2004 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale Coupe

The Ferrari 360 Modena, named after the birthplace of Enzo Ferrari and the home of his company, was the result of a four-year development cycle that included 5,400 hours of wind-tunnel testing along. The new supercar also heralded Ferrari's partnership with Alcoa on a new aluminum space frame chassis, proven 40-percent stronger than the steel chassis of the prior F355. Its exterior was styled by Pininfarina and clothed in aluminum. Although it had larger overall dimensions, it weighed less than the outgoing F355. Power was from a DOHC all-alloy 3586cc V8 engine with five valves per cylinder, 11:1 compression, and electronic fuel injection. The 400 horsepower was initially sent to a six-speed manual gearbox, but later switched for an exclusive F1-derived unit with Magneti-Marelli electro-hydraulic paddle controls.

It was released for sale in 1999. Zero-to-sixty was accomplished in just 4.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 183 mph. It had lap times at the Fiorano test circuit that were around three seconds less than those generated by its predecessor. An open Spider version followed the Berlinetta in 2001. In 2004, the Challenge Stradle version made its debut as the final 360 model. It was fitted with race-bred features, including carbon-ceramic brakes derived from the Enzo, race-tuned underpinnings, aerodynamic tweaks, reduced weight, increased engine output (now 425 HP, an increase of 25 HP), and updated software for the paddle-shifted F1 six-speed, plus carbon-fiber rear view mirrors, 19-inch Challenge wheels, and specific appearance features.

This particular example was purchased new on November 13th of 2004, from Ferrari of Houston. It was factory-equipped with options including red brake calipers, an Alcantara-wrapped fire extinguisher, tri-color racing stripe, and a stereo system with CD player. It has been driven just 9,000 miles from new and has spent much of its life in climate-controlled storage.

This example is one of just 378 examples thought to have been imported for the United States for sale.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2016