West London-based HR Owen Ferrari Service Centre recently completed one of its most challenging projects yet — the full mechanical recommissioning of a ‘barn find’ Ferrari F355.

Found in Macau, covered by a sheet and left standing for over 12 years, the car had a rare Verde Silverstone finish, a gated manual gearbox and carbon-fibre racing bucket seats; research revealed that it was first registered in Macau in July 1995.

HR Owen was recommended to the customer by a fellow Ferrari enthusiast, and the car was shipped to London for work to begin in late 2019, after a meticulous analysis of its condition (www.hrowen.co.uk).

Rodents had chewed through key wiring components, and the lubricants had long since dried up, while natural corrosion and general ‘wear and tear’ had played havoc with all the major mechanical functions.

The engine had to be removed, dis-assembled, and deep-cleaned, and a number of key parts had to be replaced.

Built by Ferrari between 1994 and 1999, the F355 is one model in a long and distinguished line of Ferrari mid-engined Berlinettas.

Powered by a 3.5-litre V8 engine offering 375hp, it can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 4.7sec and has a top speed of 183mph.

During the late 1990s, the F355 was the most popular Ferrari to date, with over 11,000 sold.