www.QV500.com - Ferrari 355 Part 4: 355 Challenge
 

After the unqualified success of Ferrari's 348 Challenge Trophy, a one-make racing series introduced for 1993, few were surprised when an F355-based car was announced in 1995. Customers would once again be able to compete with identical machinery in regional championships, some cars leaving the factory in full Challenge trim whilst others were retro-fitted with the official upgrade kit. Developed by Ferrari's F1 test driver, Nicola Larini, a number of important changes focused on improving safety and performance. The stiffer suspension was tuned for track use and featured solid suspension arm bushes and Teflon anti-sway bar bushes, competition brake pads also being used.

   

Distinctive new Speedline magnesium alloy wheels were shod with slick Pirelli tyres, engines having been sealed to prevent any extra development. Lightweight competition exhausts with just a single outlet pipe freed up a few extra horses, a sintered disc clutch having been the only mechanical change. Relatively few tweaks were made to Pininfarina's original bodywork either, the only tell-tale signs being those Speedline wheels, reinforced tow hooks and electrical kill switches. However, a striking rear aerofoil was introduced from 1997. Perhaps the most far-reaching changes came inside where a roll cage, lightweight sports seats, six-point harnesses and a fire extinguishing system were found. There was also a dash-mounted electrical kill switch, a three-spoke Momo steering wheel and a lightweight battery in a cabin stripped bare of all unnecessary trim. 72 were built new by the factory, 13 of which were right-hand drive while maybe another 100 or so were fitted with Ferrari's after-market pack.