Ferrari F355 GTS

Why it matters

Launched alongside the F355 Berlinetta in 1994, the F355 GTS continued Ferrari's removable-roof tradition while incorporating every major technical advance of the new five-valve V8 generation. Its 3,496 cc flat-plane-crank engine used five valves per cylinder, titanium connecting rods and Bosch Motronic management to produce 380 hp at 8,250 rpm and rev to 8,500 rpm. Early cars drove through a six-speed gated manual transaxle, with Ferrari's electrohydraulic F1 transmission becoming available from 1997. Power-assisted steering, electronically controlled dampers and a redesigned suspension made the GTS more precise and approachable than the 348, while a full aerodynamic undertray generated downforce without disturbing Pininfarina's elegant shape. The removable panel could be stored behind the seats, combining near-Berlinetta rigidity with open-air driving. Ferrari produced 2,577 GTS examples before the 360 Modena generation arrived. It was the last series-production Ferrari V8 to use the traditional removable targa roof format, giving it a distinctive place in the marque's road-car lineage.