8, 5 valves per cylinder

• Engine management: Bosch Motronic 2.7

• Transmission: 6-speed gated manual with limited-slip differential

• Specification: Early European-market, non-airbag configuration

  
  

Finished in Rosso Corsa over black Connolly leather, the car retains the highly desirable non-airbag leather-wrapped steering wheel, a feature exclusive to early European cars up to mid-1995. Another hallmark of these first-series cars is the presence of a glovebox in place of the passenger airbag, reinforcing its early production status.

Delivery, History & Documentation

This F355 GTB benefits from a particularly interesting and well-documented early history.

The car was sold new by Ferrari Deutschland GmbH, via Ferrari Auto-Neuser of Nürnberg (A. Weindel), to Michael Rahn Reprotechnik, Nürnberg. Given its very early production status, it is believed the car was initially used as a demonstration and test vehicle for the German market by both Ferrari Germany and Auto-Neuser. Within Ferrari’s internal systems, the car is referenced as “355 TB Germania.”

Known history includes:

• 07/1994 – Test and demonstration car for the German market

• 11/1996 – Delivered to Michael R., Nürnberg, Germany

• 08/1997 – Imported into the United Kingdom

• 10/2002 – UK ownership (details on file)

• 10/2003 – 06/2023 – Eric S. R., Yateley, UK

  • UK registration: M579 VJL

• 04/2024 – present – Current owner, Belgium

  
  

The car was registered in the UK on 18 August 1997, at which time a miles-per-hour speedometer and odometer were fitted. The UK V5 records four UK owners in total.

Today, the car is Belgian road registered and accompanied by a valid Belgian technical inspection.

Mileage

Mileage is exceptionally well documented and reconciled through:

• Ferrari internal system entries at 7,400 km (1995) and 38,700 km (1997)

• UK MOT records showing consistent mileage progression in miles

• Belgian Car-Pass database with recorded mileages in Germany and Belgium.

• Latest inspection in January 2024 at 15,361 miles, equivalent to 24,721 km since MPH conversion

Accounting for the original metric mileage prior to UK import, the cumulative mileage totals 63,421 km.

Service History & Major Works Carried Out

During the summer 2024, the car underwent a comprehensive major engine-out service by Independant Ferrari specialist in Belgium.

The invoice on file details a full preventative major service, including:

• Complete engine removal and refitting

• Full timing belt service (belts, rollers, tensioners, distribution components)

• Replacement of all engine fluids, oil and filters

• Air filters replaced

• Iridium spark plugs and ignition coils replaced

• Crank position (PMH) sensor replaced

• Both fuel pumps and fuel filters replaced

• Fuel system gaskets and seals renewed

• Right-side exhaust manifold/collector replaced

• Catalytic temperature thermocouple replaced

• Cooling system overhaul including hoses, coolant, and fan thermoswitch

• Gearbox oil replaced and auxiliary belts renewed

• Rear shock absorbers and springs replaced

• Rear brake pads and brake fluid replaced

• Air-conditioning system serviced, seals renewed, and recharged

• Alarm system removed

• Headlights aligned

• Anti-corrosion treatment applied to bodywork areas

• Final road testing completed

This work represents a full Ferrari F355 engine-out major service, addressing all time-sensitive and wear-related components and returning the car to factory-correct mechanical condition.

Additionally, the clutch was inspected in July 2024 and confirmed to be in excellent condition.

Condition & Presentation

Exterior: The car is presentable, having been repainted over the years, with some sections still wearing the original paint (roof section, rear bonnet,...). Some paint cracking where the rear buttresses meet the rear wings — a known F355 issue. Small/minor blistering in a few areas of the body, mainly around rear wheel arches. Paint runs in the offside rear wing, visible on close inspection.

Overall, panel and door gaps are good, there is no evidence of crash damage.

The windscreen is original, showing light edge delamination and a crack in the lower passenger-side corner. Panel and door gaps are good, with no evidence of accident damage. Minor blistering is visible in a few areas, primarily around the rear wheel arches, and paint runs can be seen on the offside rear wing upon close inspection.

A Challenge-style rear grille is fitted. The Scuderia Ferrari shields on the front wings are aftermarket stickers and not factory-installed items.

The car sits on its original 18-inch five-spoke magnesium wheels, fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres (225/40 ZR18 front, 265/40 ZR18 rear), with new Michelin tyres installed in June 2024.

Interior: The cabin remains in very good condition, trimmed in black Connolly leather throughout. The seats, dashboard, and headlining show no tears, and wear to the driver’s seat is fully commensurate with mileage, with intact stitching and bolsters. The interior has never been Connollised.

Sticky buttons and panels have been professionally refinished. Carpets are in good condition, including the rubber heel mat. The car was delivered without a radio (Fascia 48), though a stereo is now fitted.

Documentation & Accessories

The car is accompanied by an excellent and particularly early-specific set of documentation and accessories, including:

• Original Ferrari leather document pouch

• Owner’s manual

• Service book (service vouchers removed)

• Tool kit

• Two keys

• Power warranty booklet

• Radio warranty

• Auto Zeitung – July 1994 magazine from early ownership

• Original “Catalogo Parti di Ricambio F355 – Provisorio”, dated June 1994

• F355 engine brochure (December 1994)

• Launch brochure with original diapositives

Collectability & Market Position

The Ferrari F355 has firmly entered a phase of established long-term collectability, with manual Berlinettas leading the market. Early European-specification cars — non-airbag, Motronic 2.7, and with documented early factory use — are now recognised as the most desirable configuration.

As one of the first 50 F355s produced, this car occupies a particularly compelling position within the model’s hierarchy. When combined with its manual gearbox, early specification, fully documented mileage, and recent engine-out major service, it represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a truly analogue modern Ferrari with both historical and driving significance.

Location & Viewing

The car is currently located in Belgium, Belgian road registered, and benefits from a valid Belgian MOT.

Viewings are available by appointment, and assistance with transport or international export can be arranged if required.