Estimated Price: £60,000 - £70,000

There was a time when the Ferrari 348 lived somewhat in the shadow of its successor, the F355. Today, however, enthusiasts are increasingly recognising the appeal of this distinctly analogue Ferrari, with its Pininfarina styling, gated manual gearbox and naturally aspirated V8 providing an attractive route into ownership of one of Maranello's most recognisable modern classics.

Introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1989, the 348 represented a significant departure from the outgoing 328. Its longitudinally mounted 3.4-litre V8, transverse five-speed gearbox and tubular steel chassis brought a new generation of engineering to Ferrari's junior supercar, whilst its dramatic side strakes and wide rear grille drew obvious inspiration from the Testarossa. Developing some 300bhp, the 348 offered genuine supercar performance accompanied by an unmistakable soundtrack and the mechanical involvement that enthusiasts increasingly seek.

The 348 TS, with its removable targa roof panel, offers the best of both worlds, retaining the elegant profile of the coupé whilst allowing open-air enjoyment of that wonderful V8. Add the celebrated open-gate manual gear change, unassisted steering and rear-wheel drive, and the result is a Ferrari that rewards its driver in a manner increasingly difficult to replicate in more modern machinery. This example is also fitted with a Tubi exhaust system, further enhancing the soundtrack of its naturally aspirated V8.

This particular example dates from 1990 and was supplied new by H.R. Owen of London, one of the UK's most established Ferrari dealerships. Finished in the quintessential Ferrari combination of Rosso over Crema leather, it displayed 77,040 miles at the time of cataloguing and will be returned to its original registration number prior to the sale. Importantly, it retains its original Ferrari service pack, with stamps from recognised specialists including Talacrest and Foskers at Brands Hatch, amongst others. These are complemented by a substantial history file containing further invoices, documenting regular maintenance since 1990. A fresh service and cambelt replacement are currently being undertaken and will be completed prior to the sale, providing additional reassurance for its next custodian.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the 348 today is its position within the wider Ferrari market. With values of desirable F355s having risen considerably, the price differential between the two has become increasingly difficult to ignore. The 348 offers much of the same fundamental Ferrari experience: a naturally aspirated V8 mounted behind the driver, a proper gated manual gearbox, striking Italian styling and that unmistakable sense of occasion. It remains one of the more accessible ways into Ferrari ownership from this evocative era.

With analogue Ferraris attracting increasing attention, could the 348 be the next to join the Ferrari bubble? Nobody can predict future values, but this extremely well-documented, UK-supplied 348 TS, makes a persuasive case for enjoying one of Maranello's most engaging modern classics whilst they remain comparatively affordable.