First Time Owner 328 GTB

Ever since I was a child I dreamt of owning a Ferrari. I grew up during a golden age for Ferrari, the 1980’s, which saw the introduction of one incredible model after another; 288 GTO, testarossa, F40 and one of the best-loved models, the 328. But my parents were not car people. I grew up with Volvo’s and Honda’s. Before now, I had never even sat in a Ferrari.

Recently, my dream came true.

During my search, I considered a testarossa. The idea of owning a Ferrari flagship was intriguing but for now, where I am in life, it all seemed too much. And I knew the possibility of a random $10,000 repair bill on top of a $10,000 major would sour my wife’s support. Besides that, I came to the realization that I would use only 1/3 the power of the testarossa, never getting close to its top speed. I figured a 328 would get me 2/3 the experience of the testarossa with probably less than half the headache. In the end I had to decide if I wanted a spaceship or a cool car. I chose a cool car.

So far the 328 has been amazing. Upon site of it in the garage my friends either gasp or say an expletive. The driving experience has elicited nothing but smiles and warm feelings. Though the power is not huge below 4000 rpm, once that threshold is passed the power comes on strong and the speed limit is quickly exceeded. I now understand why some people think the power in the new models is almost too much. The 328 seems just right for my non-track use.

I was helped during the research and buying process by several members of this board. I want to thank Rifledriver for answering some basic technical questions and Mike328 for helping me better understand the 328 and guide me in what to look for.

I hope to contribute much to the Ferrari Chat community in the future with pictures, technical help, and personal observations. So, without further adieu, here are some pictures.

-F
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Congratulations to another GTB owner! Car looks great!

 

Congratulations on your purchase. Looks like a good, clean example from the photos. You are going to love the 328. Now get out and drive it!!!!

 

Congratulations twice for you have bought a GTB.

 

a nice car. you made a great decision. the 328 is one of the prettiest shapes EVER!!

 

Very sharp - love the early wheels especially.

And I agree 100% with your comments on power. The 328/348 may have been the last Ferrari road cars that you can really push past the 50% level on normal roads.

EDIT: I remember that car at Motorcars. They had it in stock for a while, which amazed me, considering the condition - maybe because of winter? They also had stunning a black/crema that was even tempting me to swap cars. Anyway, great car. Glad you bought that one.

 

Congratulations on picking a great first (or anytime) Ferrari.

My first was an 88 328 GTB, same colors as yours. Very fun car. Wish I still had it, for sure. IMHO the GTB is a much better looking car than the GTS.

Have a lot of fun with it, and good luck!

What is your Serial Number?

 

Congrats!
And I'm going to download that last photo!

 

Congrats! Ditto on the GTB choice.

 

I've never been the biggest fan of red Ferraris, but anyone who picks up a 308 or 328 that has B after the GT is OK in my book. Well done! One of the best looking cars ever & a fine ride as well!

 

Very nice. congratulations!

 

cool car ! i really love the sleeping bag !!

 

GTB very cool car. Congratulations.

 

Congrats on your purchase. Great choice with the GTB. It not might be the fastest, but going through the twisties, its neutral balance & driver feedback just puts a smile on your face.

Enjoy

 

Congratulations. Special day!

 

Congratulations and welcome to the GTB club, a small but passionate group.

 

Beautiful.....great choice!

 

Plus it's dermatologist-approved.

 

After I posted this I went out and did just that. Highway and twisties. It does both well.

*67033 Basically right after the recalls. What was the serial number of the GTB you owned? I know of all US Red/Tan 328 GTB and I am pretty familiar with the Red/Black versions as well.

There are now four in Colorado. We are planning some kind of get together this summer. Hopfully we won't cause a convergence in the Force.

-F

 

Congrats on your new Ferrari. The 328 is an excellent car. Enjoy it in good health.

 

Furman, I noticed that you're a product designer. I studied ID at Pratt; have been designing museum exhibitions for 25 years. The GTB is really an exceptional form; enjoy!

 

Congratulations!!!

I have had my 1988 328 GTB for 7 years and 18,000 miles. I never tire of the look- still think it is the best looking car ever. I once read an article in Forza about 328s: To paraphrase, based on its looks, relative ease of maintanance, and overall great performance, they are like Coca-cola- just perfect.

I find it interesting you have different colors for the 328 and GTB on the back of your car- this was common in 308s, but 328s were pretty uniform in its black color.

Enjoy,

Dan

 

"67033 Basically right after the recalls. What was the serial number of the GTB you owned? I know of all US Red/Tan 328 GTB and I am pretty familiar with the Red/Black versions as well."

My car was 76140. Bought it in PA in April of '96, traded it to Ferrari of Dallas on a 95 F355B in April of '98.

 

Congratulations. I am currently saving-up for a 328GTB.

 

That's interesting, my early GTB (61015) has silver/white 328, and black/white GTB badging, the opposite of your car, Furman.