Ferrari 360 Coupé (99-04) - Review Review by Simon Harris on 17 December 2007 Last Updated: 10 December 2008 The 360M may have been the 'junior' car in Ferrari’s range when it was launched in 1999, but that doesn't hold it back from being one of the best cars in the modern era of the company. The 360 is easier and cheaper to service than previous mid-engined Ferraris, and it brought new levels of build quality and the widespread use of aluminium in the construction of the body and chassis. The 360 also introduced the optional F1 gearbox that does away with the clutch pedal and uses paddles behind the steering wheel in place of a gear lever. This gearbox was a feature of the Challenge Stradale version that traded comfort for lightweight and increased performance. It also gained a further 25bhp, more powerful brakes and can usually be distinguished by 'Y' spoke alloys and optional body stripes. 4 out of 5 Other Ferrari reviews Summary Facts & Figures Equipment Driving & Performance Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Also Consider Company Car Info Owners' Reviews Gallery 3 out of 5 Safety A driver and passenger airbag are fitted to all 360Ms, but side and curtain airbags were never an option. However, the 360M was the safest Ferrari ever at the time of its launch and performed well in crash tests, though it was not put through the Euro NCAP assessment. The ESP traction control wards off any nastiness for the unwary driver or can be switched off by the more competent. Euro NCAP Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe. Visit Euro NCAP for more info 3.5 out of 5 Reliability Ferrari owners face a quandary between using their cars to keep it in fine fettle and not putting too many miles on the clock to protect the value. The worst thing for a 360 is idleness as the oil drains from the engine's complex and expensive valve gear, leaving it unprotected when the car is irregularly fired up. A carefully used and properly serviced 360 should not cause trouble. Car check problem points Body No rust as it's all aluminium. Check for signs of poor crash repairs. Engine/Gearbox No problems but check servicing has been carried out according to schedule. Other No problems reported. Car Valuations Find used car prices with Parkers accurate car valuations. Find out more Cars for Sale Search well over a hundred thousand new and used cars for sale across the UK. Find out more Previous: Costs Next: Buying & Selling