Ferrari Restoration & Preservation
Correcting age. Respecting originality.
Protecting long-term value.
Ferrari F355 Spider - Comprehensive Preservation
14,000 Miles – When Time Matters More Than Mileage
Low mileage does not prevent deterioration.
This Ferrari F355 Spider had covered just 14,000 miles from new. However, very limited use over the past decade had allowed age-related issues to surface — both mechanically and cosmetically.
Rather than restore beyond originality, the brief was clear:
Recommission. Correct. Preserve.
Collection & Initial Assessment
The vehicle was collected from the owner’s residence and transported securely to our workshop, approximately three hours away.
On inspection, it was evident that while fundamentally sound, the car was no longer presenting as a 14,000-mile example should.
Only one headlight would raise correctly.
The convertible roof would begin its cycle but stiffen halfway through operation.
Early soft-touch deterioration was present within the interior.
All four wings showed signs of surface corrosion.
Various exterior trim components were beginning to show their age.
Like many carefully stored but underused cars, time had quietly overtaken mileage.
Mechanical Recommissioning
Low-use vehicles often develop hesitant or partially seized systems.
On this F355, the headlight motor was removed, repaired and refitted, restoring correct and consistent operation — an essential detail on a car so defined by its pop-up lamps.
The soft-top mechanism required full recommissioning. Having not been lowered for over five years, the system would initially operate before becoming increasingly stiff and halting midway through its cycle. Rather than forcing movement and risking further damage, the mechanism was carefully overhauled and returned to smooth, complete function.
Mechanical correctness is fundamental. Presentation alone is never sufficient.
Electrical System & Preventative Attention
Although the engine started, it lacked the urgency expected of a properly sorted F355. Cranking speed was laboured, and if left unused for several days, the vehicle would fail to turn over.
Testing confirmed the battery had reached the end of its service life.
On the F355, the battery is located within the driver’s side wheel arch — an area susceptible to moisture exposure. With the battery removed, the housing cover was found to be showing early signs of corrosion. This was refinished, along with various external black trim components, before reinstallation.
A replacement battery was sourced and fitted.
The difference was immediate — the engine now fires with the crisp, decisive response characteristic of the model.
Bodywork & Other Exterior Attention
Further inspection revealed corrosion beneath the inner sill plates — a commonly overlooked area on cars of this era.
The affected sections were treated correctly, refinished and protected to prevent recurrence.
Over half of the bodywork was repainted to restore uniformity and presentation. Once completed, the vehicle underwent a comprehensive paint correction process to refine the surface and ensure consistency across all panels.
The finish was then sealed with a professional-grade ceramic coating, providing long-term protection.
Additional exterior refinements included:
- Replacement Pininfarina emblems
- Replacement front and rear Ferrari badges
- New number plates
- Convertible roof fabric restoration and protection
It is often the smallest details that define the overall standard.
Engine Bay Refinement
Although mechanically sound, the engine bay required careful cleaning and refinement to restore the standard of presentation expected of a low-mileage example.
It now reflects the condition the vehicle should always have presented.
Wheels & Tyres
The F355 retained its original magnesium wheels — a significant and often misunderstood feature.
Magnesium wheels require specialist handling, and very few companies in the UK are equipped to refinish them correctly. Incorrect processes can compromise structural integrity.
With the wheels removed for inspection, a more pressing issue became apparent: despite healthy tread depth, the tyres were over twenty years old — well beyond their safe service life.
All four tyres were replaced with modern Michelin Pilot Sport tyres, significantly improving safety and road holding while maintaining an appropriate visual balance.
The original magnesium finish responded exceptionally well to careful cleaning and machine refinement, eliminating the need for refurbishment.
To elevate presentation:
- Corroded chrome wheel bolts were replaced
- Genuine Ferrari centre caps were sourced and installed
Originality preserved. Presentation elevated.
Interior – Resolving Known Weak Points
Ferrari interiors of this era are known for degradation of the original soft-touch coatings.
All affected interior components were removed and refinished using our bespoke, durable soft-touch coating system. All graphics were laser-etched to ensure factory-correct presentation.
One additional component was addressed preventatively — the speedometer surround.
Although not yet deteriorated, experience suggests it is only a matter of time before failure occurs. The entire instrument cluster was therefore removed, completely stripped, refinished and carefully rebuilt.
The leather interior was removed from the vehicle, thoroughly cleaned, treated for colour revitalisation and conditioned multiple times. The hides had begun to harden, which would inevitably have led to cracking if left untreated.
The result is an interior restored not only visually, but structurally — eliminating known weak points and ensuring long-term integrity.
Completion & Personal Handover
Upon completion, the F355 Spider was personally delivered back to the owner to ensure a proper handover.
All work carried out was discussed in detail, protection procedures explained, and mechanical systems demonstrated to be operating correctly.
For vehicles of this calibre, the experience is as important as the workmanship.
The Result
A correctly recommissioned Ferrari F355 Spider.
Mechanically precise.
Visually cohesive.
Faithful to its originality.
Returned to the standard its mileage always deserved.
Prepared to be driven, enjoyed and preserved with confidence.