355: New Worlds of Technical Woe
The new, five-valve 355 series was offered from 1995 to 1999. It was a vast improvement, though teething troubles were extensive. In mid-1998, the 355 became the first road car to feature an F1 shifter, but early models suffer high-pressure pump and selector problems. If the parts can be found, expect to spend about $11,000 if you need to repair yours.
1995 Ferrari F355
The 355 Spyder power top can be a problem, since the windows must automatically drop, the seats must move forward, the car must be in neutral, the doors must be closed and the emergency brake must be on for it to work. If you’re over 6′2″ you may find yourself impaled on the steering wheel as the seat goes forward. Top problems can easily run up a long-out-of-warranty $5,000 repair bill.
355s often have faulty exhaust manifolds and valve guides that wear rapidly. An exhaust manifold replacement costs $3,000, plus $1,000 labor. But drive your 355 with a lean cylinder and you can face a $25,000 engine meltdown. Major engine work requires an engine-out service, which starts at $5,000.
360: Solving the Service Nightmare
The 360 Berlinetta was introduced in 1999 as the first V8 Ferrari with a three-year warranty, an indication of Ferrari’s faith in it. The 360 is a modern supercar with torque and power, improved braking, handling, and more interior room. Introduced in 2001, the 360 Spyder’s top comes from the company that makes Mercedes and BMW tops.
Breaking with tradition, the 360 can be serviced with the engine in place, thanks to a removable panel behind the seats. Early Spyders had to have the top mechanism removed for engine access, a problem resolved by cutting access holes behind the seats.
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