Description
First seen in prototype form in 1987, the Ferrari 348 entered production in 1989, replacing the immensely successful 328GTB/GTS. Mid-engined like its predecessor, the 348 differed by mounting its four-valves-per-cylinder, quad-cam V8 engine – now enlarged to 3.4 litres – longitudinally, enabling it to be positioned lower in the chassis. Another new departure was the transversely mounted five-speed gearbox – a spin-off from Ferrari’s contemporary Formula 1 technology – which enabled weight to be concentrated within the wheelbase, thereby further improving the already brilliant roadholding.
With its aerodynamic skirts, spoilers, minimal overhangs and distinctive gill slats feeding air to side-mounted radiators, the stocky 348 looked very much like a scaled-down Testarossa and, with around 300bhp on tap and a top speed of 170mph, gave little away in terms of outright performance to its larger, 12-cylinder sibling.
This wonderful left hand drive Ferrari 348 TS, in traditional red with black interior, is offered in good condition and comes with its service manual. These are extremely sought after and still turns heads today which bodes well for the future of this iconic classic.
