The Ferrari F355 Is the Perfect One-Time Supercar Experience

When people talk about the Ferrari F355, they talk about it for two reasons. If you’ve spent any time on the internet, you’ll know the mid-engine Nineties supercar is known for its exuberant maintenance costs. You’ll also know the F355 has, arguably, the best-sounding road-going V-8 ever produced. What few mention is just how delightful the F355 can be to drive.

To drive an F355 is to have a perfect supercar experience. Especially one as flawless as this 1997 Blu Le Mans example, which was provided and sold by The Cultivated Collector, and owned by ThePetrolBarn. A few hours behind the wheel and a handful of twisty roads resulted in automotive nirvana of the highest degree. It’s the perfect mix of vintage, analog feedback and modern technological niceties, all packaged into a handsome design that only gets better the longer you stare at it.

As far as mid-engine supercars go, the F355’s cabin is about as good as it gets. There’s a surprising amount of space and a sense of airiness thanks to the plentiful glass, which also delivers a refreshing amount of outward visibility. Every control is easy to reach, and you don’t need to contort yourself to get in and out of the comfy leather-clad driver’s seat.

It’s here where you realize just how livable the F355 can be. The steering is full of feel, but not overly heavy. There’s working air conditioning. There are even two-mode adjustable shocks—something we take for granted in modern sports cars, available all the way back in 1997. The six-speed gearbox, a magnificent, long-necked, gated affair, responds well to quick, decisive shifts, though it can be resistant if you’re hesitant with your wrist movements.

On the road, the F355 is essentially faultless. The seating position is perfect, and the steering is among the best I’ve ever felt in a road car. It’s not as lightning quick as a current Ferrari, but the thin-rimmed wheel is light and tells you exactly where the wheels are pointing. The clutch is as easy to modulate as any new car, and the suspension feels controlled and modern. Best of all, a working climate control means you don’t melt after a few minutes in the sun. It’s an overwhelmingly pleasant experience, whether you’re cruising or really on it.