The Ferrari 360 buying guide. Modena, Spider or Challenge Stradale?

The Ferrari 360 Modena may have had the unenviable task of replacing the much-loved F355, but it came prepared, arriving in 1999 with a raft of new technological innovations. Today, it is a highly desirable junior supercar.

Among the innovations were a new all-aluminium chassis, electronically-controlled suspension system and an advanced aerodynamic body. Aerodynamically efficient that body may have been, but initially those smooth lines just weren’t as popular as the classically beautiful F355. Yet the true worth of Ferrari’s new mid-engined V8 lay under the skin, where its uprated engine, lighter chassis and sharper handling soon proved their worth.

Among the innovations were a new all-aluminium chassis, electronically-controlled suspension system and an advanced aerodynamic body. Aerodynamically efficient that body may have been, but initially those smooth lines just weren’t as popular as the classically beautiful F355. Yet the true worth of Ferrari’s new mid-engined V8 lay under the skin, where its uprated engine, lighter chassis and sharper handling soon proved their worth.

The 3.6-litre V8 was a development of the 3.5-litre unit used in the F355. In standard form the new V8 produced 395bhp, swelling to 420bhp in the stripped out 2003 Challenge Stradale. Between those two extremes was a Spider variant that was released in 2000, and there were also a couple of track-only race cars with significant modifications over the standard Modena. No targa top was offered this time round.

The roll-out of the F1 electro-hydraulic manual gearbox was in full swing by this point, so fewer than 30% of owners ended up ordering the six-speed manual version.

While the 360 introduced Ferrari owners to new levels of reliability and usability, early models did have some teething troubles and there are a few things to watch out for, but prices have yet to soar into the stratosphere and good ones are a joy to drive.

ferrari 360 V8 Engine

Engines are robust and benefit from regular use, so don’t be too taken by low-mileage garage queens. Electrics can get damaged if batteries run flat so investing in a decent trickle charger is advised.

The dreaded labour-intensive engine-out cambelt change that plagued earlier mid-engined Ferraris is a thing of the past with the 360 and the resultant time saving greatly lowers overall maintenance costs. Budget on replacing the belt every three to five years.

Noisy tappets are normal when cold, although if they persist then it may be worth getting the engine checked. Gaskets and cam covers can weep oil so check for any leaks. 

Regular oil changes, every 6000 miles or annually are vital in keeping the engine running smoothly. Hesitation at higher revs can indicate faulty ignition coils.

Early cars suffered from premature cam variator failure and while all should have been rectified at dealer level, if you are looking at a pre-2001 model make sure this has been attended to.

manual and auto Gearboxes

Both the manual and F1 automated gearboxes tend to be reliable if cared for. A single-plate clutch was used on both and lasts up to 30,000 miles. The F1 gearbox works well when driven hard but can be jerky around town and the clutch wears out far quicker in these conditions too.

Manuals are better in this regard, however worn linkages can make it difficult to change between second and third gears. F1 ‘boxes can leak from the hydraulic actuators and damaged gearbox mounts can cause gearchanges to crunch.

Suspension and brakes on ferrari 360

Modena and Spider models have steel brake discs and adaptive dampers. Both are hard-wearing and should be relatively trouble-free. If the steering wheel shudders under braking the discs may be warped which could indicate a hard life.

Challenge Stradale cars came with carbon ceramic discs, which should last an extremely long time. Replacement items are very expensive so check them thoroughly. CS cars also came fitted with 19-inch alloys, which can be retrofitted to the standard Modena but tend to spoil the ride quality.

Balljoints wear out every 10,000 miles or so – if you hear any knocking noises over bumps they may be due for replacement. Specialists can install upgraded items to extend replacement intervals.

Ferrari 360 Bodywork

The 360 featured an aluminium bodyshell, which bodes well for rust resistance although corrosion can still occur around the windscreen and around block drainage holes.

The front bumpers tend to suffer from pitting due to stones, so some owners have applied a plastic protective film over the nose of the car to avoid an expensive respray. Challenge Stradale cars had a carbon fibre bonnet and lightened bumpers which may be pricey to repair if damaged.

ferrari 360 Interior

The interior of the 360 was a big step up from the somewhat disappointing plastic-dominated 355 cabin. The leather seats tend to look good for years other than the side bolsters, which are the first to show signs of wear.

Some switches and buttons can start looking tired over time. Some owners have complained about excessive wear on door handles and window switches in particular.

Challenge Stradale cars offered far fewer luxuries as the radio was removed from the spec sheet while perspex windows and carbon fibre backed manual sports seats were standard fitment. These last items were optional on the Modena and Spider.

Spiders featured an electrically operated fabric roof; a little stretching of the material occurs over time, but what you really need to look out for are tears or worn areas. Faulty mechanisms are generally down to damaged sensors or microswitches and, if this is the case, should be easy to rectify.

ferrari 360 History

1999: Ferrari 360 Modena coupé released featuring an all-aluminium design and updated 395bhp 3.6-litre V8. Six-speed manual and six-speed ‘F1’ automated gearbox options available

2000: Ferrari 360 Spider released, mechanically identical to Modena with electrically folding soft top and chassis reinforcement adding 59kg to overall weight. 360 Modena Challenge introduced for one-make racing series.

2002: 360 GT introduced, a non-road legal race car made available to customers intending to use them for track events.

2003: Limited edition Challenge Stradale introduced. Changes included standard Carbon ceramic brakes, extensive weight-saving features such as perspex windows, Alcantara covered carbon seats and stripped out interior meant a 110kg lighter curb weight.

2004: 360 GTC replaces 360 GT and remains track-only derivative

2005: Final Ferrari 360 rolls off the production line to be replaced by F430

Which ferrari 360 To Buy

Being the first ‘entry-level’ Ferrari that truly offers daily usability allied with contemporary performance levels, there is much to like about the 360. Mileages can be a bit higher than in earlier Ferraris, a testament to the increased reliability, and customers were also a bit more adventurous when it came to choosing paint and trim colours.

If you are set on a manual then you will need patience as the majority of cars came equipped with the ‘F1’ transmission. The split between the hardtop Modena and Spider models was relatively even and used values are broadly similar too. As with most classics, those values have dipped somewhat in the past few years, but the manual hardtops are still the most desirable of the standard offerings and can command up to a 30% premium.

The hardcore Challenge Stradale follows the less-is-more philosophy and makes do without air-conditioning, leather seats, carpets, sound-deadening and a radio, but offered a much sharper driving experience, especially on track.

Evidence of regular maintenance and a once-over by a specialist are vital in ensuring that big bills won’t be lurking down the road. The 360 is a great entry point into Ferrari ownership and still offers the kind of engaging driving experience you would expect from the brand.

Ferrari 360 Specifications

3.6-litre V8 Modena

Power: 395bhp

Top speed: 184mph

0-60mph: 4.3sec

Economy: 17mpg

3.6-litre V8 Spider

Power: 395bhp

Top speed: 180mph

0-60mph: 4.5sec

Economy: 17mpg

3.6-litre V8 Challenge Stradale

Power: 420bhp

Top speed: 186mph

0-60mph: 4.0sec

Economy: 17mpg

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Text John Tallodi  Photos Ferrari, Hendon Way Motors, Rondinelli Classic Cars

Author: David Lillywhite

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