The Ferrari 360 CS (Challenge Stradale) is one of the best cars ever produced by the Maranello-based manufacturer. Not only that but it is one of the more affordable Ferraris according to a recent search on Autotrader.
On the surface, a standard Ferrari 360 Modena looks very similar to a Challenge Stradale. There is only 25 hp more, it is 24 lb lighter in the engine, 35 lb lighter in the brakes, and up to 163 lb lighter around the rest of the car.
With that in mind, building a Challenge Stradale from the standard Modena base is no easy task. However, the YouTube channel Ratarossa has done it twice now. This latest installment from the channel is creating a one-of-one Challenge Stradale Spider. It’s the world's first convertible Ferrari 360 CS.
The World's First And Only Ferrari Challenge Stradale Spider
Ratarossa starts with a Challenge Stradale as a donor car and a bargain 2003 Ferrari 360 Spider. He then rips them both to pieces. The CS came with a fully-lightened interior; less sound-deadening and more lightweight trim.
Second is the exterior. The bumpers, side skirts, wheels, and rear grille are all updated on the Challenge Stradale. Following installation, the bodywork produces a strange and amusing mashup of colors.
Putting The Ferrari 360 All Together
The final major changes are mechanical. There are small differences between the standard engine and the Challenge Stradale engine. Nonetheless, Ratarossa removes the engine completely to install it into the Spider. The brakes are also improved to Ferrari Enzo-spec discs.
From the factory, these changes add up to a significant difference between the two supercars. The CS is 240 lb lighter and almost 1 second quicker to 60mph. With a lower top speed, the mechanical and aerodynamic improvements make up for the loss. However, the convertible top will add some weight back to the build.
Finally, they install the engine and apply the classic Rosso Corsa paint with a CS central stripe. This helps transform the car into a beautiful creation.
A brilliant job from the Ratarossa YouTube channel combining these two models together. You can hear that iconic Challange Stradale soundtrack with the top down on warm summer days and enjoy the improved handling too.
There may be complaints from Ferrari purists at losing an original CS but they cannot deny the impressive work that has gone into the project. There now exists one single Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale Spider.