This 1996 Ferrari F355 Challenge (chassis 104513) is one of 108 originally produced, just 28 which were RHD. These factory-built one-make racers are undeniably cool, but this one’s a bit rough and in definite need of some work. It has extensive race history however, and though its engine is from a later 355, it retains the correct F40 LM-spec Brembo brakes behind the right 18″ Speedline wheels. As t he seller alludes to these cars are becoming quite valuable, and are now rarely seen priced below six figures. Sale includes 300 pages of race documentation, some of it detailing podium finishes on tracks including Spa, Zandvoort, Nurburgring, Silverstone and more. Find it here on Mark Donaldson in Hartley Wintney, Hampshire, England for 45k GBP (~$64k USD today) Special thanks to BaT reader Kyle K. for this submission. Challenge cars began as standard GTB’s which were converted using factory-supplied kits. Visual changes included a lightweight front bumper, rear wing, a different exhaust, magnesium Speedline wheels concealing F40 LM brakes and the fantastic mesh rear grille that’s a popular swap for street 355’s. This one has several non-original panels, some of which are reportedly fiberglass. Bodywork looks fairly rough, and the pop-up headlights have been removed. This car left the factory wearing Rosso Corsa, but retains no evidence of the original finish. The rear end typically wore an F355 Challenge badge above the inner right tailight, but it’s nowhere to be seen. Viewed closer, the trick rear grille allows the engine and transaxle to be seen from certain angles, just like on the F40, F50 and various other super-exotic Ferraris. Not much of the interior is left, but the roll cage appears to be original. Other Challenge items included racing seats and safety harnesses, neither of which are accounted for here. The dash looks like a lightweight design that’s not original, and the steering wheel is a popular Momo design. It’s tough to judge the condition of the floorboards, and wiring is a mess–at least the gated shifter remains. The standard 3.5-liter quad-cam 40-valve V8 was left unchanged for the F355 Challenge. Original output was 375 HP at at a sky-high 8250 RPM with 268 lb. ft. of torque available at 6000. The engine pictured here is not original to the car, and is reportedly from a later F355. Running condition isn’t noted, but it doesn’t seem like any recent starting attempts have been made as there’s no ECU and wiring is incomplete. Here’s a shot of the car in its previous glory. This livery and the R53 Mini in the background indicate that the photo was probably taken sometime in the early 2000’s, just before the car was sold and went to South Africa. The car will certainly be a challenge to get back to where it belongs, but with its race history and potential future value chances are that someone will rescue it sooner or later.
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