The Spider was also one of the very last versions of the 348. If you like the later-years body colour skirts, the chrome horse on the back, the updated chassis, etc. then the Spider will guarantee that. Also, rarity as you and others have stated. Not so easy to find a TS of the very last years of production, and in Europe you also have the GTS models to choose from.
For a mint RHD 348 Spider in the most desired colours (red + crema) - it wouldn't surprise me to see these at £100k within 3 years at this rate.
Or buy a sofftop: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/348-355-sponsored-bradan/151464-g-ts-owners-great-softtop.html
my vote is for the series speciale, but that's why they made the berlinetta, TS and spider, something for everyone's taste! Image Unavailable, Please Login
Looked at all of them and went for a TS for very specific reasons - they're just so flexible, you can choose what you want depending on what you're doing. These are all my girl: Love the lines of the TB? Not a problem with a red targa: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2048573&stc=1&d=1427826063 Want a more traditional TS look? Go for the black targa: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2048574&stc=1&d=1427826162 Like a soft top or want to be able to put the seats all the way back but carry a roof? Get a foldable soft top: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2048575&stc=1&d=1427826162 ....which allows you to get the open air Ferrari feel and drive around in my favourite configuration while not risking getting caught out in a shower: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2048576&stc=1&d=1427826162 The TB and Spider are very good, but I got a TS because it does it all. You get some fresh air but I've had the roof off at 150mph on the runways where I work and it's blowy but fine. At the end of the day they are all great - get the one YOU want. BTW the black targa is a 355 roof - they don't leak Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
You can PM me (and I speak french like you) if you want some info about the black Spider listed at 55 K € in Belgium (I've seen it). I was after a black 348 TS (or GTS) and nothing else (no TB, no 355, no 360) recently and had quite a comfy budget (like you do). Yet it was very hard to find in Europe: had to go far away to find it. A black 348 GTS in Europe is nearly "unobtainium" but with 55 K € you may find one. I eventually found my low-mileage black 348 TS (not nero 1240 but nero 901/C) in France and it was way less than 55 K €. I just looked on autoscout24.eu (cars listed in Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Austria, etc. but not UK) now : out of about a hundred 348s there's exactly one black 348 TS (and three black TBs) listed and it has 85 K kilometers and doesn't have its stock wheels. So indeed it may prove a bit challenging to find a black 348 TS :-/ I don't know the exact numbers but I think only a few hundreds (400 ? 300 ?) black 348 TS were produced. Handling update was done early 1992 didn't it? Don't know the exact chassis number but I think it was before 1993. I think mid 1992 348 already have it. I drove a GTB and compared to my TS, you don't really feel the 20 hp difference. Actually the GTB has less torque at low RPM. I prefer the way the TS drives (but the GTB/GTS are better value than a TB/TS). Regarding the look: I prefer the TS. I hesitated with the Spider, which I think will prove to be a better investment, but to me the TS just look so much better than the Spider. So I don't think the "handling updates" or "20 more hp but less torque" or "last of line" are what makes the "best investment". The reason the Spider will probably prove to be a better investment is: less than four times as few produced than the TS. The one I really wanted was the TS, so I got that one and not the Spider. From your post you seem to prefer the TS: go with what your heart tell you : ) Here's a pic of mine... Image Unavailable, Please Login
Thanks for your thoughts. I tried last week to buy the black 348 Spider at Ferrari Francorchamps in Belgium, but it was sold. I can imagine that you perhaps can't feel the extra 20 BHP of the GTB/GTS, even when coupled with the lower weight (-20Kg or -50Kg depending on sources) due to the body structure being redesigned for more stiffness and lower weight. For me, it's more about the higher 7800 rpm redline (gives some of the joy of the 355) and just knowing that you've got the last-of-line model with all the upgrades and enhancements. I am trained as an automotive engineer and I get passionate about the little technical details! Anyway, I think I've now finally found my 348! I agreed on terms with the seller yesterday and tomorow it is passing PPI at Ferrari... As soon as the car passes PPI and the sale is secured, then I'll post on the forum!
