Discussion
The models I'm aware of are the Berlinetta, GTS, Spyder and Challenge.
The Berlinetta is the straight coupe, no "sunroof". The GTS has a targa top- essentially a hard, removable roof (any my favourite). The spyder is the full convertible- electric root, no rear pillars. Finally (I think) the Challenge car is the race varient.
You might also see the F1 designation after the model which means it has steering mounted paddles for gearchange rather than the classic Ferrari manual open-gate and silver knob.
Hope that helps a little, I'm laid in bed typing at an angle and that was off the top of my head.
The Berlinetta is the straight coupe, no "sunroof". The GTS has a targa top- essentially a hard, removable roof (any my favourite). The spyder is the full convertible- electric root, no rear pillars. Finally (I think) the Challenge car is the race varient.
You might also see the F1 designation after the model which means it has steering mounted paddles for gearchange rather than the classic Ferrari manual open-gate and silver knob.
Hope that helps a little, I'm laid in bed typing at an angle and that was off the top of my head.
One other variant - I thought they did a run of about 50 (possibly 100) cars with a Fiorano handling pack, just before they stopped production. I remember reading an article in Forza about the car just before I took delivery of my 355 in 2001.
IIRC they were called it the 355 Fiorano, but I'm probably mistaken. Anyone know about this? or am I being daft and confusing this with the Challenge?
IIRC they were called it the 355 Fiorano, but I'm probably mistaken. Anyone know about this? or am I being daft and confusing this with the Challenge?
Thanks guys. Re the F1 paddle shift vs traditional gear change, it is really just a matter of taste or is there some form of well-accepted wisdon as to which one is "better" ? Have never tried the paddle shift (yet), just read bad press about it, but if it was really as bad as what some writers say, surely F could not sell that many?
Thanks guys. Re the F1 paddle shift vs traditional gear change, it is really just a matter of taste or is there some form of well-accepted wisdon as to which one is "better" ? Have never tried the paddle shift (yet), just read bad press about it, but if it was really as bad as what some writers say, surely F could not sell that many?
You probably wouldn't have much difficulty in trying both before you buy.
I've never had a go of either, so I couldn't comment from experience. The 355 F1 box was first generation though, so its not going to be as fast or as smooth as the newer ones. There's been some silly scare stories about it being impossible to engage reverse in certain scenarios, but I fail to see how the car would be classed as roadworth if that were the case.
Get out there and test drive!
I've never had a go of either, so I couldn't comment from experience. The 355 F1 box was first generation though, so its not going to be as fast or as smooth as the newer ones. There's been some silly scare stories about it being impossible to engage reverse in certain scenarios, but I fail to see how the car would be classed as roadworth if that were the case.
Get out there and test drive!
Two thigs put me off the F1...
1) I always wanted a Ferrari with the open gate and trad' gear lever (I'd still prefer mine if it had a bakelite gear knob - sad, I know).
2) There are a couple of additional parts on the F1 that could cost fortunes to put right if they go wrong (do a search on here - I think one may be called the actuator).
On top of all that, as has been mentioned, this was the first iteration of the box by Ferrari. Not necessarily a good thing!
The manual box is very easy to use and the click clack is satisfying
1) I always wanted a Ferrari with the open gate and trad' gear lever (I'd still prefer mine if it had a bakelite gear knob - sad, I know).
2) There are a couple of additional parts on the F1 that could cost fortunes to put right if they go wrong (do a search on here - I think one may be called the actuator).
On top of all that, as has been mentioned, this was the first iteration of the box by Ferrari. Not necessarily a good thing!
The manual box is very easy to use and the click clack is satisfying
Hi Toto,
Here’s me two pennies worth on the manual vs. F1.
I actually just sold my 355 spider with a manual box. Main thing I would highlight is reliability and cost between the two options. It's a given that if you have an F1 box you will have to account for greater clutch wear and if it goes wrong e.g. actuator, it will be expensive. I was told that biggest problem is people leaving first engaged when stationary in traffic, this places wear on the clutch and other components, also you have to let the box warm up before really going for it. I was also told you have give a reasonable amount of revs to get away to make sure the clutch engages with minimal slip. Verdi's in Hayes is definitely worth a phone call as I believe Karl is one of the best independents on the F1 gearbox.
As for the manual, no real problems to highlight but they are extremely tight when cold, seem to free up once gearbox oil has warmed up. Technique is never to force it into gear, if doesn't want go first time, back to neutral, clutch again and then engage. The only other know problem is a small rubber bush which holds the lever steady in the gate, if this wears the lever will vibrate against the sides of the selector guides, not an expensive part but a pain in labour to change.
Hope this helps.
Kam
Here’s me two pennies worth on the manual vs. F1.
I actually just sold my 355 spider with a manual box. Main thing I would highlight is reliability and cost between the two options. It's a given that if you have an F1 box you will have to account for greater clutch wear and if it goes wrong e.g. actuator, it will be expensive. I was told that biggest problem is people leaving first engaged when stationary in traffic, this places wear on the clutch and other components, also you have to let the box warm up before really going for it. I was also told you have give a reasonable amount of revs to get away to make sure the clutch engages with minimal slip. Verdi's in Hayes is definitely worth a phone call as I believe Karl is one of the best independents on the F1 gearbox.
As for the manual, no real problems to highlight but they are extremely tight when cold, seem to free up once gearbox oil has warmed up. Technique is never to force it into gear, if doesn't want go first time, back to neutral, clutch again and then engage. The only other know problem is a small rubber bush which holds the lever steady in the gate, if this wears the lever will vibrate against the sides of the selector guides, not an expensive part but a pain in labour to change.
Hope this helps.
Kam
I agree with KAM. As a general guideline, if you are going to have to spend a fair amount of time driving in city traffic, avoid the F1 gearbox unless you want to invest heavily in clutches. On the manual, while the F355 box is still a bit stiff when cold, it is a huge improvement over the earlier models (try putting a Daytona into 2nd before it is warm).
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