Estimated Price: £40,000 - £45,000
First seen in prototype form in 1987, the Ferrari 348 entered production in 1989, replacing the immensely successful 328 GTB/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 road holding.
With its aerodynamic skirts, spoilers, minimal overhangs, and distinctive Testarossa-style grille slats feeding air to side-mounted radiators, the stocky 348 looked very much like a scaled-down Testarossa and, with around 300bhp available and a top speed of around 170mph, gave little away in terms of outright performance to its larger, 12-cylinder sibling. In 1993, a more powerful (320bhp) open roadster was introduced, the 348 Spider. The first two-seat Ferrari convertible since the Daytona Spider, the 348 Spider did away with the GTS' prominent roll-over bar, Targa-type removable roof panel and small side windows for a more minimal look. Spider production ceased in 1995 after only 1,090 had been built.
Finished in the marque's iconic Rosso Corsa, this left-hand drive, 348 Spider was manufactured in February 1994, as confirmed by an accompanying letter from Ferrari S.p.A. in Maranello. Imported from Japan by our vendor and first registered in the UK on 1st August 2018, it has remained in his ownership ever since and the accompanying UK V5C records no former registered keepers.
In December 2023, at 45,227 kilometres, the car underwent an annual service to manufacturer's specification at Ferrari Birmingham (Graypaul) including cambelt replacement. Additional work carried out at the same time included replacement camshaft oil seals and cam cover gaskets, spark plugs, front brake pads and brake fluid. The accompanying invoices total £5,276, with the car having covered fewer than 50 kilometres since.
At the time of cataloguing, the odometer displayed just 45,253km (28,119 miles), a notably low figure for a 32-year-old Ferrari. The history file contains the aforementioned service invoice, previous MOT Certificates, supporting import paperwork and the Ferrari factory confirmation letter verifying the chassis number and production date. Offered with a fresh MOT until July 2027 issued with no advisories.
Much admired for its purity and usability, the 348 Spider represents an increasingly collectable example of one of Ferrari's most engaging analogue V8 models. We encourage your inspection at our BRDC Collectors' Car Sale.
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