Ferrari 348 Convertible for Sale

The Ferrari 348 is a 2 seat mid-engine sports car powered by a ‎3.4 L Tipo F119 V8 engine. It replaced the 328 model in 1989 and remained in production until 1995. What makes the Ferrari 348 of particular significance is that it was the last V8 mid-engine model developed under the guidance of Enzo Ferrari himself.

The History of the Ferrari 348

Launched at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September 1989, the Ferrari 348 met with immediate, positive reviews. The 348 featured a 3.4 litre, normally aspirated engine which was a version of the quad-cam V8 featuring four valves per cylinder. The designation 348 was a reflection of the engine’s configuration: 34 denoting the displacement of 3.4 litres and the last digit, 8, the number of cylinders. The engine produced 300bhp. Mounted longitudinally it was coupled with a transverse five speed manual gearbox. The configuration derived much from the successful 312-T Ferraris developed for Formula 1 racing. The striking bodywork was designed by the famous house of Pininfarina.

The 348 TB (standing for Trasversale Berlinetta) was the coupé version. A Targa-bodied version was also available, designated the Ferrari 348 TS. A total of 2,895 Ferrari 348 TBs were produced, and 4,230 examples of the Ferrari 348 TS.

Special Editions of the Ferrari 348

Ferrari produced 100 cars in the Ferrari 348 TB and TS versions under the heading of the 348 Serie Speciale. These cars were of a limited edition for the United States market only and were produced between 1992 and 1993. For this limited edition the engine was modified to produce 312bhp at 7,200rpm. The rear track was widened and Pirelli P Zero tyres fitted. A shorter ratio of final drive was added, together with a free flow exhaust system. Ferrari claimed that the 0-60mph time was 5.3 seconds.

The Serie Speciale version of the Ferrari 348 also carried modifications to the bodywork, specifically a new front spoiler and grill featuring a chromed Ferrari prancing horse emblem. The taillight assembly was modified as was the rear grill which also sported the chromed prancing horse. Engine cover, bumpers and rocker panels were in a uniform colour with the rest of the bodywork. An interior option was leather Ferrari F40-style seats, although the standard for the 348 could also be ordered. The Serie Speciale cars bear a numbered plate on the passenger-side door post. a5 more of the series were produced in 1994.

The 348 Competizione was produced for the GT Championship, wearing a lighter body and with an F40-derived brakes system and altered suspension and exhaust. Only 50 were ever made.