Fiery Ferrari: Christchurch European
The term ‘X-Factor’ could be aptly used to describe the sensation of driving a Ferrari, writes Metropol’s motoring man Ben Selby.
This mint 2003 Ferrari 360 Spider in the classic Rosso Corsa red was lent to me by the team at Christchurch European. What resulted was a simply marvellous way to spend a sunny Saturday.
Driving a 360 Spider is a reminder of just how perfect a relatively analogue sports car can be. You have more than enough power for it to be manageable near the limit and top-notch handling prowess to keep that low slung Italian nose pointed straight and true at the next section of tarmac to be devoured.
The 360, unveiled in 1999, remained in production until 2004. During these five years, it became etched in the minds of many who watched any music video of the time or played Need For Speed Hot Pursuit 2 on PlayStation.
The recipe was sweet. A mid-mounted Tipo F131B 3.6L flat plane crank V8 engine with 295kW mated to a six-speed F1 shift transmission. Available as a Coupe or open top Spider, a well-heeled 360 would max out at 300km/h and reach 100km/h from a standstill in 4.4 (Coupe) or 4.6 seconds (Spider). Other additives included fully independent electronically adjustable suspension and traction control.
A departure from the sharp angles and pop-up-headlights of its V8 predecessors, the 360 embraced a blend of curves, a transparent engine cover and stylistic nods to the Dino 246 GT and Le Mans winning 250 LM. The fact this example has the Ferrari shield on either front wing along with the challenge rear grill only adds to its desirability. Inside is a leather-clad, driver-focused cabin with that prancing horse emblem and Formula One World Championship commemorative plate not only providing some flamboyant colour but a further nod to Ferrari’s back catalogue of motorsport success.
Winding it out through the gears via the six-speed F1 shift transmission is a delight and I especially like the throttle blip you get when you lift off while changing down. The upgraded Tubi exhaust system fitted to this Spider also amplifies the Latin V8 howl considerably. With the roof lowered and the 360’s 8500rpm echoing off the surrounding valleys and hillsides near Ashley Gorge, the grinning continues in earnest. With much of the weight within the wheelbase, the 360 Spider feels lithe and perfectly balanced. Coaxing into corners is easy thanks to sharp and immensely communicative steering.
The Ferrari 360 sits comfortably in the market as a genuinely usable and fast appreciating modern classic. In fact, the way the market has been going for its predecessor the 355, the 360 has bottomed out and it won’t be long before they will surge in value. Therefore, get in now before this icon of Maranello becomes a dream rather than an attainable goal.
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FACT FILE
2003 Ferrari 360 Spider
Price: $139,995
Engine: 3.6L V8
Transmission: Six-Speed F1 Shift
Power: 295kW
Torque: 373Nm
Top speed: 300kph
Zero to 100kph: 4.6 Seconds
Wheelbase: 2600mm
Kerb weight (spider): 1553kg
Available at Christchurch European.
Visit christchurcheuropean.co.nz.
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