1991 Ferrari 348TS

Highlights 

• Original spec

• V8 engine with five-speed manual gearbox

• Good service history

• Low mileage

• Appreciating model

Overview

Give a child a bunch of crayons and ask them to draw a sports car and it will likely be a derivative of one of Maranello's many magnificent machines, such is the significance of their cultural standing. There's just something so inherently evocative about a feisty Italian red head, and the 348 is no different. 

Bright red paintwork – check. Sleek Leonardo Fioravanti lines – check. Sumptuous leather interior – check. V8 engine – check. Gated five-speed manual – check. Pop-up headlights – check. Just a few of these characteristics would be enough to tickle many an aficionado's fancy, but all of them together? Sign us up.

Somewhat unfairly regarded (mostly by those without much of a clue when it comes to such matters) as a bit of a filler in Ferrari’s overall oeuvre, the 348, despite causing quite the stir upon its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1989, received a rather brutal character assassination by the press in period, when in reality the 348 is actually an incredibly capable and really rather handsome member of the Italian automaker's historic line-up. 

Existing in the shadow of the 355 that replaced it, the 348 remains incredibly good value today and just one look at the rather eye-watering prices of decent 355s will have most Ferrari fans running for the far more affordable hills where its older brother currently resides.

The final V8 Ferrari developed under Enzo himself, the 348 was available as a coupé (TB) or a Targa (TS) with a full on Spider joining the ranks in '93. Developing 300bhp from its all-alloy V8 the 348 can hit 60mph from parked in less than five-and-a-half seconds and will keep on going to 171mph flat out, and while these figures may not be as impressive as some other Ferrari models, the beauty of the 348 is that all of its power is usable, making you feel like a true hero every time you fully exploit the loud pedal.

This particular 1991 TS example retains all of those characteristics we listed above, presents well overall and is mechanically sound. There are a few blemishes to the paintwork here and there commensurate with the car's age but no real damage or signs of rust. The original wheels are present and correct and, aside from a few small marks, are in great shape.

The condition of the interior is, again, in keeping with the age and mileage of the car and carries some notable patina, especially to the driver's side, but everything is accounted for and works as it should.

Rest equals rust, as the old adage goes, and it's important to remember that a car that’s hardly been used is more likely to give problems than one that has been driven on the regular.

History and documentation

• Good service history with original service book showing inspections at the following intervals: service at 6,129 miles (1991 – Ferrari specialist), service at 12,793 miles (1992 – Ferrari specialist), service at 19,500 miles (1993 – Ferrari specialist), service at 21,920 miles (1994 – Ferrari specialist), service at 22,197 miles (1995 – Ferrari specialist), service at 22,840 miles (1996 – Ferrari specialist), service + cam belt at 26,519 miles (2001 – Ferrari specialist), service at 32,887 miles (2005 – Ferrari specialist), service + cam belt at 35,358 miles (2007 – Ferrari specialist), service at 36,687 miles (2008 – Ferrari specialist), service at 39,336 miles (2010), service + cam belt and tensioners at 43,003 miles (2013 - Ferrari specialist), service + cam belt and engine frame repair at 46,127 miles (2020 – Ferrari specialist)

• There also looks to be a couple of stamps for services in the book between 1996 and 2001 which are obscured by later additions that have been stapled in

• There is a mileage discrepancy in the MOT history which shows a decrease in recorded mileage between the 2018 and 2019 tests

• Some invoices from Ferrari specialists

• The seller tells us that further service work has been completed under his ownership, including: 2020 - subframe removed and repainted,
  2021 - carbs rebuilt, new fuel pipes and oil cooler pipes,
  2023/2024 - new clutch slave cylinder

• In current ownership for fifteen years, and selling due to limited use in recent years

• HPI clear

• First registered on 15 Mar 1991

• V5C present and correct

• Original book pack and warranty card

• Advisory-free MOT until 19 May 2026

• 47,870 miles

Interior

• Original cream leather interior in decent condition but showing signs of wear, most notably to the driver's seat 

• All gauges and switchgear fully functional

• No signs of water ingress

• Dashboard and door cards intact

• Original tool kit

• Retains its factory stickers and plates

• Some deterioration to the centre console covering

• Some areas could use a refresh but it wouldn’t put you off driving it in the short term

Exterior

• Stunning red paintwork

• Pop-up lights fully functional

• Original 17” alloy wheels in decent condition with only a few marks to speak of

• Kumho Ecsta SPT tyres all round with plenty of tread

• All badges present and correct

• Removable Targa roof fits well and remains in good condition

• All shut lines appear to be straight and true

• All glasswork looks to be in good order

• Clean underneath 

• No obvious signs of damage or rust

Mechanical

• Original spec car

• 3.4-litre, 300bhp V8

• Five-speed gated manual gearbox

• 0-60mph in 5.4secs

• 171mph top speed

• New clutch in 2023

• Sounds great

• Starts, runs and stops well 

Summary

While this particular 348 may not be a concours-level show pony, what it very much is, is an incredibly usable example that you wouldn't, and shouldn't be afraid to enjoy. After all, what use is owning a Ferrari if you're not going to kick it in the guts at every available opportunity?

This appreciating classic then could be a bit of a bargain, not to mention a shrewd investment that can be fettled back to its early nineties best should you wish. A tempting proposition indeed.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Birmingham.