1996 Ferrari F355 Spider & 456GT Test Drive

456GT

Like a good proper Ferrari, the 456 GT was ungodly fast and had its 12-cylinder engine mounted up front. The 442 horsepower prancing out of its 5.5 liter 48 valve DOHC V-12 and back through a rear mounted ZF six-speed transaxle easily overcame the car’s substantial heft to turn the five sculpted spokes on each of its 17 inch wheels. While the performance met expected Ferrari levels, an adjustable suspension and most of the conceivable luxury features also mad the 456 the most comfortable 2+2 the marque had built. Best of all, it was wrapped in a toughly tailored skin reminiscent of Ferrari’s greats like the Daytona and Lusso. Unchanged for 1996 was the $209,200 price.

F355

Putting the Ferrari F355 Spider’s top down brought its driver closer to the most intoxicating aria sin Verdi’s “Aida”. Replacing the 348 Spider, the 355 Spider was the sole addition to the mid engine F355 line for 1996. Everything else , the ravishing bodywork, luminous handling, sculpted 18-inch wheels, full underbody aerodynamic tray, six-speed transverse mounted gearbox, ABS, dual airbags, and best of all, the engine-return.Spinning a 180 degree crank and titanium connecting rods, and capped by five valve cylinder heads, the 3.5 liter DOHC V8 made 375 horsepower and an orchestra humbling sound. Starting under $125,000, the F355 was the greatest entry level Ferrari ever.