2002 Ferrari 360 Modena
The Garage

2002 Ferrari 360 Modena

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Arguably one of the best sounding of Ferrari's mid-engined V8s, our Ferrari 360 Modena was a blast to drive and had the desirable three pedals and iconic gated shifter.

The story

If the Testarossa was the car that started our obsession, the 360 Modena was the one that confirmed it was incurable. We found ours in Rosso Corsa - because of course we did - with a six-speed manual and the open-gate shifter that Ferrari would eventually abandon, and we drove it hard for every mile we owned it. The 3.6-litre V8 screams to 8,500 rpm with a ferocity that no turbocharged engine can replicate, and the gate itself is a piece of sculpture: you slot each gear with a satisfying mechanical click that makes you want to change down just to do it again. We took it through the Santa Monica Mountains, up into the hills above Malibu, and once on a long weekend down through the Ojai Valley and back along the coast. The 360 is approachable in a way the Testarossa never quite was - you can drive it every day and still be grinning at every traffic light - but it never lets you forget what it is. One of the great naturally aspirated Ferraris, and we miss it every time we hear a V8 at full song.

Why we loved it

The sound. Full stop. The 360's naturally aspirated V8 at full song is one of the great automotive experiences. But beyond the acoustics, it was the gated manual that made this car special. the mechanical precision of slotting each gear, the satisfying click as the gate guides the lever into place. It was also surprisingly approachable. Unlike the Testarossa's intimidating presence, the 360 felt like a car you could drive every day and still be grinning at every traffic light.

Best for

Mountain passes where you can hear the V8 echo Weekend canyon runs with friends Experiencing the last of the naturally aspirated, gated-manual Ferraris Coastal drives where the mid-engine balance shines

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