Auction – 1996 Ferrari 355 Challenge at bringatrailer.com

Details and more Pictures bringatrailer.com

This 1996 Ferrari F355 is one of 108 Challenge models produced and was acquired by the current owner 12 years ago. The car served as a support vehicle for the Coppa Milano-Sanremo road rally and has been driven at COTA, Mont Tremblant, and Road America. The 3.5-liter quad-cam V8 is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, and Challenge modifications include a lightweight exhaust system, a competition steering wheel, rear wing, competition clutch, 14″ Brembo brakes, 18″ Speedline wheels, solid suspension bushings, and more as described below. The engine was rebuilt in March 2014, and a service completed in February 2018 included replacing a CV boot. Per the seller, the car has been driven less than 15 hours since the installation of new belts, a water pump, cooling system hoses, fans, and a pair of headers. This F355 Challenge is being represented in this auction by a friend of the current owner. It is now offered on a bill of sale in California with records dating back to 2007 and an additional set of Speedline wheels.

The car was reportedly repainted in 2007, and alterations made to the Challenge models included a rear wing, solid suspension bushings, and competition springs. A black mesh grille also replaces the body-color unit between the taillights, and the seller notes rock chips and rubber build-up throughout the entire body. In total, 108 F355 Challenges were produced before the series switched to the 360 in 2000.

Lightweight magnesium-alloy Speedline wheels were also Challenge items along with and 14″ Brembo brakes all around. Brake cooling ducts were fitted to the front/rear of the car, and the seller notes the tires will need replacing prior to any track use. A spare set of wheels will be included in the sale and are pictured in the gallery below.

The interior features a quick-release three-spoke Momo steering wheel, a fire suppression system, a Pro-Comp gauge package, a custom center-mounted gauge console, engine and battery cut-off switches, as well as an aluminum center console. Per the seller, the interior door panels and roll-cage show some scuffs.

A pair of one-piece Cobra racing seats and OMP harnesses are equipped along with a roll cage. Note the gated shifter for the 6-speed manual gearbox.

The 3.5-liter dry-sump V8 features a Bosch Motronic ignition system, 5-valves per cylinder, and dual overhead camshafts. No engine tuning was allowed per Challenge specifications, though cars were fitted with lightweight exhaust systems. Records dating back to 2007 are included in the sale, and the seller reports about 215 total hours on the engine, which was rebuilt approximately 30 hours ago by The Pit Stop in Brisbane, California at a cost of over $61k. Receipts for this work are viewable in the gallery below.

 

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