We get behind the wheel of what is likely the only Ferrari F355 Challenge in South Africa.
Words: Wilhelm Lutjeharms
Pictures: Stefan Kotze
The F355 is, in the opinion of many enthusiasts, one of the prettiest Nineties-era Ferraris. It’s certainly better looking than its controversial 348 predecessor, while its compact dimensions and small footprint set it apart as a true sports car.
It is also loved because of its atmospheric 3.5-liter V8 engine (notably with that complicated 5-valve-per-cylinder configuration), which produces one of the most evocative, soul-stirring exhaust notes to be produced by a Prancing Horse.
I’ve never before laid eyes on a F355 finished in this gorgeous Rosso Barchetta colour. It is a beautifully deep-red hue that gives the car an exceptionally classy presence and purposeful stance. But that is about the only dressy element of this F355…
The car’s history
The original invoice shows the price of the F355 and the Challenge kit, the latter of which commanded a considerable premium (around 10 per cent of the car’s value in 1996). This is indicated on the document, which was issued by the then local importers in South Africa, T.A.K. Motor Co., along with the quoted 60 hours of labour to fit the accessories. That includes, but is not limited to, the roll cage, which includes bars that trace the A-pillars and span the door apertures, the leather-clad sport seats (with four-point harnesses), an OMP racing steering wheel, a fire extinguisher and the stripped-out footwells, which are adorned with non-slip metal plates.
When you view the exterior, you notice two tow hooks (one at either end of the car), those gorgeous white Speedline wheels, the upgraded braking and exhaust systems, as well as that simple, yet quite dramatic, carbon-fibre rear wing. The bolstered suspension features, inter alia, rose-joints. The car has considerable presence, to say the least.
The Challenge embellishments effectively transform the F355 from a svelte supercar into a race car, most notably owing to the beautiful white Speedline rims and, secondly, that relatively small (at least by modern standards) and plainly styled rear wing.
When I looked at some archive photos of the F355 Challenge race events, I noticed that not all the competition cars featured the carbon-fibre rear wing; as a result, the early cars look relatively tame or understated without that addendum.
Climbing onboard
When I open the driver’s door and peer inside, any doubts as to the car’s purpose are immediately dispelled. Gone are the carpets, only a bare-metal floor remains. There is a smaller OMP steering wheel, and most notably the full roll cage, which encases the entire cabin. It is also thoughtfully covered so that you won’t scratch it during ingress and egress. Off course, climbing in and out requires extra effort, but that alone reminds you that you are about to drive something quite special.
As expected, that characteristic minimalist metal shift lever with its shiny knob protrudes from the open gate, while some auxiliary buttons are scattered around the gearlever’s plastic surround – not that any of them will be important today. I cannot help but feel a jolt of excitement as I turn the key to start the engine
Perhaps I’m starting my F355 journey at the wrong side of the spectrum, because I’ve never been behind the ‘wheel of any F355 model before! But the moment the engine catches, an enthusiastic rumble escapes from those large exhaust ends.
My height is 1.87 metres, which makes me a few centimetres too tall to drive this car comfortably – but I won’t allow this minor discomfort to detract from the driving experience whatsoever. The F355’s seating position is far from perfect, but its successor, the 360 Modena, did address that problem.
As I prefer to sit relatively close to the ‘wheel, I move the seat forward slightly, only for my knees to be pushed up like a grasshopper’s rear legs on either side of the steering column, which would have benefitted from a bit more adjustment. Even so, I have a perfect view over the hood and the shift lever falls perfectly to hand. If you have a wedding ring, take it off, otherwise you’ll scratch the knob.
Behind the wheel
As I drive around the neighbourhood, the F355 Challenge looks alien compared to anything else on the road. Joggers look on in awe as the urgent exhaust note draws attention – even at low revs. The suspension is firmly-sprung and I can sense the car isn’t happy pottering around in the suburbs – on a track, the race-tuned dampers would suppress body roll under hard cornering with aplomb.
When the road clears a little, I press the accelerator a little harder and the pitch of the engine and exhaust notes intensifies immediately. It is a raw, cacophonous din that reminds you that this car thrives where silencers are superfluous.
Seeing as the F355 Challenge weighs in at just 1 355 kg (wet weight), the throttle inputs have a near instantaneous effect on the acceleration. The small steering wheel provides real feedback and feels decidedly racy in your palms.
My head is very close to the roof, which makes me wonder whether I would have been able to fit in the car if I was wearing a helmet. The brakes, which utilise some of the same parts as the rotors of the F40, have immense stopping power. The moment you press them a little harder they bite with even more conviction.
As is the case with virtually all manual-shifting Ferraris, each and every gear change in the F355 Challenge is a moment of magnificence. That shift lever is not only beautiful to look at, but its action is crisp and simple; it’s a sheer joy to use.
With the light fading, I switch on the main beams and the rectangular headlights pop up from the hood dramatically; how very period correct and… appropriate.
As we parked the car while the photographer captures a final few shots before it gets too dark, I realised there are several factors that make this car truly special.
Compared with their roadgoing counterparts, race cars are flashy and loud, but not beautiful. However, the elegant simplicity of the F355 with its Challenge kit is truly special. Any outing with this car will be memorable from the moment you start that 3.5-litre V8 (codenamed F129), not to mention when you can rev the engine around the tacho to its heady 8 500 rpm (in the mid Nineties!) redline.
As only 108 units of the F355 Challenge were manufactured and some, but not many, were converted by official dealers, this remains a very rare Ferrari. It is not a Ferrari you see often, but it is one that delivers a thrilling, utterly engaging driving experience. It is undoubtedly one of the rawest Ferraris I’ve driven and I understand why the owner bought one.
It might not be the ideal car to use to pop out to the shops, which is something you can, as a matter of fact, do with any of this car’s successors, but then again, we’ve arguably become spoiled with modern cars. This F355 is a car that you need to set time aside for, pick your road, track or outing carefully and go and enjoy one of the most fun cars to come out of Maranello in the Nineties.
Specifications:
1996 Ferrari F355 Challenge
Engine: 3,5-litre, V8 petrol
Power: 279 kW at 8 250 rpm
Torque: 363 Nm at 6 000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual, RWD
Weight: 1 355 kg
0-100 km/h: 4.7 seconds (standard car)
Top speed: 295 km/h (standard car)