Ferrari 360 Modena

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£50,000-£225,000+ - Strong value for money - Viable daily driver - Superb driving dynamics

Launched almost 20 years ago to replace the F355, the 360 Modena can be considered the first true ‘modern Ferrari’ meaning it’s both vivacious and versatile with it while value for money, compared to the established Maranello classics is extremely tempting.

Driving

One contemporary driving report called the 360 Modena not unlike an up-sized Lotus Exige, so focused was its driving dynamics thanks to advanced aluminium spaceframe chassis design, nearly 50 per cent lighter than the car it replaced and significantly stiffer with it. Deploying just under 400bhp for a 3.6-litre V8 (hence the name), it’s a supercar in every sense and that’s the ‘regular’ version; opt for the ‘Challenge’ race car derivatives – let alone the even more extreme Stradale – and only the very best new supercars can match this modern classic. While no Porsche 911, this Ferrari is easy to drive and even suitable for daily use with a civilised cockpit and a fair dose of practicality.

Best models

There’s the normal 360 Modena coupé, which was quickly followed by a graceful Spider drop head which is not as showy as many Italian supercars. The other two tearaways were the Challenge Stradale and a 360 Challenge racer for which there’s a dedicated Ferrari racing series for the latter with the former being also stripped out for track day fun with some slightly more power.

There’s a six-speed manual or an ‘automated manual’ transmission, which was by far the most popular pick. What seats are fitted? There are three options, Manual Daytona (sans adjustable under leg support) Electric Daytona and carbon sports seats which are the most unyielding.

Values

There’s a huge gulf in prices; a typical 360 Modena in good order is perhaps worth around £70,000 but a CS (Challenge Straddle) tops this by at least £100K. Nevertheless, an average regular 360 Modena coupé (Spiders are worth appreciably more) at around £50-£55,000 represents one of the cheapest and yet most logical ways to own a modern Ferrari.

Buying advice

According to specialist WalkerSport the 360 is a very tough supercar which can handle high mileages and good ones that’s been serviced by a dealer/specialist should pose few worries.

The alloy body should be in good shape still; only prone areas are at the front for slight rusting although you may find speed bump damage.

The interior is similarly good but check Spider hoods (up to £7000 to renew) and see all the keys and their data is supplied with the car.

WalkerSport quotes up to £12,000 for engine rebuilds and adds that no two sound or perform the same – so get expert help here. There was a recall for early models for changes to valve lift. Check this modification has been carried out as variator failure can be very expensive – as the valves will hit the pistons! Also beware of ‘de-cats’ which will fail MoT. On the other hand, cambelt replacement (unlike the 348-355) is quite cheap at £500 as the engine does not have to be removed. Clutches last around 30,000 miles but less than half this if chiefly used as town transport and a £2000 repair (look to Superformance.co.uk for replacement parts) but the gearboxes are robust – ditto the brakes although you are advised to have any work done in this area by experts. Ball joint and bushes are fast wearing plus see the normal and sport damper setting still work.