1997 Ferrari F355 GTS: 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕃𝕒𝕤𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝔸𝕟𝕒𝕝𝕠𝕘 𝔾𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕤

In the realm of classic supercars, few strike the perfect balance between beauty, performance, and raw driver engagement like the 1997 Ferrari F355 GTS. As the automotive world transitioned into the digital age, the F355 remained defiantly analog—offering a pure, visceral driving experience that today’s enthusiasts long for. With its Targa roof, screaming V8, and timeless Pininfarina design, the F355 GTS has cemented its place as one of Ferrari’s most iconic models from the 1990s.

A Targa Top with a Purpose

The GTS variant of the F355 occupies a sweet spot between the sleek Berlinetta coupe and the fully open Spider. Introduced in 1995, the GTS featured a removable Targa-style roof panel that could be stowed behind the seats—allowing for open-air motoring without compromising the car’s structural integrity.

For the 1997 model year, Ferrari offered a refined and mature version of the F355 GTS, benefiting from incremental improvements to build quality and performance. This made it a favorite among collectors and purists who appreciated the car’s blend of aesthetics and functionality.

A High-Revving Masterpiece: The 3.5L V8

At the heart of the F355 GTS lies a 3.5-liter V8 with five valves per cylinder—hence the name F355. Producing 375 horsepower at 8,250 RPM, this naturally aspirated engine is widely regarded as one of Ferrari’s greatest small-displacement powerplants.

Unlike today’s turbocharged engines, the F355’s V8 thrives on revs. Its sound, especially with a Tubi or Capristo exhaust upgrade, is pure Italian opera. The throttle response is immediate, and the power delivery is linear—rewarding drivers who keep the revs high.

The Last Gated Ferrari of Its Kind

The 1997 F355 GTS was among the last Ferraris to offer the iconic gated 6-speed manual gearbox. The exposed metal gate, with its unmistakable click-clack shift pattern, is now a symbol of a bygone era. Each shift is a mechanical event, requiring precision and rewarding skill—something modern paddle-shift Ferraris have largely lost.

Although Ferrari also offered the F355 with its first-generation F1-style automated manual transmission, the manual GTS remains the most desirable and valuable among collectors.

Styling by Pininfarina: A Masterclass in Elegance

Designed by Pininfarina, the F355 is one of the most universally admired Ferraris of all time. It marked a return to smooth, flowing lines after the wedge-heavy design of the 348. From its sleek nose to its aggressive rear diffuser, the 355’s proportions are nearly perfect.

The GTS version enhances this design with its black removable roof panel, creating a subtle visual break that adds even more character. Whether parked or in motion, the 1997 Ferrari F355 GTS commands attention in a way few modern cars can replicate.

Driving Experience: Raw, Focused, Unfiltered

The F355 is light on electronic aids—no stability control, no adjustable suspension maps, no driver-selectable modes. This makes the 1997 GTS a true driver’s car. The steering is razor-sharp, the chassis communicates every nuance of the road, and the brakes, while unassisted by today’s standards, are confidence-inspiring once mastered.

It’s not the fastest car by today’s numbers, but it doesn’t need to be. The F355 GTS is about engagement, connection, and the thrill of the drive.

Investment and Collectibility

Classic Ferrari prices have steadily climbed over the past decade, and the F355 GTS is no exception. With fewer than 2,500 units of the GTS produced worldwide, and an even smaller number equipped with the 6-speed manual, this model has become a blue-chip collectible.

Enthusiasts are now recognizing the F355 as the last “old school” Ferrari—before traction control, digital dashboards, and turbochargers took over. Its value reflects this growing appreciation, with pristine examples commanding premium prices at auctions and private sales.

Final Thoughts: Why the 1997 Ferrari F355 GTS Still Matters

The 1997 Ferrari F355 GTS represents a high point in Ferrari’s evolution—a time when design, engineering, and emotion were perfectly in sync. It captures everything that makes a Ferrari special: the sound, the style, the soul. For those lucky enough to drive or own one, it’s not just a car. It’s an experience.

As more collectors turn their attention to analog-era Ferraris, the F355 GTS stands tall as a must-have. Whether admired in a garage or enjoyed on winding backroads, this Targa-topped thoroughbred remains one of the greatest expressions of Maranello’s magic.