1998 Ferrari F355 GTS F1 Australian Delivered RHD

The Ferrari F355 has become an icon.

Lauded by motoring press at the time – with Jeremy Clarkson himself buying one new – Ferrari offered three versions of its F355: Berlinetta (hardtop), Spider and GTS.

The last on that list is the rarest. Based on the Berlinetta, the GTS version is a Targa model that allows the mid-section of its roof to be removed and stored in the car, specifically behind the seats.

Ferrari built just 2,577 F355 GTS models, and only 529 with the optional F1 transmission, making this example rare, before factoring in its Australian delivered, right-hand drive configuration.

The brand claimed its F355 was the beneficiary of F1-derived technology, and so much so it even stuck the badge on the back – only if optioned with the ‘F1’ automated manual transmission.

Revolutionary at the time, it was an electro-hydraulic transmission that technically functioned as a manual, albeit without clutch pedal or traditional h-pattern gear shifter.

Instead, steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters were used to change gear, with the car actuating the on your behalf. Other F1-inspired technologies include a five-valve cylinder head, which gives the F355’s V8 its memorable and quintessential howl.

With just 48,000km and offered with full-service history, vehicle manuals and two keys, this 1990s icon currently represents smart buying for a savvy collector.