1989 Ferrari 348
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Year of manufacture1989
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Chassis number0082453
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Engine numberF119D040
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Lot number62
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DriveLHD
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ConditionUsed
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Number of seats2
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Location
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Exterior colourOther
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Drivetrain2wd
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Fuel typePetrol
Description
3,550 miles from new; left-hand drive
1989 Ferrari 348ts Targa Coupé
Registration no. to be advised
Chassis no. 0082453
Engine no. F119D040
First seen in prototype form in 1987, the Ferrari 348 entered production in 1989, replacing the immensely successful 328GTB/GTS. Mid-engined like its predecessor, the 348 differed by mounting its four-valves-per-cylinder, quad-cam V8 engine - now enlarged to 3.4 litres - longitudinally, enabling it to be positioned lower in the chassis. Another new departure was the transversely mounted five-speed gearbox - a spin-off from Ferrari's contemporary Formula 1 technology - which enabled weight to be concentrated within the wheelbase, thereby further improving the already brilliant roadholding. Initially typed 'ts' and 'tb' - trasversale berlinetta and trasversale spyder - the 348 reverted to Ferrari's traditional GTB/GTS nomenclature part way through production. With its aerodynamic skirts, spoilers, minimal overhangs and distinctive gill slats feeding air to side-mounted radiators, the stocky 348 looked very much like a scaled-down Testarossa and, with around 300bhp on tap and a top speed of 170mph, gave little away in terms of outright performance to its larger, 12-cylinder sibling. Production ceased in 1994 after 8,745 348s of all types had been built.
The Ferrari 348ts we offer was manufactured in 1989 and is one of the first off the production line. First registered in the summer of 1990 in Florida, USA, it was purchased by the previous owner in 1990 directly from the supplying dealership and then imported into Germany. While there the Ferrari was driven on temporary plates and not registered until 2013. The previous owner was the proprietor of Kia/Mazda Autohaus dealerships where the Ferrari was serviced annually. Stored and used infrequently, the car has covered a mere 3,550 miles from new or approximately 150 miles per year.
Presented in factory original condition, this is a true 'time warp' example and even retains the original Bridgestone tyres fitted in 1989. The interior is like new, with the 'new car' smell still present, while all the nuts and bolts on the underside still have the gold-coloured plating on them. As one would expect, this car comes with its original tool kit, leather holder, all user manuals and service book.
MoT'd until January 2016, the 348 has just been serviced at the Ferrari main dealership in Colchester, Essex and will be returning there immediately prior to sale for a recommended cam belt change. The car has been thoroughly inspected by Ferrari Colchester's chief technician and the recorded mileage verified as genuine. He confirms this in an accompanying letter, which also states that this is the finest 348 he has ever worked on.
The car's early history is supported by the original US title, which shows that it was exported to Germany in the summer of 1990 while still brand new. The German TüV and title are present also, recording the Ferrari's first registration on German plates in 2013. UK registration has been applied for and the process should have been completed by time of sale. Unique and factory fresh, this 'time warp' 348ts is truly one of a kind.