Lot 201 - 1994 Ferrari 348 Spider

The Ferrari 348 is a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive V8 powered two-seat sports car replacing the 328 in 1989 and continuing until 1995. Badged 348TB for the coupé (Berlinetta) and 348TS (Spider) for the targa versions, it features a naturally aspirated 3.4 litre version of the quad-cam, four valve per cylinder engine which was originally found in the 288GTO. As with its predecessors, the model number was derived from this configuration with the first two digits being the displacement and the third being the number of cylinders. The engine, which produced 300bhp, was mounted longitudinally and coupled to a transverse manual gearbox similar to the Mondial T with which the 348 shared many components. The ‘T’ in the model name TB and TS refers to the transverse position of the gearbox. The 348 was equipped with a dry-sump oil system to prevent oil starvation at high speeds and during hard cornering. The oil level can only be accurately checked on the dip-stick when the motor is running due to this setup. The 348 was also fitted with adjustable ride height suspension and a removable rear subframe to speed up the removal of the engine for maintenance.

This striking Ferrari was originally supplied on 2nd August 1994 and has been well maintained throughout its 57,000 miles. The yellow paintwork is in good order as is the black leather interior. The engine fired up immediately when requested on our demonstration and the manual gearbox operated as it should, smooth and efficiently. The V8 engine on a 348 is a familiar sound and contributes towards making this a fun car to drive. The hood operated correctly and the impression is this is a perfectly useable example. Supplied with a V5C registration document and a current MoT test certificate valid until 18th June 2018 (no advisories), together with the original service books and an interesting number plate; offered for sale at a very reasonable estimate given the quality of this Ferrari.