One to Buy: Blu Medio 13,000 mile 1989 Ferrari 348 tb
When the much-loved ten-year old 308 was up for replacement in the mid 1980s, Ferrari elected to carry out a relatively mild facelift and install a bigger 3.2-litre engine. The resultant 328 went on to prove every bit as popular as its illustrious forebear, but by the end of the decade it was clear Ferrari’s ageing junior platform would need a significant revamp going into the 1990s.
For the 328’s replacement, Ferrari most significantly opted to go with a pressed steel monocoque assembly as opposed to the conventional tubular steel approach used by the company’s previous V6 and V8-engined road cars.
In addition, the familiar dual overhead cam, 32 valve V8 was taken out to 3.4-litres. Meanwhile, Pininfarina came up with a gorgeous new body that featured an array of Testarossa-inspired details.
Following its launch at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1989, Ferrari produced the 348 in fixed-head tb and targa-topped ts body styles. A little over 7000 of these first generation 348s were subsequently produced over the next four years: 2895 in tb trim and 4230 of which were to ts specification.
Currently on the market with European Collectibles in Costa Mesa, California, is a low mileage early production tb from 1989.
Chassis 82673 was configured in the lovely but rarely seen combination of Blu Medio with Grigio leather upholstery and Blue carpet. Delivered via Monterey Ferrari in Seaside, California, the 348 was retained by its first owner until 2014, at which point it was part-exchanged for a new model.
This tasteful alternative to the plethora of Rosso Corsa 348s offered in excellent condition throughout with under 13,000 miles from new, a fully documented service history and complete book pack / tool kit.
Reprinted below is European Collectibles’ description:
Price: $92,500
Miles: 12,956
VIN: ZFFFA35AXK0082673
1989 was the first year of the Ferrari 348 model. As a successor to the 308/328 series, the 348 provided the angular look and the finned side grills of the Ferrari Testarossa but with a new monocoque chassis and V-8 engine.
This beautiful example was specially ordered in Blu Medio over Grigio leather interior, which is a striking change of pace to the more common Rosso Corsa (Red) over Tan combination that is more frequently seen. Sold new at Monterey Ferrari in Seaside, California, the 348 remained with the original owner until it was traded into Monterey Ferrari in 2014.
Its Pininfarini-styled Blu Medio body is an elegant shade of medium metallic blue. The color is complemented by pop-up headlights, staggered 17” five-spoke alloy wheels with yellow Prancing Horse center caps, a new set of Continental Extreme Contact DWS 06 Plus 215 50 ZR17 front 255 45 ZR17 rear tires, and twin-tipped dual exhaust.
The interior features Grigio Leather contoured seating with a matching center console and contrasting blue carpeting. Its three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, iconic gated 5-speed shifter, and various console-mounted switches and gauges replicate a fighter-jet cockpit environment. A SONY AM/FM cassette audio system can provide a brief respite from the Ferrari's V-8 growl.
In May 2014, Forza Motors Inc., in Glendale, California, performed the 'Engine Out' 30k service at a cost of $14,000. The service involved removing and reinstalling front covers, cam covers, cam seals, and O-rings, adjusting valves, replacing tensioner bearings, replacing the bracket for the tensioner, replacing the water pump, replacing the timing belt, resetting cam timing, replacing spark plugs, changing oil and oil filter, changing transmission gear oil, renewing brake fluid, replacing coolant, and replacing auxiliary belts.
In February 2021, La Scuderia-Speedshop LLC in Albuquerque, New Mexico performed a 'Engine Out' service including removing the engine, transmission, rear suspension, inner fenders, to change the timing belts and tensioners, install new air conditioning belt, alternator belt, and alternator pulley.
In July 2021, La Scuderia-Speedshop LLC rebuilt the alternator with new internals and rear bearing, installed a new battery, and serviced the air conditioning system.
The most recent service was performed in April 2023 by FAI—Francorchamps of America, Inc. in Costa Mesa, California. It included removing and reinstalling the rear bumper, lower exhaust, and clutch housing, replacing the clutch assembly and resealing the entire bearing, replacing the right fuel pressure regulator, replacing the cat control ECU, and changing the oil and filter.
The Bosch Motronic fuel-injected, 3.4-liter, quad-cam, 32-valve, dry-sump V-8 engine, mid-mounted behind the driver/passenger, produces as much as 296 horsepower and 238 lb.-ft torque. Performance is quoted at 0-60 MPH in 5.6 seconds with a top speed of 171 MPH. The sale of this 1990 Ferrari 348tb, located in California, will include tools, original books in a leather pouch, CoCo mats, and service records.
For more information visit the European Collectibles website at: https://www.europeancollectibles.com/
