The Ferrari 348 wasn’t as bad!

http://drivesmagazine.com/the-ferrari-348-wasnt-as-bad/


Ask Ferrari enthusiasts — or, really, car enthusiasts — to name the most unimpressive Ferrari models, and you’re bound to turn up two usual answers: the Mondial and the 348. I generally agree with the sentiment about the Mondial, but I’ve decided I can no longer allow the 348 to receive this negative reputation that I deeply believe it doesn’t deserve.


Why do I believe this? Because I’ve driven the 348, and I know it isn’t as bad as most people (who haven’t driven it) say it is. To provide my point, I recently borrowed one from Performance Auto Wholesalers in Miami to drive it again, this time in front of whatever cheap video equipment I use, so that I could make my case for the 348 — and why it’s better than you think.


So to get started with the 348, let me give you a brief overview. The 348 came out in 1989, and it was offered as a coupe (348tb, later 348 GTB), a full convertible (348 Spider) or a targa-topped model with a lift-off roof (348ts, later 348 GTS), which is the version I drove. The 348 was sold from 1989 to 1994, the third model in Ferrari’s highly popular midengine V8 line, which started in 1977 with the 308. The 348 debuted after the 328 and before the much-loved and highly appreciated F355.


This brings me to my first point: The 348 suffers from “middle child syndrome.” Essentially stuck between the early, iconic 308 and the later models with higher performance (F430, 458 Italia), the 348 isn’t viewed as a great performer, like later versions, or a particularly attractive car, like earlier models with their increasingly appreciated wedge shapes. The result is that the 348 is the least expensive of all V8-powered Ferrari models — a line that now spans eight generations — with asking prices routinely in the $50,000-$70,000 range.


And yet, an objective look at the 348 shows it probably doesn’t deserve this fate. Sure, the 348 isn’t as attractive as the gorgeous 308 — but it’s objectively better in every way, with improved handling, a nicer interior, more equipment and stronger performance. Much stronger performance: The 308 had just 235 horsepower, it did zero to 60 in something like 7.8 seconds, and it could only hit 140 miles per hour. The 348 upped that to 300 horses, a 5.6-second 0-to-60 time and a top speed of 171 mph — all figures that remain respectable today.


But the 348’s benefits go beyond its numbers on paper. Get in the thing and actually drive and you’ll find that the seating position is nowhere near as compromised as it is in earlier Ferrari models — and it’s not that hard to climb inside or get out. Visibility is decent, too, even to the rear when you’re driving the thing. And everything feels a lot more modern than it does inside the vintage 308.


The real selling point of the 348, to me, though, is its driving experience. I love the thing. Its 0-to-60 time of 5.6 seconds might not seem all that fast, but it feels like it’s blasting off, since you’re so close to the road and since the engine is making all its loud noises right behind your head. More importantly, handling is great for a car from its era: Steering isn’t power-assisted, so you have the feeling you’re doing everything yourself and are fully connected to the road — something you’re missing in later models like the 360 and the F430. Yes, it takes a little work to drive the 348, with the gated shifter, and the heavy clutch, but that’s also true of the Testarossa — a car whose values have recently shot up. And with modern cars getting so easy to drive, the Testarossa and 348 prove that doing a little work behind the wheel can actually be fun.


And then we get back to styling. No, the 348 isn’t the most handsome car — I admit that. But there are a few things I’ve always appreciated about it. Most obvious are the side strakes that run down the doors — a crazy feature also used in the Testarossa, and one that gives these cars a highly distinctive look. I can’t quite understand why they’re prized in the Testarossa, but they’re considered “outdated” in the 348.


I’ve also always loved the 348’s wide stance; it has the low-slung, ultra-wide exotic-car look you’d expect to see from, well, an exotic car. And then there’s the 355 thing: Most people love the styling of the F355, the 348’s successor, but they hate the look of the 348. If you’re in that crowd, consider this: Did you know the two cars have mostly interchangeable body panels? I’m serious. You can swap the 355’s doors right on over to the 348, along with several other items. The “gorgeous” 355 isn’t really as different from the “outdated” 348 as you might think.


Anyway, I don’t think the 348 deserves to be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars or to be considered a classic Ferrari on the level of a Daytona or Dino. But I do think it’s undervalued and underappreciated — and I think it deserves a little more respect. Hopefully, now, you do, too.

 

I agree 100%

 

If I couldn’t afford a proper V8 mid engined 4 seat Ferrari, my next best choice may well be a 348 too, especially a GTB or comp’ [emoji12]

That aside, I think the relative (to the P car etc) issue has been the performance v’s on edge handling of the earlier series cars. Hence the modifications to track width etc. There is also the expectation that a Ferrari will be in a different league to all others (always found this odd as 911 variants often out performed 308-328 cars) and around the 348 came a rise of other cars that were in a similar looking role and performance envelope - even the MR2 turbo - some with much lower purchase and service costs. (Note I say performance, not handling necessarily).

Yes F reused a lot of 355 aspects - good business sense, but the new rebodying wasn’t primarily/solely marketing. The aero work, especially underneath was a significant departure. Same ref the 5 valve alternative to VVT, as a new approach to performance. And the performance increase was a step up from the 348 putting F firmly at the top of the field. Whilst the 5 Col piece had legs a little longer, the 360 perhaps saw the biggest shift in aero - closed decks, flush lights, and a further push into performance gains from none engine aspects.

That said, they still couldn’t package it right to fit in 4 seats!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Here's the original source, without the spam.

https://www.autotrader.com/car-video/heres-why-ferrari-348-better-you-think-268470

And I'm a diehard 348 fan, so it doesn't need any apologies e.g. "wasn't that bad".

Oh, and since the "two cars have mostly interchangeable body panels", I'd put 348 body parts on the 355.

 

+1 the 348 is the more interesting and better looking of the two. I always thought they watered down the design when the 355 came out.

 

Even if it is by Doug DeMuro, the article is on point.

 

Considering he borrowed a car from a wholesaler for a stroll in Miami... If he'd picked a premium example for a spirited drive through some "sports car" roads, his response would be "OMG!!! This car is so freakin' awesome!!!!"

 

One of my techs just bought a 348 ts for about 36k usd. It was advertised here for almost a month..no takers. Please tell me why? It needed the timing belt replaced, and also the clutch was due..but a Ferrari for 36k..posted for sale on this site didn't sell, yet it's a great car? Please explain..

 

Fine article! And he's genuinely enthusiastic about the car in his video.

 

I concur.

 

It was red?

Just kidding. The car looks fantastic, and great for him. I know he's loving it!

Oh, and to answer you question, the seller was asking $62K. Had it been lasted at $49k it would have sold right away. Oddly, your tech bought it for $36K? That's a huge [unadvertised] drop in just a few days.

 

Wrong car. It was listed here for 36k usd..of 46k Canadian funds.

 

Okay, I missed that one.

So yeah, sounds like someone got a great deal. Canadian car? I have one as well. In my opinion, it's the best variant of the N.A. models.

 

We give up.....why?

 

Same

 

Lol

 

I might be missing the point. I'm guessing the seller didn't have the funds to get the car in proper shape and subsequently undersold it. Is it not a great car? Did it not sell because 348's are no good?

 

36k US is still about $48,000-$49,000 CDN, so I don't see what the issue is.

 

Far from it. He also owns a beautiful countach I posted pictures of in the lambo section. That car is also available for sale. The owner is moving on to other interests..he is cutting down the fleet.

 

Then it sounds more like he's priced it for quick sale

 

I think is because it wasn't a US federalized car. It was a Canadian model, IIRC, with the speedo in kilometers and not miles. It's a bit of a pain to get cars federalized here. So that is probably why there was no takers in the US?????

 

I love my 348 spyder for a number of reasons.

First of all my wife gave it to me for my birthday. I had expressed a desire to own a fly yellow 348 spyder. She scoured the country to find a really nice one. Fly yellow 348 spyders are hard to find. She purchased this car a few years back when they were at their lowest value. It was advertised at $39,000.00. Now it needed a major service and tires. She had a ppi done by a very highly regarded independent. While not perfect it passed with flying colors. No previous accident activity, excellent car fax verifying millage of 24,xxx. My wife is not someone you would want to deal against having been in the car business for over 20 years. She offered 25k cash including shipping from the point of purchase to Seattle. She gave the seller 4 hours to accept or decline as she was also looking at another which she forwarded photos and location. She got a call in 2 hours accepting the offer. We all know the 348 has moved up a few points in the last few years and by all indicators they will continue their upward movement. That is always nice to have happen for any collector car.

What I love about my 348 is that its the last real man's Ferrari, no paddle shifters, no electronic suspension, and no power steering You feel this car the minute it is started. You can feel and hear the engine both in the seat and behind you. It shifts easy and sharply, the clutch is positive and easy to engage. The steering is tight and requires a little effort as you start moving. Once you have acquired a bit of speed the steering is very positive and you have a real feel for the road, which is perfect for higher speeds.
I am no longer a wild and crazy guy at 75, but I have driven my 348 briefly to 135 mph. I was in Eastern Washington long straight 2 lane roads NO traffic, and it was an incredible experience. The engine was singing to me and the car ran straight as string. It was an incredible moment not to be relived as I mentioned at 75 the reflexes don't allow an old man to do many more stupid things.

I do have a couple of issues with the 348. One is the transmission shifting when cold. 2nd gear is a bear when cold. So Skip 2nd for a couple of miles until the oil is warmed up. The battery is damn near impossible to service without of lift. Don't get caught in a rain storm with the top down. You need an Italian engineer to help putting it up. Oh yes, that damn sticky crap they put on the interior, a real pain but fixable.

We did do the major, tires, alignment, brakes just normal wear and tear things. In the summer my 348 is my daily driver. It has provided me with trouble free driving, decent gas millage, an a ton of driving pleasure. At 24 years old and 31k this car is still quiet, squeekless, rattle free and very tight suspension. Not bad for a 24 yo used car, that's appreciating a few dollars at a time.

Happy Motoring 348 fraternity, secretly the others envy us ,

tr0768

 

Awesome!

 

Because it needed the work, and it was in Canada. Repairs + importing/shipping + taxes and suddenly it's not a $36k car anymore.

 

The car would have been over 25 years old so that doesn’t matter.