1986 Ferrari 328 GTS

Debuted at the 1985 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Ferrari 328 was the second model in Ferrari's long and popular line of mid-engine V8 sports cars, continuing through to the present day 488 GTB. The 328 was the replacement for the popular 308, and featured notable performance and design advancements over the outgoing model.

Under the engine cover is the same transversely-mounted, fuel-injected V8 from the Ferrari 308 Quattrovalvole, with an increase in displacement. By increasing both bore and stroke, the 'quattrovalvole's capacity was raised to 3,186cc which, together with a higher compression ratio, revised pistons, and an improved Marelli engine management system, lifted maximum power to 270bhp at 7,000rpm. Top speed was raised to within a whisker of 160mph (258km/h) and 60mph arrived from a standing start in 5.5 seconds.

A significant difference from the 308 is the use of galvanized steel, which greatly reduces potential rust problems compared to its forebear, however beneath the skin, the tubular steel chassis remained much as before, with all-round independent suspension by double wishbones, four-wheel servo-assisted disc brakes, and aluminium-alloy wheels, though the latter were increased in size. The interior too had come in for some subtle revision and now featured improved instruments, switchgear, and heating.

The iconic Leonardo Fioravanti-designed body was updated for a smoother, more contemporary appearance with integrated bumpers and revised cooling ducts, resulting in a more cohesive and streamlined profile. Pininfarina built two variants of this mid-engine sportscar, the Gran Turismo Berlinetta Coupe and the Gran Turismo Spider, featuring a removable Targa top. The GTS offered an exhilarating open-air driving experience and afforded the driver and their fortunate passenger unbridled access to the unmistakable sound of the dry-sump Ferrari V8. In the short four year run of the 328, 6,068 examples were produced, a great success which, combined with the success and popularity of the 308, ensured the position of the mid-engine V8 in Ferrari's permanent stable.

The car presented here is a UK-market, 1986 Ferrari 328 GTS which left Ferrari's Maranello factory finished in the classic combination of Rosso Corsa with contrasting Tan leather, specified with A/C. It was originally delivered new via HR Owen of Kensington to its first owner. As often happened at the time, at the end of 1991, it followed its owner to Hong Kong. It was subsequently enjoyed there by a further three expatriate owners, who, as you’d expect, lavished great care of it, covering some 40,000 miles by June 1998. In May 1999, it returned to the UK and by 2007 it had still only covered 43,000 miles.

Our vendor purchased the car nearly 10 years ago (and regales the story of the seller being nearly in tears as it was driven away) and has only driven it sparingly, and just in dry weather. The service history shows it has benefited from 10x cambelt changes over its conservative 51,500 miles and is accompanied by a 3-inch folder of receipts and MOT certificates, plus its complete book-pack (with service booklet/manuals). It is currently fitted with 308 wheels and tyres, but will come to auction with the correct and fully refurbished 1986 Cromadora 'Star' alloy wheels with new tyres.

In today’s collector market, very few cars offer the same stylish road presence, relatively modern driving experience and performance of the 328 and with the ability to pop the top off and listen to that glorious V8 howl, these have become very desirable classic Ferraris.