1992 Ferrari

The Ferrari 348 TS (Trasversale Spider) is one of those cars that history has made more interesting, rather than less - it is now appreciated as something increasingly scarce: a compact, naturally aspirated Ferrari governed by little more than its driver’s hands, feet and judgement.

Unveiled at the 1989 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 348 succeeded the much-loved 328 and it was the final mid-engined V8 Ferrari developed during Enzo Ferrari’s lifetime.

Pininfarina gave the 348 a sharp and assertive form, the deep side strakes, concealed rear lamps and broad, squared-off tail deliberately echoed the Testarossa. Pop-up headlamps, matt-black lower bodywork and five-spoke wheels complete a design that now seems wonderfully evocative of its period without having lost its visual drama.

At its centre is Ferrari’s 3,405cc, naturally aspirated, quad-cam V8 producing 296 bhp at 7,200rpm. The engine is mounted longitudinally and drives through a transverse five-speed manual transmission, the latter giving rise to the “t” in the original 348 nomenclature.

Performance was serious by early-1990s standards: 0–62mph in 5.6 seconds and a maximum speed in excess of 171mph. Yet the numbers explain very little of the experience. There is no power steering, traction control or selectable driving mode to flatter the driver. The 348 asks to be driven properly, with smooth inputs and respect for its mid-engined balance. Removing the TS roof panel adds another dimension, opening the cabin to the engine note while retaining the elegant profile and structural intimacy of the berlinetta.

The collector market has begun to reassess the 348 in recent years - its gated manual transmission, naturally aspirated V8, unassisted steering and unmistakably 1990s Pininfarina design all have growing appeal in a market moving towards analogue, experience-led Ferraris.

While average cars remain available, recent sales show an increasingly pronounced premium for examples combining low mileage, few owners and originality.

That is what makes chassis 092131 such an unusual proposition. Finished in the archetypal pairing of Rosso Corsa with Crema hide, it has had just two owners and covered only 11,667 miles from new. For over two decades it was preserved in carefully managed, temperature and humidity-controlled conditions, protecting it from the deterioration so often associated with conventionally stored cars of this age.

Bell Sport & Classic has now undertaken a comprehensive mechanical recommissioning including engine out cam-belt service), methodically returning the car to active use after its extended period of preservation. The result combines the rarity and integrity of an exceptionally low-mileage 348 with the reassurance of recent specialist preparation.

Service History:

26.05.19921000 miles inspectionReg Vardy Specialist Car Division

19.03.1993Oil / filter change2,400 mlsReg Vardy Specialist Car Division

24.02.1994.12500 / belts service4,306 mlsReg Vardy Specialist Car Division

10.09.96.18750 / belt service9,255 mlsReg Vardy Specialist Car Division

28.09.2004Annual / belts service11,420 mlsLancaster Ferrari

31.03.2026Annual / belt service11,540 mlsBell Sport & Classic