2003 FERRARI 360 SPIDER F1 AUTO

The Ferrari 360 is regarded by many as the Italian marque’s first genuine everyday supercar.

First arriving in Berlinetta form in 1999, the 360 was a major evolution for Ferrari’s V8 lineage – no mean feat considering it had to follow the hugely successful and much-loved F355.

It was the first Ferrari to be constructed entirely in lightweight aluminium, from body shell to chassis and double-wishbone suspension.

Engineering numbers were impressive: compared with the F355, the 360 was 40 per cent stiffer and 30 per cent lighter despite being about 10 per cent larger in size.

On the design front, the 360 showcased Ferrari’s increasing focus on aerodynamics for its road cars – featuring a more curvaceous body that distanced itself from previous entry-level Ferraris dating back to the 308. This includes the notable (regulations-enforced) move away from pop-up headlights to units sitting under Perspex covers.

The Spider convertible arrived in 2000, maintaining a svelte shape with the help of distinctive fairings behind the roll hoops and an electro-hydraulic drop-top system that stowed neatly between the two-seater cabin and mid-rear-positioned V8.

The 40-valve 3.6-litre V8, showcased along with its matt-red cam covers under the glass rear deck, produces 294kW at 8500rpm and propels the Spider from 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds and a 290km/h top speed – roof up or down.

A subtle yet highly effective lip on the leading edge of the Spider’s tail also helps generate almost as much downforce as the coupe at full speed – 160kg.

This 2003 Spider features the sequential six-speed F1 automatic gearbox with steering-wheel-mounted paddle-shift levers, providing faster shifts than the six-speed manual and carried over with improved smoothness from the F355.

Although the Spider’s rigidity already benefited from the 360’s aluminium monocoque, Ferrari’s engineers still stiffened the Spider’s floorpan and reinforced its sills, while a redesigned windscreen structure contributed to enhanced rollover safety.

The only aftermarket addition for this 2003 Spider is a set of 360 Challenge Stradale-style rims, though the original wheels are also supplied.

There are less than 45,000km on the odometer of this stunningly presented, black on black leather 360 Spider.

The vendor has spent more than $40,000 over the past three years ensuring this is a faultless example of Ferrari’s turn-of-the-millennium junior supercar.