By Douglas Whitbread

One lucky motorist could 'driving home for Christmas' in style after a Ferrari owned by festive hit-maker Chris Rea came up for sale.

The beautiful blue F355 Berlinetta - which Jeremy Clarkson lauded as "The greatest car in the world, ever" - is priced just under £200,000.

And besides its exceptional pedigree and classic Italian styling, its former rockstar owner makes the motor highly desirable for collectors with deep pockets.

Tim Kearns, managing director of Bell Sport & Classic that's selling the car, said it represents the 'holy grail' for car enthusiasts due to its early specifications.

And the V8 car's recent unveiling also comes just ahead of a new biopic about the exploits of the brand's legendary founder, Enzo Ferrari, on December 26.

Tim said: "We're proud to offer this ultra-desirable example of the Ferrari F355.

"This sale represents a rare opportunity to acquire the 355 everyone wants: an early right-hand drive, '2.7 Motronic', non-airbag, manual Berlinetta in a timeless specification. 

"This 355 represents the 'holy grail' for Ferrari collectors– a useable example of Maranello's mid-engined masterpiece, in its purest, most intoxicating form.

"As the F355 reaches its 30th anniversary, it also represents an astute investment."

Chris Rea, 72, originally from Middlesbrough, accumulated a handful of Ferraris after selling an estimated 40 million records worldwide.

And his love of motors isn't just referenced in his famous Christmas hit but also in other songs - including 'Road to Hell' and 'Daytona'.

But in a recent interview with the RAC the star, who suffered a stroke in 2016, revealed that he had now got rid of all of the fabled Italian sports cars.

His old F355, which is now up for sale, was introduced at the 1994 Geneva International Motor Show, where it created a buzz among the media and public alike.

And Tim said it should be considered a true game-changer as it was a more modern mid-engined Ferrari that was just as wonderful to drive as it was to look at.

He added: "The F355 is highly significant - the car that the then new CEO Luca di Montezemolo delivered to bring the passion back to Ferrari, and the last of the truly hand-built V8 Ferraris. 

"For many, the model represents a high point for the marque – particularly in its early and purest form. 

"It offers the perfect blend of old and new, combining contemporary performance with captivating analogue character – all wrapped up in a beautifully proportioned Pininfarina body. 

"As a package, it really is hard to resist."