Rare 2000 Ferrari 360 Modena with Manual Conversion Hits Auction
A truly exceptional 2000 Ferrari 360 Modena, finished in a sophisticated Grigio Alloy with a contrasting Nero interior, is currently attracting significant attention in the collector car market. This specific vehicle, distinguished by its coveted Cambio Manuale 6-speed gated manual transmission conversion and a mere 23,600 miles on the odometer, offers a compelling mix of vintage driving engagement and contemporary craftsmanship. It represents a rare opportunity to acquire a reimagined classic, appealing to those who appreciate the tactile experience of a manual Ferrari from the early 2000s, a period celebrated for its blend of analog purity and advanced engineering.
Originally fitted with an F1 automated gearbox, this 360 Modena has undergone a meticulous transformation to integrate a manual transmission. This modification is particularly significant as it reintroduces the visceral driving experience many enthusiasts consider quintessential to the Ferrari legacy, reminiscent of highly prized models like the 2012 599 GTB Fiorano, which saw its value soar due to its manual configuration. The conversion underscores a growing appreciation for a more direct, driver-focused interaction with high-performance vehicles.
This particular Modena, identified by VIN ZFFYU51A9Y0121165, boasts a clean title from Oklahoma and no history of accidents, ensuring its provenance. With the auction nearing its conclusion, the current bid stands at $75,000, reflecting the increasing demand for such unique examples. It is being offered by a Georgia-based dealer, with a standard documentation fee applicable for in-state purchasers.
Powering this iconic sports car is Ferrari's naturally aspirated 3.6-liter Tipo F131 V8 engine, which, in its original configuration, produced 400 horsepower and 276 lb-ft of torque. This power is channelled to the rear wheels through the newly installed 6-speed manual transaxle, complemented by a limited-slip differential. While a precise dyno sheet detailing any performance gains post-conversion is not available, it is widely understood that such modifications can subtly enhance the vehicle's output and overall dynamic capabilities.
The car’s original factory specifications included a limited-slip differential, power-adjustable Daytona-style seating, a Challenge-style rear grille, Xenon headlights, Scuderia Ferrari fender shields, and a footwell-mounted fire extinguisher. These features highlight the Modena's luxurious and performance-oriented design at its inception.
The Ferrari 360 Modena was a landmark model for the marque, being the first production car to utilize an all-aluminum chassis. Its groundbreaking Pininfarina design represented a significant evolution from its predecessor, the F355. However, it is the addition of the gated manual setup that truly elevates this specific 360 Modena, placing it in a distinct category that marries groundbreaking design with an unparalleled driving experience. This conversion not only enhances its rarity but also solidifies its appeal to purists.
Among the notable enhancements made to this 360 Modena are the Cambio Manuale 6-speed conversion itself, an S-Line F1 Sound exhaust system that amplifies its auditory presence, and 19-inch Signature wheels, though the original 18-inch factory wheels are also included in the sale. Inside, the car features a Blaupunkt Bremen head unit, upgraded JL Audio amplifier and speakers with Audison tweeters for a superior audio experience, carbon-fiber interior trim, and a rearview mirror camera for modern convenience.
The comprehensive service history of this Modena is particularly impressive. The manual conversion was completed in May 2023, when the odometer read 17,049 miles. This was performed concurrently with a timing belt service, water pump replacement, and O2 sensor renewal. Subsequent maintenance through 2025 has included various fluid flushes, air conditioning system servicing, and another timing belt replacement at 22,029 miles, underscoring the diligent care this vehicle has received. The selling dealer acknowledges minor wear consistent with the car's age, such as slight paint chips on the exterior and wear on the driver’s seat, along with a repainted front bumper. However, they emphasize the car's well-documented maintenance and its recent ceramic coating application, attesting to its overall excellent condition.
The Ferrari 360 Modena marked a pivotal moment in the brand's history, as it was the pioneering production model to feature an all-aluminum chassis and one of the last naturally aspirated V8s to be produced without significant driver assistance systems. Serving as the ideological forerunner to subsequent models like the 2007 Ferrari F430, the 360 embodied a philosophy of purity through mechanical simplicity, preceding Ferrari’s later embrace of more technologically advanced systems. Today, this pursuit of an unadulterated driving experience is increasingly valued by collectors. Factory manual 360s command substantial premiums, and skillfully executed conversions like this one effectively bridge the gap between extreme rarity and practical enjoyability. As the market shifts towards hybrid and technologically sophisticated exotic cars such as the 2025 Ferrari 296 GTS, vehicles like this 360 Modena serve as a poignant reminder to enthusiasts of the profound, unfiltered connection between driver and machine.