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. sportscarguides - Model Guide - www 348

1989 - 1995

The 348 replaced the 308/328 line. Its styling showed F40 and Testarossa influences, particularly the side strakes between the wheels. Sub six seconds to sixty miles per hour with a top speed of over 170mph made it very fast indeed.

Introduction stood for transversale, as the gearbox was mounted The 348 was Ferrari’s follow-on to the glorious 308/328 line. Its transversely behind the longitudinally mid-mounted engine. In styling abandoned the 308/328 scoop style side air inlets in 1993 the 348 was refreshed with the 348 TB and TS; favour of Testarossa-like side strakes. The engine was bigger transversale and transversale spider, and a 348 at 3.4 litres than the 328’s unit and the car went through a Spider. In that year there was also a limited edition 348 Serie series of developments before giving way, in turn, to the F355. Speciale for the USA. The 348 Competizione or 348 GTC was The 348 was Ferrari’s first small car for the nineties, ‘small’ in a limited edition for Europe in 1994. There were also some the sense of having a 3.4 litre V-8 engine rather than the 12 other racing models. The 348 was replaced by the F355 in cylinder units of the big Ferraris. Nevertheless, sub 6 second 1995. This in turn led to the current 360 Modena. 0-60mph time and 170+mph top speed made it a very fast car. The 348 featured new components and approaches in Top to bottom below; An evolution of styles: 328 QV; 348 Spider; virtually all of its aspects. Unlike the 328 line its chassis was F355 Spider. unitised. The car was designed to be built in less time by fewer people and at lower cost than preceding Ferraris. Upon its launch in 1989 the 348 came in tb or Berlinetta (closed coupé) and ts or Spider (actually a targa) form; the ‘t’

Transverse Gearbox? The 348’s gearbox was mounted behind and at 90° to the engine. Why? The preceding 308/328 cars had a transverse mid-mounted engine and transverse transmission under the engine. The 288 GTO’s V-8 was turned 90° and mounted longitudinally with its gearbox behind it. The rotation helped with the turbo plumbing. By retaining the transverse gearbox in the 348, having it sited behind rather than underneath the engine, and having it in the same unit as the differential, Ferrari shortened the length of the 348’s engine and transmission assembly; the 348 chassis was only 4 inches longer than the 328’s. Ferrari F1 race cars before the turbo era had transverse gearboxes, so Ferrari engineers were familiar with it. An outcome was that the engine and transmission were 4 - 5 inches lower than in the preceding 328. This lowered the centre of gravity and helped the car corner better.

Copyright Sportscar Guides Ltd, 2003. Not to be reproduced without permission. W: www.sportscarguides.com. Page 1 Lie-flat headlights and F40-style Rear cabin wings flank Engine’s air inlet behind Targa roof of 348 ts bonnet slab mid-mounted engine rear side window

Testarossa-style strakes Air dam spoiler painted in A US Ferrari 348 TS leading to radiator cooling Rear brake cooling duct body colour inlet in rear wing

However, the 348 experienced a tough market. Also, although some 9,000 models were built, there is a perception THE 348 MODELS - 348 tb & 348 ts that it was less than really successful. The car could be said to have suffered by falling between two stools: the outstanding The 348 line was announced at Germany’s Frankfurt Motor 328’s looks; and the awesome F355’s performance. Show in 1989. It is a 2-seater car with a mid-mounted engine. The body design, notwithstanding the side strakes, was understated, for a Ferrari that is. The engine computer and TECHNICAL DETAILS panel warning lights were thought to be somewhat unreliable The performance figures are:- and the chassis performance was said to be not good enough. Early cars had suspension-related problems which added to Power Torque 0-60mph Top Speed the poor perception of the 348. 300 bhp 238 lbs-ft 5.5 secs 172mph An opposing view is that it could arguably be the best Ferrari @7200 rpm @4200 rpm to buy for the first time Ferrari owner. You get a great deal of performance for your money and there is a lot of choice in The Tipo F119D 90° V-8 engine has a 3405cc capacity and body styles. this, together with the 8 cylinders, accounts for the car’s name; 3.4 litres and V-8 making up 348. The engine drives the rear wheels. Each cylinder bank has twin overhead camshafts The luggage carrying capacity of the 348 was made much of in operating four valves per cylinder. Each cylinder has a adverts. Rear-mounted radiators made for space in the bonnet. centrally-mounted spark plug. The bore and stroke are 85 x 75mm and the compression ratio is 10.4:1. With a power rating of 300bhp the engine is deliving around 90bhp per litre. The cylinder head and block are made of light alloy. The cylinders have Nicasil-coated steel liners. The crankshaft has five support bearings. There is a dry sump lubrication system with an 8-litre oil reservoir. There are two radiators to lower the temperature of the pumped water coolant. Each has a thermostatically-controlled electric fan. A Bosch Motronic M2.5 engine computer controls the engine’s injected fuel supply and static ignition. It manages each cylinder bank separately. A hot wire system is used for measuring the mass of incoming air. Air comes in via high side scoops and is fed through rubber and steel tubes to a squarish airbox mounted above the transmission. There it is filtered and passes through two throttle bodies to intake manifolds above the engine. These feature a variable resonance feature. There is a manifold for each cylinder bank, with two inlet trumpets per

Copyright Sportscar Guides Ltd, 2003. Not to be reproduced without permission. W: www.sportscarguides.com. Page 2 348 tb (left) and ts (right) with its targa roof panel removed. subframe which carries the engine and transmission and also the rear suspension. The fuel tank is mounted centrally and cylinder, plus an interconnecting chamber closed by a butterfly there are water and oil radiators at the sides. There is a flat valve. This can be opened by the Bosch unit and its open/shut composite panel, to smooth airflow, mounted underneath the state varies with engine speed and so varies the inlet duct front and middle chassis area. Body panels are bolted to the geometry. chassis, whch adds rigidity and enables them to share in the The ignition is of the static advance type with a high tension load bearing. 2-coil unit per cylinder bank. Engine exhaust gasses pass The car’s chassis was strong enough for Ferrari to use a through steel manifolds to a tuned exhaust system featuring, in crumple crash zone design instead of one with large crash the USA, a catalytic converter. bumpers. This design was such that the car complied with world-wide crash testing regulations, the first Ferrari to do so. TRANSMISSION With the main mechanical components mounted centrally the The 5-speed (plus reverse) is mounted car’s turning ability was tremendous. It featured a low polar behind the engine and crosswise, forming a T with the engine. moment of inertia making it quick to turn in and less likely to There is a limited slip differential calibrated at 40 per cent. The spin. clutch is at the rear of the car where the flywheel is also The ts model, with its black plastic targa roof, had located. It is driven by a shaft from the engine, which crosses strengthening gussets in the body to compensate for loss of the gearbox, and has a vibration-damping 2-plate or ‘bimass’ structural rigidity that is provided by the roof on the tb. This 1 design. The 8 /2”dry clutch is hydraulically operated. made the ts version 11lbs heavier than the tb.

CHASSIS SUSPENSION There is a pressed and galvanised steel and box section Each wheel has its own independent suspension with double monocoque chassis with a tubular steel, lattice type rear wishbones and coil springs, and Bilstein telescopic gas-filled shock absorbers. There are both front and rear anti-roll bars. 348 Model Manufacturing Dates Top to bottom below: 348 tb; 348 ts; 348 Spider. 348 Serie 348 Challenge 348 348 tb, ts E Speciale Spider Kit GTB GTC MS GTS 1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

Zagato E - Elaborazione. MS - UK Speciale. GTC - GT Competizione.

Copyright Sportscar Guides Ltd, 2003. Not to be reproduced without permission. W: www.sportscarguides.com. Page 3 STEERING, WHEELS AND BRAKES Rack and pinion steering turns the front wheels with no power assistance. There are aluminium steering ‘knuckles’ to reduce the unsprung weight. The 16” alloy wheels feature a classic Ferrari star-shape and have a matt finish. Their spoke shape was said to draw air away from the brakes when the car was in motion. At the front, the tyres are 215/50 ZR 17, whilst at the rear they are 225/50 ZR 17. There is servo-assisted dual circuit braking with ventilated disk brakes and a Teves Mark II anti-lock braking system. There are aluminium brake calipers with two cylinders. The disks at the front have a 300mm diameter and are 28mm thick; those at the rear have a 305mm diameter but are thinner at 24mm. The handbrake operates on the rear wheels.

BODY The 348 has a compact-looking body which is bigger - longer, wider and taller - than the preceding 328. It is made of pressed steel apart from the aluminium engine deck and the glass- reinforced plastic front and rear bumpers. There is a emblem made from anodised aluminium on the rear grille. It is matt black in the early cars. The front bonnet compartment has a fair amount of room for luggage and is unencumbered with either a spare wheel or radiators. The front air dam lip is coloured matt black as are the under door sills and the forward part of the engine compartment lid.

Dimensions: • Length 166.5” • Width 74.5” • Height 46” • Front track: 59.1” • Rear track 62.1” • Weight tb: 3258lbs, ts: 3269lbs

CABIN The cabin has a restrained and business-like environment featuring leather trim. It is larger than the 328 cabin. All 348 cabins, apart from the stripped out racing models, were basically the same except for roof variations and consequent changes in the interior light’s location. There is the standard metal gated gearchange with a metal lever topped by a spherical knob. Drivers face a matt black instrument cluster with four dials: large tachometer and speedometer either side; fuel indicator and oil pressure in the middle. A centre console featured air-conditioning climate controls, the gear lever and assorted switches. The steering wheel is a

348 ts instrument cluster and steering wheel.

348 tb showing rear grille (top), frontal aspect (middle), top down view (lower middle) and Spider cabin (bottom.)

The suspension arms are pressed steel and form a parallelogram at each wheel. The front suspension has an anti- dive design and connects to the chassis. The rear suspension is attached to the sub frame. The suspension has zero offset and an anti-squat design.

Copyright Sportscar Guides Ltd, 2003. Not to be reproduced without permission. W: www.sportscarguides.com. Page 4 US 348 ts Serie Speciale.

Zagato provided a more rounded shape. There was a non- functional grille at the front with sunken lights either side of it. The aluminium bonnet had two NACA ducts in it. The cabin roof had uplifted parts above the driver and passenger positions, a so-called ‘double bubble’. At the rear the lights were restyled with no overlaying grille and more Ferrari-like round lights. A transparent cover was set into the aluminium engine deck. There was an electrically-raised rear spoiler. The trademark straked side vents were dispensed with in favour of two more NACA ducts, one large for the radiators, one smaller for rear brake cooling, set into the doors and leading part of the rear wing. Split rim OZ racing wheels were fitted. There was an external fuel filler cap. The cabin interior was re-trimmed in suede and included small rear view Zagato Elaborazione showing rear view - note ‘double bubble’ roof television screens. line (top) and transparent engine deck lid insert (above). (Thanks to The production number was planned to be 22. It is unknown QV for the pictures.) how many were actually made. black, thick section, leather-covered Momo unit. It sits atop a SERIE SPECIALE collapsible steering column which is adjustable for rake. The Frau seats are manually adjustable and leather covered This was a 100-unit limited edition 348, based on the 348 tb with cushioning and side elements to hold occupants firmly. and ts cars, solely for the US market in 1993. It was meant to The cabin floor is carpeted and there is a lot of leather trim. spur sales of 348 tb and ts cars and announced in late 1992. A new free-flow sports exhaust system caused power output OPTIONS to climb to 312bhp. The fifth gear was altered to improve high Metallic paint. Schedoni fitted luggage. speed cruising and the fourth gear ratio was lowered. The rear track was widened by 50mm to improve stability slightly. The 1990-1993 body sills were painted the body colour. A slightly deeper front Various small scale revisions ocurred after the 348 was spoiler, with a reverse curve ahead of the wheels, was given introduced. A different type of front shock absorber and an F40-like lip. The rear grille was removed exposing the lights. mounting point, and springs were used to overcome stability The prancing horse emblem at the rear was brightened up problems at speed. The original dual-surface clutch used in through chroming and one was added to the front grille. 1989 and some 1990 cars was changed for a single surface The cabin featured Kevlar sports seats with leather covering, model. The original roof-mounted radio antenna was changed also leather trim on the doors. The colours of the roof lining, to a windscreen aerial. In 1991 the battery was moved to the carpet and leather seats and door trim was co-ordinated. front of the car, under a cover behind the left headlamp, from It can be assumed that the car is marginally faster than stock the engine bay. 348 tb or ts models. Certainly its weight was lower at 3240lbs The rear subframe was also upgraded and this is an for the berlinetta and 3251lbs for the ts. important point for track use. MARANELLO SPECIALE ZAGATO ELABORAZIONE A limited edition for the UK, also produced in 1993, and, like This quirk of 348 history involved Carozzeria Zagato, the Italian the Serie Speciale, using the same sports exhaust, body colour coachbuilder, reskinning the 348 in 1991 to produce a car sills and front spoiler. It also had drilled aluminium foot pedals made in such numbers that is extremely rare. Since it only in the cabin and a Challenge steering wheel. These cars involved revised body work, an elaboration as it were, the car probably achieved the slightly higher power output of the Serie is known as the Zagato Elaborazione. This was due to Speciale and had the same performance edge. Just four were legislation dealing with crash resistance which meant it was made. You may encounter the term Serie Spaziale used to best to leave the drive train, running gear and chassis alone. describe them.

Copyright Sportscar Guides Ltd, 2003. Not to be reproduced without permission. W: www.sportscarguides.com. Page 5 348 Driving Experience

This is a Ferrari. You may find the cabin cramped if you are tall and broad. The footwell could feel confined if you have largish feet. Once you are seated the controls comes readily to hand and you can fire up the V-8. It has a raucous, gleeful bellow and responds instantly to the throttle. Gear changing needs getting adjusting to. You have to make definite, confident and fairly precise changes to get the cable-operated change working deftly. Put the car in first and lift the clutch.You might find it heavy and it could seem to have a long throw. The car darts forward eagerly. In urban traffic it will feel confined and limited and inconvenient with heavy steering, US 348 Spider engine compartment (above) and rear view (below) amongst the other town cars and everyday vehicles. Its exhaust barks out vigorously if you use any unrestrained pressure on the accelerator. Then you encounter the open road and things change. Dab the thottle gently and keep pressing it. The car lifts and soars forward, the engine note rises and the bellow becomes a howl, change up, punch the pedal, the howl becomes a screaming snarl and the car just takes off. It’s breath-taking. Braking is hard and confident. Cornering is a delight. The car is just willing to be driven and driven as hard as you like. Once you have the measure of it, an undulating and bendy dual cariageway road becomes a thing of joy. The 348 flies along it in a glorious cacaphony of engine, tyre, wind and road noise with you, held snug in your seat, revelling with the car in its road-eating element.

348 SPIDER 348 TB & 348 TS

The first of the refreshed production 348s, this was a true In 1993 the Spider improvements were added to the berlinetta spider, a , and came in February, 1993. It was and targa 348 cars and the model names changed to the 348 Ferrari’s first two-seat convertible since the early 1970s. Such TB and 348 TS respectively. These cars were actually a return demanded a big launch and the Spider was given a introduced in March 1994 in Geneva, after an announcement flamboyant public introduction on Los Angeles’ Rodeo Drive. and debut in October 1993 at the Frankfurt Salon (motor The car’s body was strengthened with metal gussets around show). They were not supplied in the USA. The engine the door frame, and strengthened hinges and door posts. It changed to the Tipo F119H with larger inlet manifold and the made the car almost as rigid as the roofed 348s. The hood changes already mentioned for the 348 Spider. The Bosch 2.7 was a manually-operated one with a 2-stage process. There Motronic engine control system was fitted. The cars were fitted was an optional leather tonneau cover. with catalytic converters. In the cabin there is a recessed tray in the rear of the centre The power output rose to 320bhp and, we assume, the car’s console. It replaced a lockable glovebox found on the 348 tb performance improved slightly with faster acceleration and a and ts. higher maximum speed. No official figures to support this view The car used the Serie Speciale sports exhaust, and was came from Ferrari. We might suppose a 5.4 second 0-60 time fitted with revised valve springs and new timing belt. It also (it was 5.5secs) and a top speed of 178mph (it was 172). used version 2.7 of Bosch’s Motronic engine management It is possible, even probable, that the F355 development was system. This redlined the engine at 7800rpm instead of the underway at this time and that the new 348 models were seen, previous 7200 level. Gear ratios were shortened to improve in a sense, as stop-gaps until the F355 was ready. Their acceleration. The clutch was also revised. The fuel tank was manufacture stopped in Spring 1994. smaller, 88 litre capacity vs 95 litres in the tb and ts, to help Previously matt black areas of the body were painted in the make storage space for the canvas roof. body colour. The prancing horse emblem on the rear grille was The prancing horse emblem at the rear was chromed and chromium-plated and one was added to a re-styled front grille. one added to the front grille. A front windscreen radio aerial A 348 TB or TS legend was fitted to the car’s rear. was fitted. A 348 Spider legend was added to the rear panel. The car’s weight dropped to 3207lbs and its power output CHALLENGE rose, it can be assumed, to 312bhp. Officially it was still 300bhp. We can assume that the car’s performance increased The 348 Challenge racing trophy was introduced by Ferrari in as well, with higher top speed and faster acceleration. No 1993 and was organised into regional sets of races. 348 cars figures were provided by Ferrari though. could be fitted with Challenge kits which reduced their weight and made them safer for race conditions.

Copyright Sportscar Guides Ltd, 2003. Not to be reproduced without permission. W: www.sportscarguides.com. Page 6 Buying Tips

Ferraris are highly desirable cars, relatively expensive to SPECIFIC purchase compared to similar age performance cars. Accident • Check that the cam timing belts have replaced at the damage can be costly to put right, encouraging less careful prescribed intervals, generally 30,000 miles or 5 years. owners to perhaps scrimp and save. Servicing costs can seem • Verify the mileometer recording against the service substantial for new owners to the marque, which can also documentation and, in the UK, MOT certificates. If the encourage owners to avoid or reduce them by having work not readings don’t correlate then be suspicious and prepared done or carried out by non-Ferrari authorised or trained to leave the car alone. technicians. • Check also the speedometer cable connection to the Cars that are driven hard and long will need mechanical transaxle. If it is cleaner then the surrounding metal or servicing and repair much sooner than low mileage cars. Ones scratched then suspect a disconnection and doubt the that are virtually moth-balled and have very low mileage can mileage reading. suffer from component degradation. You need to be aware of • 348s may have weak or worn electrical systems. Check these things to avoid the purchasing and running of a used the operation of every single driver and passenger- Ferrari becoming a stressful experience, not least because operated electrical item, everything from warning lights at you discover you have shelled first ignition key turn-on to out £40,000 plus for the car power-operated windows and and the service centre tells you headlight motors. List all faults it needs £10,000 of work. It or unknown items. Ask what behoves you to be scrupulous they are if you don’t know. Get when checking potential cars. quotes for the repairs of any failed items and negotiate the GENERAL asking price down to cover the • A simple thing first; if you costs. are tall, check that you can • Have a qualified technician get a comfortable seating carry out a full pre-purchase position. inspection - up on a ramp - of • If buying privately, check the car. If buying from a Ferrari the finance situation dealer then you don’t need to through HPI in the UK or do this but verify that the the Carfax Vehicle History warranty gives you full cover for Service (online at mechanical, electrical and www.carfax.com/ )in the hydraulic such items without USA. You do not want question. If it doesn’t, then finance problems to have your own independent surface after the purchase inspection carried out - up on a which threaten both your ramp - and get all faults agreed ownership and your wallet. with the dealership and get • Secondly, check the service their consent to have them history. Ideally there should repaired at their expense. be a full Ferrari dealer or • If buying privately, have a specialist dealer service qualified Ferrari body repairer history with not a single carry out a body inspection. unexplained item. Learn Get quotes for any renovation the service intervals and work needed and negotiate the service types and check asking price down to cover the that these have been costs. If buying from a dealer, carried out and recorded. If Views of the 348 engine. then check over the condition there are unexplained gaps of the car scrupulously, that or a missing service history then your action is quite word again, looking for unevenly fitting body panels, simple. Smile, say, ‘No thank you’, and walk away. dents, grit chips and any flaws in the paintwork - swirls, • If there are different service shops mentioned during an hazing, colour changes, etc. If any are found then the owner’s time with the car ask why. It might indicate a dealership should agree to carry out renovation work at its cheap or difficult owner. Consider this a warning. cost. Minor dings may be reflected in the price. • Check the accident history through the Ferrari dealership • Water sprayed onto the car should bead instantly. This network. If there is accident damage evident but no shows that it has been waxed. If it doesn’t then your seller recorded evidence of its repair then walk away or have an may not be a careful owner. especially thorough inspection carried out. If accident • If the car has been repainted then check carefully for any repair is recorded then verify that it has been carried out accident damage precipitating the respray. An accident- by reputable people, like Ferrari-authorised body shops. damaged car will have a lower resale value unless the repair is perfect. (Continued on page 8.)

Copyright Sportscar Guides Ltd, 2003. Not to be reproduced without permission. W: www.sportscarguides.com. Page 7 Buying Tips Continued...

• On cars with low mileage, if buying from a dealer, verify warm. That is bad news. A little haze or brown smoke is that the warranty covers repair of deteriorating rubber acceptable. Listen for squeaks, rattles and other noises. suspension units, gaskets, hoses, seals and shock • Be sure of the insurance situation in a test drive. absorbers. Ferraris are meant to be driven, not stored, and • Check the clutch for slippage. these things decay without use. If buying privately, then • The engine should be smooth and the gear changes expressly tell your technician to check these items efficient and slick. If the warm gearbox change is hard and scrupulously. clunky then suspect a fault. • Verify that any emissions control equipment hasn’t been • Idle the engine and hold a clean pale cloth to the exhaust tampered with and that, in this respect, the car is legal. pipes. There should be little or no soot or moisture. Particularly in the USA, and particularly again in California, • Check around for comparison prices. check the emissions control equipment presence and • Check the tyres. If you find cheap tyres then suspect a functioning carefully. This applies more to the older cars. cheap owner and be prepared to walk away. • Find out previous owners’ details and contact them to find • If the car has done more than 50,000 miles look for out more about the car’s history and their attitude to the replacements of the moving parts in the suspension in the service history. (No grease nipples were fitted and the grease wears out.) If it has not been done then budget for 348 tb it and negotiate the price down accordingly if you can. • On convertible cars check the presence of the hood. Check the hood’s operation. Check the hood’s state looking for any holes or splits, worn out fabric at the wear points and broken seams. • Check the ‘get-you-home’ aerosol can is present in case of tyre punctures. • Check the presence, state and fitting of the targa roof with the 348 tb and TS. • Check the presence of the optional leather tonneau cover with the 348 Spider. • Check that revised suspension and springs have been fitted to the earliest tb and ts models (1989 and 1990).

FINALLY car and its ownership. • If new to Ferraris then don’t simply accept things. Find out • Have a good Ferrari service operation and technician and ask about things that are unclear. Do comparison test identified capable of servicing these now quite old cars. drives if you can to experience the driving feel and identify Main dealers may no longer offer servicing on them. You differences between cars that might indicate a problem. may well need a good independent operation. • Join a Ferrari owner’s club and ask other members about • Ensure that the tool kit and jacking bag are present. Locate the 348 cars. Ask them about Ferrari dealerships and 348- the car owner’s manual and warranty book. skilled service operations and insurance as well. • Verify that the car’s options match the documentation. • Be punctilious about the legal side of the sale. You could • Buying a car without seeing it ‘in the metal’ is risky. Ask be spending over forty thousand (pounds sterling) buying distant private sellers to send you a full set of good the car and face a substantial service budget. photographs showing all aspects of the car and contract a • Don’t let rogues and sharp people take advantage of any nearby dealership to carry out mechanical, electrical, naivety from a Ferrari novice. hydraulic and body work inspections on your behalf. A • Don’t buy on the spur of the moment. Yes, it’s a ‘Ferrrari’ video tour can be useful. but it’s also a potential cash drain, a big one. Be sure that • Check the cabin carefully. Carpets should be present, clean you have fully considered the ramifications of buying this and correct. Headlining should be in good condition. The alarmingly attractive car. dashboard should be in good condition with clear instrument dials and no missing buttons, switches or non- working lights. The dashboard covering should be smooth and intact. • The engine bay, ideally, should be clean and leak-free. • Get the car on the ramp and look underneath. These low- slung cars do not like speed bumps so check for underbody scrapes and scratches and an intact front spoiler. • While underneath check for any leaks from brake lines and calipers and the shock absorbers. • Test drive the car. Check for white smoke from the exhaust when starting. Check for blue smoke when the engine is

Copyright Sportscar Guides Ltd, 2003. Not to be reproduced without permission. W: www.sportscarguides.com. Page 8 MICHELOTTO 348 GT COMPETIZIONE

Confusingly there was a parallel set of competition cars produced by Michelotto. Just eleven were made. These cars were suited for events such as the Le Mans 24 hour race, Daytona, Sebring and IMSA in the USA, and the BPR GT Championship. Most apparently went straight into collections and were never driven in anger. These cars had more powerful versions of the 348 engine, delivering 360bhp. The fuel mapping tables in the engine computer were altered. The cars had F40 half shafts, lightweight aluminium bonnet lid and engine cover and a Lexan rear screen. The doors, bumpers and undertray were made of a carbon fibre composite. There were additional cooling ducts for the rear brakes which featured 15” cross-drilled Brembo disks. They operated on wider Speedline 5-spoke magnesium split 348 TB Challenge. rim wheels. Adjustable Koni dampers were fitted along with progressive rate racing springs, and the suspension geometry The kit included Kevlar race seats with a six-point harness, was altered to produce stronger anti-dive resistance. roll cage, fire extinguisher, Challenge steering wheel, The interior was stripped out, although some cars retained Challenge exhaust, drilled pedals, parking light covers, brake their electric windows, which was odd. They had an FIA roll cooling ducts, battery cut-off switches, front and rear tow cage fitted, also grey cloth-covered OMP race seats. hooks, solid suspension bushings and rear camber forks. Strengthening gussets were applied in the engine bay. The term 348 CH may be used for a Challenge car. Michelotto prepared two of these cars for Le Mans and they were termed 348 GT Competizione LM cars. They had wider 348 GT COMPETIZIONE and lighter Speedline wheels, faired-in headlights and Lexan side windows, also adjustable rear wings. The engine was This ‘go faster’ 348 was introduced in late 1993, but only in available in three states of tune: Evoluzione I with 380bhp; Europe, as part of a homologation exercise. The aim was to Evoluzione II at 405bhp; and Evoluzione III at 460bhp. This qualify the 348 TB for GT3 endurance racing. It is sometimes latter version had no air restictors which limited the other two. called the 348 TC. The cars were set up for the track, although The third version engine never raced in competition. the engine and chassis were left unaltered. The body shell incorporated Kevlar and carbon fibre Which 348 Model? composite doors, sill covers and bumper panels. The front wings were given enamelled shields and The hottest road model is the 348 GT Competizione. It is also Speedline split rim alloy wheels were fitted. These had matt the most uncomfortable for longer journeys. The 348 Spider spokes with highly polished rims. At the front the 18” x 8” provides terrific open air driving, the targa-topped TS and tb wheels carried 225/40 ZR 18 tyres. At the rear 18” x 10” provide a half-way house between this and the closed wheels have 265/40 ZR 18 tyres. The rear panel sported a environment of the 348 TB and tb. 348GT Competizione legend. In general, buy the newest 348 you can afford. Various In the stripped out cabin, drivers sat in F40-like red cloth- improvements were made thoughout its life. The earliest tb and covered Kevlar racing seats next to Kevlar sill panels and ts models had stability problems necessitating suspension faced a suede-covered Momo steering wheel. Their feet changes. The Spider, TB and TS have the revised engine, pressed drilled aluminium pedals and their hands turned a exhaust and later engine management system, and are better unique steering wheel featuring the car’s serial number and buys than the earlier tb and ts. crossed flags on the central boss underneath the prancing Be very careful if buying a car converted from LHD to RHD. horse emblem. The job has to have been done to a very high standard by a Some fifty cars were made, until manufacture stopped in reputable specialist for the car’s value to be unaffected. mid-1994, with eight right-hand drive versions. Owners buying a track car need to verify that the revised rear sub frame has been fitted. US 1994 348 tb/ts ‘Factory’ Challenge Prices In 1994 there were 32 348 tb and 13 348 ts cars imported to the USA in Challenge trim. An additional 14 348 ts cars in The two general factors affecting prices are that newer cars non-Challenge trim were imported. Some of these were later cost more than older cars. Low mileage cars cost more than converted to the Challenge specification. high mileage cars. Against that background we can note that The European 348 TB and TS were not imported into the Spider cars have a premium over targa models (ts, TS) which, USA. These Challenge cars were the last gasp of the 348 tb in turn, have a premium over , perhaps 10-12 per and ts in the USA before the F355 came along. cent in each case. The track was set at 1578mm since solid bushings were There is a discount for imported LHD cars. Be alert to used. There were cutout sections in the carpets for the roll converted LHD cars as they could quite easily have much cage with the mounting points covered by leather caps. lower residual values.

Copyright Sportscar Guides Ltd, 2003. Not to be reproduced without permission. W: www.sportscarguides.com. Page 9 348 engine detail - the inlet manifolds.

Concerning mileage, cars averaging up to a 1,000 miles or • 1995 348 TB - RHD, Rosso/Cream Leather. Current owner 1,500km a year will be in the low mileage catergory and should last four years. Regional concours winner. FFSH, be in near pristine condition. Higher mileage cars will have absolutely superb. 19,000 miles. £43,500 ono. averaged 3,000 miles or 4,500km a year and show some signs of wear but should still be in excellent general condition. These 348 targa (ts, TS) cars are more likely to need repair or renovation money spent on mechanical and body work. • 1991 348 ts - RHD, Jan 1991, Rosso with Crema hide, Some sample advertised prices follow:- superb condition, FSH, cam belts 18 months ago, alarm, CD player, aircon, remote central locking, kept in carcoon. 348 Berlinetta (tb, TB): Last owner 5 years. 21,900 miles. £34,995. • 1992 348 ts - Red, cream leather. 35,000 miles. £32,995 • 1990 348 tb - Metallic Black with black hide, black carpets, • 1992 348 ts - Blue, cream leather. Colour coded, including Climate control, ABS, Electric windows, Tubi sports the targa roof. 35,000 miles. £32,995. exhaust, Toad Alarm/Immobiliser, Nakamichi Radio/CD • 1992 348 ts - (J), LHD. Red with black leather, Full history, 47,000 recorded kilometers. £27,990 all books, tool kit, new tyres, cam belt service. A very • 1990 348 tb - RHD, 1990, red/cream leather, Alpine stereo. genuine original vehicle in all respects, mainly dry use, Full cam belt service. Same owner for last 6 years. FSH, Thatcham alarm. A great Ferrari in excellent condition. immaculate condition.15400 miles. £35,250 ono. 23,000 miles. £24,900. • 1990 348 tb - LHD, yellow/yellow interior, new tyres, new • 1994 348 ts (!) - RHD, Medio Blue with Crema hide, mint 355 updated clutch, lowered suspension, new disk brakes condition, FSH and just cam belted (02/03), Cat 1 Alarm, and pads, new engine starter, service history. The car multi stack CD player, aircon, remote central locking, kept needs to be painted because of vandalism but nothing in dehumidified garage and dry miles only. No expense relevant though, no accidents. 48000 km. 29,000 euros has been spared in maintaining this car. 34,000 miles (need to sell). Contact <> (Rome). £32,000 ovno. • 1993 348 tb - Supremely good condition. 5,928 miles. £45,950. 348 Spider • 1995 348 Spider - Blu Chiaro with Grey hide and Blu carpets, 11 August 1995, 27,000 miles. £44,995.

Copyright Sportscar Guides Ltd, 2003. Not to be reproduced without permission. W: www.sportscarguides.com. Page 10 Notes

1.) The information contained in this guide has been prepared to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. As such it is provided in good faith but you should carefully consider any car purchase decision and neither Sportscar Guides Ltd, the Ferrari Owners’ Club nor any member of the Ferrari Owners’ Club will be responsible for any loss or damage you suffer having acted upon information contained herein.

2.) The term "Ferrari" is used as a general descriptor for Ferrari cars.

3.) The information in this guide has been compiled by Sportscar Guides Ltd in association with the Ferrari Owners’ Club of Great Britain and some of the members of the Ferrari Owners’ Club. Its contents and opinions are not necessarily those of the Ferrari Owners’ Club of Great Britain.

Produced in association with the

FERRARI OWNERS’ CLUB OF

GREAT BRITAIN

Membership Secretary, PO Box 111, Snettisham, King's Lynn, Norfolk, PE31 7TF. Web: www.ferrariownersclub.co.uk

QV London, Unit E, Station Works, Lyndhurst Road, Ascot, Berks, Tel: +44 (0)1344 622011. Fax: +44 (0)1344 622033 Web: www.hamletcg.co.uk/qv E-mail: [email protected]

QV was formed in 1985 by Mike Lester and Phil Warburton, both previously at Maranello Concessionaires since 1974, to offer service work and repairs on Ferrari cars. In 1986 they entered a 512 BB in the Michelin/Maranello Ferrari Challange race and finished 1st in class. In 1987 a QV 308 TB won the series outright. Much more racing followed. QV has developed modified parts to improve road going cars, such as roadholding kits, 4-pot brake kits, sportpack engine kits, etc.

Copyright Sportscar Guides Ltd, 2003. Not to be reproduced without permission. W: www.sportscarguides.com. Page 11