The Ferrari F355, an icon of 1990s automotive design, is experiencing a resurgence thanks to British firm Evoluto Automobili. The company is putting the finishing touches on its reimagined version of the classic sports car, the “355 by Evoluto,” and recent testing footage shows the restomod roaring through the Catesby Tunnel – a former Victorian railway tunnel now used for aerodynamic and acoustic testing. The project, styled by Ian Callum, aims to enhance the F355 experience without sacrificing the original’s analog charm.
Evoluto isn’t simply restoring the F355. it’s comprehensively re-engineering it. The company anticipates delivering the first of a limited run of 55 cars by the end of 2026, each backed by an unusual two-year, 20,000-mile warranty for a minor-volume manufacturer, according to Hagerty. Before production begins, the 355 by Evoluto has already undergone rigorous testing, including 5,000 miles on the track and 10,000 miles on a dyno, with a further 20,000-mile durability drive planned.
The exterior of the 355 by Evoluto retains the beloved pop-up headlights of the original, but incorporates subtle modern enhancements. These include a slightly larger front grille with a carbon spoiler, a carbon rear diffuser and all-round LED lighting. Inside, the cabin receives a refresh with exposed carbon fiber and leatherwork, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, new pedals, and machined dials. Notably, Evoluto has eschewed large touchscreens, opting instead for a phone holder and a hidden audio system, as reported by Top Gear.
Still, the most significant changes lie beneath the skin. The naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V-8 engine has been extensively modified with new camshafts, ported cylinder heads, and a stainless steel exhaust system. This results in an increased power output of 414 hp, up from the original’s 375 hp, and a raised rev limit of 8,500 rpm. Customers can also opt for a larger 3.7-liter version producing 473 hp, according to Yahoo Autos.
Evoluto’s engineering extends beyond the engine. The car features an open-gated manual transmission, new driveshafts and wheel bearing units for improved durability, and a comprehensively re-engineered chassis with increased torsional stiffness – up 23 percent – achieved through carbon bracing. Revised suspension geometry, including repositioned ball joints and R53 ST46 adjustable dampers, along with a quicker steering rack (reduced from 3.25 to 2 turns lock-to-lock), further enhance handling. A completely new wiring harness, 90 percent new, and a modern powertrain ECU complete the mechanical overhaul.
The extensive testing program has included high-speed aerodynamic assessments at the Catesby Tunnel, a 1.7-mile former railway tunnel that can be sealed to create a controlled testing environment. This facility allows Evoluto to precisely evaluate the car’s aerodynamics and cooling systems, as well as capture the distinctive sound of the upgraded V-8. The price for this meticulously crafted restomod starts at £595,000 (approximately $753,000 USD as of February 24, 2026).
The 355 by Evoluto represents a unique approach to classic car restoration, prioritizing driving experience and analog feel over digital integration. With production slated to begin soon, the first deliveries are expected to reach customers by the end of the year, offering a modern interpretation of a beloved Ferrari icon.
What will be interesting to watch is how Evoluto manages the complexities of sourcing donor cars and maintaining quality control across a limited production run of 55 vehicles. The company’s commitment to a two-year warranty suggests a high degree of confidence in its engineering and build process, and the automotive community will be keenly observing the first customer deliveries.
