Car reviews

The Spider version of the Ferrari 360 gave Ferrari something with which to attack the most exclusive open-tops in the world. Introduced in October 2000, it was the first proper mid-engined convertible Ferrari, rather than having a removable targa roof panel. The fabric hood stows away in 20 seconds under a rear deck with twin ‘speed humps’ that largely conceal the roll-over hoops. With a more open cockpit than previous mid-engined fresh-air Ferraris, the 360 Spider feels like a genuine convertible rather than a car with a big sunroof. Thanks to this, the Spider accounted for more than a third of all 360s built and explains why it still commands high prices, even for early cars and left-hand drive versions in the UK. It uses the same extensive aluminium frame and composite bodywork as the coupe 360M, but there’s also extra bracing in the Spider’s construction to maintain its solidity, which added to the weight and dropped top speed by 3mph to 183mph.