1989 Ferrari 328 GTS

The entirely new Ferrari 308 made its debut at the Paris Salon in 1975 and marked a welcome return to Pininfarina styling, with rakish lines and curved haunches. After ten years of huge success, particularly in the US, Ferrari had grown weary of the 'Federalisation' of their lovingly designed motorcars in America, with mandatory ugly rubber bumpers ruining the Pininfarina-penned lines. With their Italian aesthetics under attack, Ferrari launched the new 328 with body-coloured front and rear bumpers which adhered to US guidelines and for the first time, the design remained unadulterated by bureaucracy. Increasing both bore and stroke, the Quattrovalvole engine'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. Top speed was raised to within a whisker of 160mph with the sprint to 60mph covered in a fraction over 5.5 seconds.

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 subtle revision and now featured improved instruments, switchgear and heating. Pininfarina built two variants of this mid-engine sportscar, the Gran Turismo Berlinetta Coupé and the Gran Turismo Spider (GTS) featuring a removable Targa-top, offering an exhilarating open-air driving experience and affording the driver and their fortunate passenger unbridled access to the unmistakable howl of the Ferrari V8. Production ended in 1989 and by then some 7,412 GTS and GTB variants had rolled out of Maranello, with just 543 GTS cars supplied to the UK in right-hand drive.

This particular UK-supplied 328 GTS from the final year of production is offered fresh to market after 15 years with its current custodian having been originally supplied by Maranello Concessionaires Sales Ltd to its first owner on 4th April 1989. It's classically presented in Rosso Corsa with Crema hide and was specified ABS, air-conditioning and a body-coloured rear aerofoil. 

Enjoyed by several owners in the intervening years, the GTS passed into the safe hands of our vendor in 2010, a retired Rolls-Royce Engineer and Ferrari Owners Club member, so it will come as no surprise when we confirm that the majority of the required service work has been undertaken by himself, including cam belt changes every three years, the latest of which will be completed prior to sale with, in his words, 'more care, attention and due diligence than would normally be lavished upon such a vehicle'. It should also be noted that it has just been presented for an MOT inspection passing without advisories. Used sparingly during present ownership but diligently maintained during that time, our vendor has stressed that the GTS has never missed a beat at any point during his ownership on any of its excursions which have not only been within the UK but also further afield into Europe, taking in various Ferrari meetings and Classic Tours along the way.

Complete with toolkit and jack and a comprehensive history file comprising the original document wallet complete with handbook, service books, numerous MOT certificates and various invoices that have been amassed over the years. It should also be noted that the current registration number, JIB 713, pleasingly is to remain assigned to the vehicle and does form part of the sale.