Inheriting the proportions of its predecessor, the F355 was outwardly a much better-resolved proposition, both aesthetically and aerodynamically.

However, beneath the fabulous styling and smoother skin, were further major advancements, including power steering, variable damping and a 100cc engine enlargement.

The longitudinally mounted 3496cc V8 generated a market-leading 380 horsepower at a spine-tingling 8,250rpm and the gearbox now had six speeds with a revised synchromesh making gear changes so much smoother.

New electronically adjustable shock absorbers varied their stiffness within milliseconds to suit the road surface and the result of all these developments was evident around Ferrari's 1.86 mile Fiorano test track when the F355 was two seconds a lap faster than the 12-cylinder 512 TR.

Sitting on the cusp between analogue and digital the F355 is considered the forerunner of all modern Ferraris and as the last of the hand-built cars before the 360 and later descendants moved ...