Introduced at the 1989 Frankfurt Motorshow, the Ferrari 348 was a truly innovative design. Utilising a robot-welded sheet-steel monocoque that not only broke with Maranello tradition but also brought considerable gains in torsional rigidity and dimensional accuracy. The newcomer was powered by a longitudinally-mounted ‘quad-cam’ 32-valve 3405cc V8 allied to five-speed manual transmission.
Developing some 300bhp and 238lbft of torque, the two-seater had need of its all-round independent suspension, ventilated ABS disc brakes, self-locking ZF differential and rack-and-pinion steering.
A near performance match for its Testarossa ‘big brother’ (contemporary road tests spoke of 0-60mph in 5.4 seconds and a 171mph top speed), the two also shared a number of styling cues. Though, the similarity was unsurprising given that both models were clothed by Pininfarina and featured side-mounted radiators. King of the junior supercars until the arrival of its 355 successor during 1994, the 348 could be had in coupe, targa and eventually spider guises (each variant enjoying leather upholstery, air-conditioning and an adjustable steering column as standard).
Finished in Rosso Corsa red with Nero leather interior, this 348 is offered for sale having covered a genuine 48,000 miles from new. Unlike most 348 Ferraris, the interior is in superb condition and retains a factory fresh character. Both body, chassis and paint are, as you would hope in good order - the engine and manual transmission perform very well indeed.
The 348 has been largely ignored in the Ferrari market and offered here for sale is surely one of the best value Ferraris in the UK today. With values of its predecessor, the 328, edging close to £100,000 and with its successor, the F355, selling above the £70,000 bracket, this 348 offers ideal entry level Ferrari ownership. With such low build numbers the 348 is one to watch in the future.
Interested parties should note that the car will be sold with its original set of alloy wheels not the wheels shown. VAT is payable on the hammer price of this vehicle unless exported outside the EU.
View 1992 Ferrari 348 TB on www.coys.co.uk for further details.