2005 Ferrari F430 Spider 6-Speed Manual
Vehicle Description
This 2005 Ferrari F430 Spider manual is a thrilling open-top supercar, with exceptionally-low mileage from new and a highly desirable specification. It is perhaps the company’s ultimate useable convertible offering just as much excitement and agility as the Berlinetta, but with the added bonus of being exposed to the howl of its 483bhp mid-mounted 4.3-litre V8.
Manufactured from 2004 until 2009, the Ferrari F430 was the successor to the very successful 360M and, according to its creators, was at least 70% new compared with the previous model, itself a ground-breaker. Its aluminium structure was more rigid than the 360's, it had a new engine, a new differential, and a brand-new chassis and, although the styling is obviously reminiscent of the 360M's, in reality, it's pretty much a ground-up design. Largely the work of Pininfarina, although overseen by Ferrari's design chief Frank Stephenson, the F430 still looks fresh today, more crisp-edged than the 360, with a strong hint of Enzo around the surface-erupting tail-lights.
The performance is simply breath-taking, with acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in less than four seconds and a maximum speed in excess of 195 mph. The advancements in the 430 continued with the 'Manettino', the steering wheel-mounted selector for stability systems, damping, shift speed, and throttle response. Additionally there's the 'E-diff', whose calibrations this alters, a clever, clutch-controlled active differential that sorts out waywardness, not by inhibiting one rear wheel, but by pouring more torque into the other. Ferrari reckons that it's worth three seconds a lap at the Fiorano test track, and it certainly helps make the F430 a far more forgiving machine.
The gated 6 speed manual transmission at the centre of this interior is a real focal point, rumoured to be 1 of just 128 UK RHD Manual examples delivered making it all the more collectable. The gearstick composition of brushed aluminium brings an element of the mechanical into the luxurious interior with its tactile finish and exceptional driver engagement.
This F430 Spider is finished in a fantastic combination of Rosso Corsa with Daytona style Crema seats that accentuates the Spider’s curves, divulging its intricate design details in the most elegant of ways. The powered convertible top is black, and the stunning bright red plenum chambers are showcased through the glass window on top of the engine bay. This example is also fitted with the rare factory carbon fibre engine bay, as well as the carbon grey Cavallino shield and a Quicksilver sports exhaust system.
UK supplied, right-hand drive, registered 24/09/2005 by H.R. Owen the car has been well-maintained by all of its three previous keepers and has been with the current owner since 2012. Each of them drove the car sparingly, and it has never sat completely unused for a long period of time. Today it forms part of a personal collection of cherished automobiles, there is no doubt this car has been consistently maintainted and cared for to the highest level.
The car presents beautifully in its native colour scheme, the paintwork is virtually unmarked and stunning in every regard. Inside the seats remain soft and supple; retaining a fresh leather smell, the foam within firm and supportive and carpets show minimum use. The dash and all instruments/controls are also in excellent condition. Attention to detail is key to the cabin of this Ferrari; Carbon-fibre trim elements on the dashboard and centre console are complemented by the yellow rev counter. As you could expect given the mileage, the engine bay is also in pristine condition.
Specification list includes: Scuderia Ferrari wing shields, red brake callipers, 20” Monolithic alloy rims and carbon rear. Cabin equipment includes climate control, electric adjustable Daytona style seats with red stitching, power windows/door mirrors and Ferrari stereo Hi Fi sound system upgrade with subwoofer.
Accompanying the car is the original stamped service book and owner's leather wallet with manual, factory tool kit and battery charger.
This example fires immediately into life, with a roll of ignition throttle, and settles purposefully to that familiar V8 buzz. As the revs rise the sports exhaust enhances the sound wonderfully. The F430 features a 4.3L V8 petrol engine of the “Ferrari-Maserati” F136 family. The engine’s output specifications are: 483 hp at 8500 rpm and 343 lbft of torque at 5250 rpm, 80% of which is available below 3500rpm.
Mechanically the car is pristine; no expense has been spared in maintaining this example. The service history is impeccable with services from new completed by Ferrari main dealers and more recently since 2009 maintained by the Foskers Specialist Workshop. The car has driven less than 230 miles from the last service. Replacement Ferrari exhaust manifolds were supplied and fitted circa 4,000 miles ago. Being a chain-driven engine, there is no camshaft timing belt renewal to worry about with the F430's V8. A comprehensive fluid service will be completed by Foskers before this F430 is received by its next owner.
Service Portfolio
Maranello, Surrey – 1,162 miles
Maranello, Surrey – 4,878 miles
Lancaster, Colchester – 6,319 miles
Foskers, Kent – 7,296 miles
Foskers, Kent – 8,644 miles
Foskers, Kent – 9,655 miles
Foskers, Kent – 10,309 miles
Foskers, Kent – 10,512 miles
Foskers, Kent – 10,731 miles
Foskers, Kent – 11,099 miles
Foskers, Kent – 11,583 miles
Foskers, Kent – 11,719 miles
Foskers, Kent – 11,793 miles
Foskers, Kent – 11,994 miles
With most modern Ferrari’s now being produced with turbo charged/hybrid power, the sonorous naturally aspirated V8 in the F430 gives the car a sense of theatre and character that many of its contemporary’s are lacking made further more special by the gated manual gearbox.
This F430 Spider manual is a superb example of one of Ferrari's most useable open-top cars. It is equally well-suited to a collector looking for a very low mileage example, as to an enthusiast whose priority is a superb car that is ready to use and enjoy.
Available for viewing at our Brands Hatch Circuit showroom just outside of London. Walk round video and additional photos available on request.
