Ferrari 348

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Ferrari 348

Whilst punters’ main interest lies with earlier models, the 348 is not a popular pick, despite many improvements, including a 320bhp output. Described by CAR as ‘stonking’, the 348 was hailed by Autocar thus: “nobody who knows Ferraris will be disappointed in the new 348.” Yet compared to the earlier car, some actually were!

DRIVING

It was possibly because of its initial surprisingly hairy handling, that the 348 earned a bad reputation with drivers and media alike. By the time the problems were ironed out, it was too late, reputation-wise.

The handling scare stories stuck, and the ride would only be bettered by the forthcoming F355. Pace is more than ample if not shattering when compared to say a Jaguar XKR and folks who know Ferraris say the Targa versions are all very well when the sun’s out, but there is body flex when it comes to serious driving.

BEST MODELS

When the 348 was introduced in 1989, it looked broadly similar to the 328, with Testarossa nuances but substantially changed under the skin, where the engine (now 3.4-litres) was mounted north-south and with a transverse transmission. Two models were made, the Berlinetta coupé (TB) and the targa-roofed Spider (TS).

A year later, the rear suspension was revised to sort out poor high-speed stability. A special edition road racer Competizione was then made – only eight in RHD and therefore the most valuable. The 348 was renamed GTB and GTS and power was boosted to 320bhp.

VALUES

Of the triad 308/328 and 348, the latter is definitely the model which seems to keep stable in terms of values, whilst the other two have gone up. Having said that, there appears to be some sign of life in the charts, with the 348 fetching slightly more in the last six months of 2015. Not one to watch for the time being. Expect to stump up £25-£30k for a fair-to-good example with tlc potential.

BUYING ADVICE

Ferrari did pretty decent rust-proofing on its cars from the mid ‘80s. A potential buyer will be happy to know that the engine is a robust unit, though cambelt changing is – like in so many other models – paramount.

History service is a must, of course and cheap cars are rarely good news in the long term. Bottom of the doors are suspect as are sills. More serious is around the A post but most should be okay. Electrics are typical Italian with charging system, fuse box, connections and switchgear most frail.