Motor Ex is an event for cars with insane modifications, wild motors that lay down some truly biblical horsepower numbers and street machines that combine the old with the new. Mid-engine exotics aren’t the prime focus, even if Adrian Portelli has rolled his out for the last 2 events. Seeing a Ferrari of any description is totally unheard of, let alone one from 20 years ago that still looks factory fresh. Yes, that’s right, a Ferrari 360 Spider came along to the 2026 edition of Motor Ex and it was a truly glorious sight. Untuned cars don’t normally get into the main exhibiton hall, but this car did – proving that quality and elegance from Italy does have a place at one of Australia’s biggest car shows.
The Ferrari 360 was the successor to the 355 with a naturally aspirated V8 producing around 400 HP. This flat-plane unit is known for it’s distinct high-pitched tone, delivering the kind of emotion that an electric car cannot. Combined with the seductive looks, it’s no wonder the car has retained a high level of desirability amongst enthusiasts. Unfortunately, this car doesn’t have a gated manual shifter – it has the F1 paddle shift system which is less desirable. However, being able to shift gears like Michael Schumacher was definitely a cool feature at the time. In fact, I’d still claim that it is.
I feel like Ferrari should take a look back at their interiors because this two-tone dashboard has a wonderfully structured design where each component is neatly integrated. You can tell that someone actually thought about functionality because before this, Ferrari interiors were rather quirky and not the most comfortable to live with. Luca Di Montezemolo helped Ferrari make big strides in the usability department, refining the ergonomics and servicing processes to a more premium level that required less compromise. Some probably lamented this choice but on the whole, it was a good decision for the brand. This is the sort of car that should be driven, not stuck in a workshop with the entire engine out.
When I used to play Spotto during family day trips many years ago, the Ferrari 360 would be one of the cars worthy of a point. Although I don’t play the game anymore, I still notice them in traffic. How could you not? The feeling I get when I see one hasn’t changed, even though many faster and more extreme exotic sports cars have been released in the years since. Just goes to show that nailing a brief can bring more than prosperity and fortune to a brand. It can bring about respect, happiness and joy to both you and those around you. That’s a feeling money can’t buy.
In a world where horsepower is ubiquitous, a car with an engaging driving experience is worth more than anything else. Acceleration times are meaningless if the car doesn’t make you feel alive when driving it. Humans are animals that enjoy physical stimulation because it creates an intimate bond which excites and inspires. We love to feel because we aren’t virtual beings or robots who live in a bubble. I honestly believe that the Ferrari 360 Spider is one of those machines that can soo easily get under your skin because it makes you feel special. Is it as visceral as an F40? No, but you wouldn’t want it to be when your driving down Beaconsfield Parade in St Kilda.
DevMacCars 