1992 Ferrari 348ts Targa Coupé
Registration no. CHZ 7348
Chassis no. ZFFKA36B000090382

First seen in prototype form in 1987, the Ferrari 348 entered production in 1989, replacing the immensely successful 328GTB/GTS as Maranello's latest V8-engined road car. 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 'tb' and 'ts' - trasversale berlinetta and trasversale spyder respectively - the 348 reverted to Ferrari's traditional GTB/GTS nomenclature part way through production. With its aerodynamic skirts, spoilers, minimal overhangs and distinctive Testarossa-style 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 left-hand drive Ferrari 348ts we offer was delivered new to France and serviced there up to 1998 by the French importer, Charles Pozzi. In 2002, the car was serviced by QV in London, and since then has been maintained by the lady vendor's father, who owned the car until he passed away in 2016. The most recent change of cam belts and associated hardware was carried out in May 2018 by Valoroso Race & Restoration Services (costing circa £2,900); however, we are advised that there is scope for improvement if desired. A sports exhaust system, engine start switch, colour-coded dashboard, Clifford alarm, and a battery isolator switch are the only notified deviations from factory specification. Finished in Rosso Corsa with black/red leather interior, the car is offered with sundry bills and a V5C Registration Certificate, as well as a fresh MOT with no advisories.