348 Zagato Elaborazione | FerrariChat

348 Zagato Elaborazione

Discussion in '348/355' started by Moca, Apr 20, 2007.

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  1. Moca

    Moca Formula 3

    Feb 3, 2007
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    Peter
    #1 Moca, Apr 20, 2007
    Between 1991 and '92, a number of 348's had their original Pininfarina bodywork extensively modified by carrozzeria Zagato of Milan. Due to legislative restrictions on crashworthiness, Zagato weren't able to modify the engine, running gear or chassis of the stock 348, so they instead focused solely on the aesthetics. A re-working rather than a traditional re-body meant Zagato's creation came to be known as the Elaborazione.

    The front bumper was more rounded than Pininfarina's initial design and set a theme that would continue throughout. It housed a fake central grille that could be specified as either oval or square, this being flanked by lights sunk into the surrounding panel. A lightweight aluminium bonnet featured two NACA ducts carved out from beneath the windscreen while the roof had Zagato's trademark ‘Double Bubble’ treatment that provided a slight gain in cockpit headroom. A distinctive new engine cover was fabricated from alloy and featured a clear glass screen similar to those seen on Willy Koenig's Testarossa convertibles and more recently, Pininfarina's 360. Zagato could never have retained those heavily stylised engine vents from the stock 348 that were such an obvious Pininfarina trademark, the Milanese designers blending two substantial NACA ducts into the doors to help cool the engine.

    The tail treatment saw a trio of circular pods located each side of the facia while an electronically-operated spoiler featured Ferrari and Zagato graphics that only became visible when raised. Other interesting features were custom OZ Racing split rim alloy wheels, external fuel filler caps and three-inch rear view TV monitors plumbed into the cabin. The cockpit itself was thoroughly redesigned and came trimmed almost exclusively in suede. Overall, the Elaborazione was a curious mix of cues but was nevertheless immediately recognisable as the work of Zagato. A production run of 22 was originally planned although we are unsure if this number was ever reached.

    300 bhp at 7,200 rpm; 88 bhp/litre
    Top speed: 325 km/h

    http://autowp.ru/pictures/ferrari_348_elaborazione_by_zagato/autowp.ru_ferrari_348_elaborazione_by_zagato_1.jpg
    http://www.ferrari-collection.net/Zagato/z1.jpg
    http://www.ferrari-collection.net/Zagato/z2.jpg
    http://www.ferrari-collection.net/Zagato/z8.jpg
    http://www.ferrari-collection.net/Zagato/z4.jpg
    http://www.ferrari-collection.net/Zagato/z5.jpg
    http://www.ferrari-collection.net/Zagato/z6.jpg
    http://www.ferrari-collection.net/Zagato/z9.jpg
     
  2. fxdwgs

    fxdwgs Formula 3

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    #2 fxdwgs, Apr 20, 2007
    In my humble opinion I thing the original is the nicer of the two.
    It has more personality.

    This one looks more like a jap to me.

    //B//
     
  3. IanMac

    IanMac Formula 3

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    #3 IanMac, Apr 20, 2007
    I think the standard 348 looks better. This one has a bit of a kit car look IMO.
     
  4. Moca

    Moca Formula 3

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    #4 Moca, Apr 20, 2007
    Yes, i think it too. Zagato's one is too futuristic for me, and dont like the whole front bumper anyway. But the top speed (320 km/h) sounds intresting.
     
  5. GTE

    GTE F1 World Champ

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    #5 GTE, Apr 20, 2007
    But the question remains (and I have posted a thread about this before): where are they now?!?
     
  6. Moca

    Moca Formula 3

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    #6 Moca, Apr 20, 2007
    So this is a repost, Damn :( They're planned to product 22 pieces, but made just a few. Don't find any custom photos on the web ...
     
  7. snj5

    snj5 F1 World Champ

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    #7 snj5, Apr 20, 2007
    There is a Road Test of the 348 Zagato in Sports Car International, July 1991 available in the Brookland Books Gold Portfolio Series on the 308/328/Mondial 1986-1994

    I think this was when Will Castro was working for Zagato, as it is shown with a TV in the central console that can be switched from TV to a rear view. IN 1991!
     
  8. wingfeather

    wingfeather F1 Rookie

    Feb 1, 2007
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    #8 wingfeather, Apr 20, 2007
    Interesting. Those lights would make more sense on a Spider (they look like spider eyes).
     
  9. IanMac

    IanMac Formula 3

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    #9 IanMac, Apr 20, 2007
    Maybe it remains because you didn't ask the question in your post! ;)
     
  10. plugzit

    plugzit F1 Veteran
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    #10 plugzit, Apr 20, 2007
    Interesting car. I think the sales below the projected build number speaks to the public acceptance of the design. There appear to be no performance enhancements, therefore what you have is Zagato customizing a Pininfarina design. Coming from different schools of design, the car looks somewhat kitcarish, IMO.
     
  11. No Doubt

    No Doubt Seven Time F1 World Champ

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    #11 No Doubt, Apr 20, 2007
    You can see Zagato's work on the 348 in later Ferrari's. The electronically-operated rear spoiler of Zagato's 348 was used on the Enzo. The glass engine bonnet was used on the 360 and 430.

    The 348 Elaborazione front nose influenced the 355, as did the side treatment.

    Zagato replaced the sticky plastic center console on the 348 with leather, same shape otherwise, but that's a nice look. I may do that to mine.
     
  12. GTE

    GTE F1 World Champ

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    #12 GTE, Apr 20, 2007
  13. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Nine Time F1 World Champ
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    #13 PAP 348, Apr 20, 2007
    I DONT like that car!! :):)
     
  14. Lemke

    Lemke F1 Rookie

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    #14 Lemke, Apr 20, 2007
    It looks ok at best. The front bumper is terrible.
     
  15. GTE

    GTE F1 World Champ

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    #15 GTE, Apr 20, 2007
    it isn't pretty in the esthectic sense of the word, but still, I find it a fascinating car. Which has probably more to do with the mystery surrounding it. No one seems to know for sure how many there were built, who bought them and were they are know. Very rarely one shows up at a show or anything, but they never get spotted.
     

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