The F355 Challenge was introduced in 1995 for the Ferrari Challenge one-make racing series. It was based on a standard F355 Berlinetta, which dealers prepped for racing with a factory-supplied conversion kit costing roughly 30,000 US dollars; around 100 road cars were converted this way. The initial 1995 cars came with factory-installed roll-cage mountings and stripped carpets, with the factory supplying an increasing number of race parts in subsequent years. From 1998, the evolution models arrived virtually ready-to-race. To prevent illicit tampering, the engine, transmission, and dampers were secured with special inspection seals.
Summarized from the sources cited below; every figure in the text was automatically verified against the sources.
Learn moreThe conversion package · Increasing factory involvement · Right-hand-drive models and identification
The conversion package
The 30,000-US-dollar kit included a roll cage, racing bucket seats, safety harnesses, a fire extinguisher, an emergency engine shutoff switch, manual radiator fan controls with heavy-duty fans, a competition steering wheel, a lightweight exhaust system, a rear wing, and a racing clutch. Also included were 18-inch Speedline magnesium wheels, Pirelli slick tires, solid suspension bushings and race springs, brake cooling ducts, a lightened front bumper, and tow hooks.
Increasing factory involvement
The initial package was already more comprehensive than that of the 348 Challenge. With each passing year, the factory supplied more competition components directly. In 1998, the complete evolution models arrived virtually as turnkey race cars, with only components like the rear wing requiring dealer installation. The engine, gearbox, and shock absorbers were secured with seals to prevent unauthorized modifications.
Right-hand-drive models and identification
The rare right-hand-drive models are highly sought after and are located in places like Indonesia, Australia, and Japan; only a single example is known in South Africa. At the rear, every F355 Challenge features a badge inscribed "F355 Challenge". Engine and exterior dimensions are identical to the standard F355 Berlinetta.
Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.
1994
1995