One to Buy: Blue Medio / Cartier Red 1986 Ferrari 328 GTB
As the 308 GTB and GTS had easily proven Ferrari’s most popular offerings yet seen, it was no surprise the Italian form stuck to the same tried-and-tested formula when it came to a replacement.
Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1985, the subtly revised 328 was based around a broadly similar tubular steel chassis while its 3.2-litre V8 had been enlarged by 259cc thanks to bore and stroke increases of 2mm. High lift camshafts, redesigned piston heads, aluminium rather than steel in-liners, new Marelli Microplex electronic ignition and a higher compression ratio resulted in a 30bhp gain over the outgoing model.
Elsewhere, Ferrari made minor suspension tweaks, added a quicker steering rack and new wheels while the exterior and interior were face-lifted to give the 328 a fresh new look. Like its predecessor, the new car was offered in both fixed head GTB or targa-topped GTS trim.
Gorgeous looks, excellent chassis dynamics and lusty performance would normally have been sufficient to guarantee the 328 became a commercial hit. However, thanks to a red hot collector car market fuelled by an influx of speculator-driven cash, sales were turbocharged and Ferrari ultimately sold a little over 7400 in just four years.
Of these, the overwhelming majority were finished in classic Rosso Corsa which was a shame as Pininfarina’s design looked great in practically any colour, especially more sophisticated dark metallics.
A good example of this is a 1986 GTB currently on offer at the Autosport Designs showroom in Long Island, New York, which was configured in gorgeous but very rarely seen Blu Medio Metallizato.
A low mileage GTB (one of just 1344 built compared to 6068 GTS versions), the car’s first Parisian owner also specified special order Cartier red upholstery making this an almost certainly one-of-one example.
Presented in superb highly original condition, the car has recently undergone a major service and is being sold with a complete service history back to day one.
Reprinted below is Autosport Designs’ description:
Blu Medio Metallizato with Special ordered Cartier Red leather interior with Red Carpeting
3.2 Liter V8 engine
5-Speed manual gearbox
65,000 Kilometers / 40,000 miles from new
Full ownership and service history
Recent long-term ownership
Stainless steel sport exhaust
Recent major service including timing belt
The Ferrari 308 is one of Pininfarina's most iconic designs from the 1970's and 80's, moving well-forward from that of the previous 246 Dino. It was an instant hit later went on to become one of Ferrari's most iconic models.
With the success of the 308 GTB and GTS models, Ferrari retained the same formula for the car's successor, the 328. Its design remained very similar with minor updates including molded bumpers, a slightly smaller front grille, and a small roof spoiler that was mounted just behind the rear seats. The lines of the 328 were smoothed out for a more modern look, making the car appear slightly less aggressive, but more refined.
The 328's interior included more supportive seats with updated ergonomics which translates to a further refined driving experience. The Ferrari V8 engine was bored out to 3.2 liters, hence the 328 model designation. Horsepower was increased to 270 bhp at 7,000 rpm.
One of just 1,344 examples of the 328 GTB built, this sought-after first generation, pre-ABS, EU-example was delivered new through the famous Belgian Ferrari importer, Garage Francorchamps and registered to its first owner, a Parisian collector as evidenced by its original Ferrari window sticker within the history file.
This 328 GTS was was ordered in its rare Blu Medio Metallizato with extremely expensive special ordered, Cartier Red full leather interior, apparently a favorite color combination for the collector, due to his also owning a Ferrari 456 GT in the exact same color combination.
As indicated within its service history file, this 328 GTB was serviced by Paris Ferrari franchise dealer Pozzi for many, many years. Circa 2006 - 2007, this 328 GTB by its Parisian collector to its new owner, a Belgian collector who has cherished this 328 until its most recent purchase by Autosport Designs, Inc.
During this previous ownership, the 328 has been used only 10,000 kilometers in the past 18 years and has received sympathetic restoration work to the body due to stone chips from use and enjoyment. The interior is a testament to the care this 328 GTB has received, it is all original, its condition superb.
In September 2024, just prior to its importation to the United States by Autosport Designs, Inc., the GTB received a complete servicing including cam belts.
Freshly serviced and ready to be enjoyed, the 328 GTB comes complete with its original owner's manual and pouch as well as its complete ownership and service file. GTB's are extremely hard to find in this condition, having been cared for from new by Ferrari enthusiast owners-collectors, harder yet to find in a special ordered and distinctive color combination of Blu Medio Metallizato with Special ordered Cartier Red leather.
For more information visit the Autosport Designs website at: https://www.autosportdesigns.com/
