F355
Unveiled by Ferrari at Fiorano in May 1994, the F355 succeeded the 348 with a more refined interpretation of the mid-engined V8 sports car. Its name combined the 3.5-litre displacement with an innovative five-valve-per-cylinder cylinder head. The 3,495.50 cc V8 produced 380 hp at 8,250 rpm, while the chassis introduced features such as electronically controlled suspension. The Berlinetta was the first body style, appearing in 1994. Ferrari expanded the range in 1995 with the Spider and the GTS, whose removable roof panel offered an intermediate alternative to the fixed-roof coupe. The supplied ScanRacer context separately lists “Convertible” and “Spider” for 1995, so those labels should be treated as catalogue categories rather than proof of two mechanically distinct factory models. The F355 occupies an important place between Ferrari’s earlier analogue V8s and the more electronic cars that followed.
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Variants by year
Make: Ferrari · Model: F355
3 / 3 versions shown
1995
1994
Ferrari F355 photos
Model summary
Data from the ScanRacer library, organized to compare versions quickly.
Model introduction
Unveiled by Ferrari at Fiorano in May 1994, the F355 succeeded the 348 with a more refined interpretation of the mid-engined V8 sports car. Its name combined the 3.5-litre displacement with an innovative five-valve-per-cylinder cylinder head. The 3,495.50 cc V8 produced 380 hp at 8,250 rpm, while the chassis introduced features such as electronically controlled suspension. The Berlinetta was the first body style, appearing in 1994. Ferrari expanded the range in 1995 with the Spider and the GTS, whose removable roof panel offered an intermediate alternative to the fixed-roof coupe. The supplied ScanRacer context separately lists “Convertible” and “Spider” for 1995, so those labels should be treated as catalogue categories rather than proof of two mechanically distinct factory models. The F355 occupies an important place between Ferrari’s earlier analogue V8s and the more electronic cars that followed.
History
Ferrari introduced the F355 at Fiorano in spring 1994 as a heavily revised successor to the 348. The company retained a longitudinally mounted, mid-engined V8 layout but made substantial changes to the engine, chassis and overall execution. Pininfarina’s bodywork replaced the 348’s broad Testarossa-inspired side strakes with cleaner air intakes, while four round rear lamps gave the new car a distinctive visual signature. The new 3.5-litre V8 used five valves per cylinder, a technical feature Ferrari highlighted as central to the car’s increased output of 380 hp. The Berlinetta established the range in 1994. Ferrari then added the Spider and the GTS removable-roof version in 1995. A track-focused F355 Challenge, derived from the road-going Berlinetta, also entered the Ferrari Challenge for the 1995 season. Rather than relying on a separate racing engine, it retained the production-based V8 and concentrated its changes on competition equipment and selected running-gear components. The F355 remained in production until 1999, when the 360 Modena took over. Its historical importance comes from combining dramatic Ferrari performance with greater usability and refinement than the preceding 348.
Generations
The F355 was not divided into several officially named generations; it was one model family produced from 1994 to 1999. Its development is better understood through body styles and production changes. The Berlinetta, introduced in 1994, was the fixed-roof reference model and provided the basis for the rest of the range. The GTS added a removable roof panel, while the Spider used a folding soft top for fully open-air driving. The supplied ScanRacer context records a 1994 Berlinetta and separate 1995 “Convertible” and “Spider” categories; those catalogue labels should not be read as evidence of separate generations. Another significant stage came with the later availability of the F1 gearbox, offered alongside the traditional six-speed manual with its exposed shift gate. The F355 Challenge was a competition-oriented derivative for Ferrari’s one-make series rather than a separate road-car generation. This body-style and specification-based approach provides a more accurate picture of the F355’s evolution than forcing the model into a conventional generational structure.
Key differences
The main differences within the F355 family concern body style and intended use. The Berlinetta has a fixed roof, a conventional closed structure and the clearest coupe profile. The GTS, which is not included among the supplied ScanRacer categories, uses a removable roof panel and sits between a fixed-roof coupe and a fully open car. The Spider has a folding soft top and emphasizes open-air driving while retaining the F355’s basic proportions. The 1995 entries labelled “Convertible” and “Spider” should therefore be checked against the terminology used by the relevant market or source; the labels may describe catalogue organization rather than two unrelated mechanical specifications. The road-going body styles share the same basic 3.5-litre V8 and chassis concept. Early cars are especially associated with the traditional open-gate manual gearbox, while the F1 paddle-operated transmission became available later as a separate option. The F355 Challenge differs more substantially in equipment because it was prepared for one-make racing.
Photo recognition
The F355 is first identified by its low, flowing Pininfarina shape. Unlike the 348, it uses broad, smooth side air intakes instead of prominent Testarossa-style strakes. Four separate round rear lamps are another strong visual clue. Its proportions are typical of a mid-engined Ferrari V8, with a forward-set cabin, short overhangs and pronounced rear haunches. The Berlinetta has a fixed roof. The GTS can be identified by its removable roof panel, while the Spider uses a folding soft top. Inside, the exposed metal-gated manual shifter is a familiar feature, although some cars were fitted with the later F1 paddle-operated transmission. Accurate identification should combine body style, production year and chassis documentation. Paint color, wheel design and interior trim can be changed or replaced, so they are useful supporting details rather than definitive evidence of a particular F355 version.
Important versions
The Berlinetta is the founding version, introduced in 1994 with a fixed roof. The GTS added a removable roof panel and continued Ferrari’s established mid-engined V8 targa concept. The Spider, introduced in 1995, used a folding soft top and offered a more direct open-air driving experience. The F355 Challenge deserves separate treatment because Ferrari developed it for the one-make championship beginning with the 1995 season. It retained the production-based engine but added dedicated competition equipment and selected race-oriented changes. The supplied ScanRacer context covers the Berlinetta in 1994 and the categories “Convertible” and “Spider” in 1995. That catalogue scope should not be taken to mean that the GTS or F355 Challenge were absent from the model’s wider historical range.
References
- Ferrari F355 Berlinetta (1994)Ferrari
- The F355 celebrates 30 yearsFerrari
- Ferrari F355 Challenge (1995)Ferrari
- Buying Guide: Ferrari F355 (1994-99)Hagerty
- The Ferrari F355: History, Models, DifferencesMotorTrend
- https://www.magnetomagazine.com/articles/ferrari-f355-buying-guide-by-magneto/magnetomagazine.com
- https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/ferrari/104934/ferrari-f355-buying-guide-and-review-1994-1999?page=2autoexpress.co.uk
Frequently asked questions
- What years was the Ferrari F355 produced?
- ScanRacer's referenced versions cover 1994 - 1995.
- How many Ferrari F355 examples are documented on ScanRacer?
- 6 published scans from 6 members, with the latest photo added in October 2026.
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