348 Buyer’s Guide Ferrari 348 Buyer’s Guide Ferrari Contents TM F forum Ferrari 348 Buyerʼs Guide First Published November 2004 by Ferrari Forum. Revised and Updated May 2005 Introduction & Model Information 2 Phone (415) 216-8716 Email: [email protected] Driving Impressions 3 Copyright 2004 ALL RIGHTS Mechanical Differences 4 RESERVED. Author: Andrew Naber & William Maintenance & Reliability 6 Taylor Photos by: Andrew Naber Pros & Cons 7 Bob Hagendijk General Buying Tips 8 Expectations 9 Purchasing Options 10 Ferrari Forum 1 Ferrari Forum - www.ferrariforum.com Model Information This means that a newer models in style) and TS (targa). The easiest The 348 series was general are be�er sorted and will way to recognize the early models launched in 1989 at a time when command a high price. The early is by the black lower trim. All the Ferrari was producing both the models can be hit and miss. In TB and TS models have a black sill Testarossa, and the F40-- two of researching for this article I came surround the bo�om edge of the the most definitive sports cars of across a mix of opinions regard- car. However, you may find a TB the 1980s. As a result, the 348 has ing the early models. One Ferrari or TS that is all one color. It was always been a bit overshadowed. mechanic said the 348 had a lot of fairly common for an owner to This was the first time the factory problems but that none of them repaint the black sill to match the used large scale production tech- alone are major it is the combina- color of the paint. Another aspect nologies to build their cars. The tion of all of them overtime that of the early TB and TS models was 348 was the first to have a self-sup- can make the 348 a trying owners the ma� black finish between the porting frame, with the engine experience. rear tail-lights. incorporated as part of the sub- In the first section I will The 348 Serie Speciale fol- frame. Because of this, the 348 did try to guide you through all the lowed the TB/TS models with a not need special bumpers for the differences in the 348 and provide limited production of 100 for the USA. With a mid-engine V8 the an understanding of the basic dif- U.S. market only. These cars were 348 series was the replacement to ferences followed by a mechanical designed to help boost sales dur- the most successful Ferrari in his- overview. I will then cover the ing a depressed market following tory--the 308/328 series. Designed cost of ownership from repairs to the sports car market bubble burst by Pininfarina the car commands parts, then briefly talk about the in the late 80’s. Minor changes to respect and will catch anyones’ driving experience. To finish we this model over the TB/TS gave eye on the road. Similar to the will have a look at the pros and the car aproximately 10 more Testarossa, the 348 has the signa- cons of owning the 348 and hear horsepower. These improvements ture “cheese grater” side strakes from some owners about their 348 came mainly from the fi�ing of a running along the doors into the experiences. different exhaust system from the rear engine compartment. These TB/TS. The car also had cosmetic covered the huge scoops needed 348 Variations changes, and for the first time the to funnel air into the rear mounted The 348 series had a num- lower sills matched the color of the radiators. ber of variations available in Berli- body. Also added was a lip to the The 348 had a number ne�a, Targa or Spider body styles. front spoiler like that seen on the variants and upgrades over its life. The early models from 1989-1993 F40, along with a wider rear-tires will have the badges TB (berline�a to improve stability on the road. 348 Variants Photos The 348 TB with the 348 Spider with the con- black sill. These models vertible top and matching have a reputation for hav- sill. It was released in ing more problems than 1993 making it a newer later models. model and more deirable than the earlier TB/TS. 348 Serie Speciale with 348 GTB - with an im- a sill matching the paint. proved chassis and han- A more agressive 348 for dling has a same color the American market with sill. Some owners would upgrades that provided re-paint their sills on the enhanced performance TB/TS models so check the carʼs records. 2 Ferrari Forum 348 Buyer’s Guide In 1993 at the Los Angles gines. This system was responsible The GTB/GTS models will be just motorshow Ferrari debuted the 348 for the new output of 320 horse- shy of the pricing of the Spider. Spider. It was the first 2 seater Spi- power (bhp) which was an increase der from Ferrari in 20 years. Prior of 20 (bhp) over its previous TB/TS. Driving Impressions to this, the last Spider was the 365 The 348 GTB/GTS was only sold in The 348 is a fun, drive- GTS/4 (Daytona Spider). The 348 Europe. able, user friendly car that wants Spider also had matching sills as For the US market, in 1994 to be tracked. When compared to per the 348 Serie Speciale. The Spi- Ferrari first introduced the “Chal- the contemporary Testarossa it is der also had a number of upgrades lenge” series cars especially for lighter, more agile, and looks for that would be transfered over to track and amateur racing. As a one corners to take at speed. A 348 the GTB/GTS models from 1993 to off, Ferrari ran a production of 45 is quite driveable in traffic. The the models end. These included a “Factory Challenge” cars which 3.4 liter engine provides plenty of more efficient exhaust system, new were fi�ed with the street bodies. grunt with the acceleration be- valve springs, upgraded timing The cars had the option of coming ing both smooth and quick. The belt, revissed final drive ratios plus with a full conversion the kit for thro�le response is immediate with the new Bosch Motronic 2.7 engine $14,000. The owner was ge�ing a plenty of power available across management system. Challenge car for a discount if the the range. The handling in normal Immediately following kit did not come installed. driving conditions is accurate, with the 348 Spider launch came the excellent communication back to final major version of the 348, the Market Information the driver. The steering does not GTB/GTS. The 348 GTB/GTS line The market price for 348s have the remoteness of the F355 was launched in October of 1993 vary quite a bit. The key reason power assisted set up. It turns on at the Frankfurt Auto Salon. The behind this is due to the first rails if driven properly, with plenty relaunch brought about many models TB/TS tend to have more of warning before the front and changes to the 348’s both mechani- reliability issues than the laterGTB/ back ends reverse themselves. The cal and to the design. Many of GTS models. Currently early mod- 5 speed gearbox demands respect these changes were already in els (1989-1990) can run as low as and warms up slowly. It is a bit place of the recent 348 Spyder and around $45,000. Anything lower notchy and double clutching on Serie Speciale. The GTB/GTS has a than $40,000 will likely require downshi�s is recommended. sleeker look and the sills of the car major investments. With a redline at 7200 rpm,the 348 match the body. On the mechani- As is the case for most Fer- has a great exhaust note. Deeper cal side the car had an upgraded raris the Spider will draw a higher and more gu�ural than the F355 electronic management system to price. Look for prices of Spyders or 328, it is not your neighbor’s go along with the Tipo F119 H en- to be around $65,000 - $75,000. friend. The 348 is responsive at Ferrari Forum 3 Ferrari Forum - www.ferrariforum.com lower rpms, but the power really kicks in once you • In 1991 the alternator was changed to a Nippon- push it past 4000 rpm. denso The only negative is that at speeds in excess of • Late 92 early 93 the ba�ery was moved from the 130 mph the front can feel light and unstable. With rear to the front seat time and experience in the 348, this goes away. • An updated (larger) alternator and related wir- The driving position is comfortable but is ing harnes on the GTB/GTS models more in line with a true sports car vs. the more re- • 92 - 93 front grill was redesigned with an added fined comforts of a GT. chrome cavallino • Serie Speciale had a solid rear and not the black Mechanical Differences slats covering the tail lights While the 348 had a number of variants (TB- • Serie Speciale also had a higher flow exhaust TS-Spider-GTB-GTS-Serie Speciale-Challenge), it also which gave it the extra 10 bhp (see page 4) had a number of mechanical changes over the years • The Frau seat was changed to a sport Kevlar on of production. The majority of the changes were the Serie Speciale minor reliability upgrades and outlined below are the • Spider has a smaller gas tank due to incorporate changes: room needed for the retractable roof.