1990 Ferrari 348TB

The Ferrari 348 series marked a radical departure in the way Maranello constructed its cars, replacing as they did a chassis of traditional steel tubes with a much stiffer monocoque structure with a tubular rear subframe. Suspension remained independent front and rear with wishbones, springs, telescopic shocks, anti-roll bars, and revised geometry. The ventilated disc brakes were much larger than those of its predecessor, the Ferrari 328, and used anti-lock technology. A midship-mounted V8 returned, but it was larger and more powerful displacing 3405cc, mounted longitudinally and mated to a transverse gearbox. The displacement accounted for the new car's Ferrari 348 designation. The suffix TB came from the transverse gearbox and closed 'Berlinetta' body style. A higher compression ratio and updated fuel injection helped generate 300 horsepower, 30-40 more than the Ferrari 328, whilst a dry-sump oiling system gave the new Ferrari a lower centre of gravity.

The 348 was the last design under the supervision of legendary chief stylist Leonardo Fioravanti, and a lot of the styling cues came from the Testarossa, particularly the side strakes, however, its forms were softer than those of the 328 but still curvaceous and with a longer wheelbase and wider track the interior had a bit more space.

This beautiful left-hand drive 348TB was supplied new to Idropi S.P.A of Verona, Italy on 1st February 1990 and is one of 60 pre production cars that were release to Ferrari dealers. The differences being that the battery is located in the rear of the car not the front, the prancing horse is painted black as opposed to silver and the underside of the bonnet is finished in red, production cars were black. Finished in Rosso with a tan interior, the car was infrequently used, reflected in its incredibly low mileage. During its life, the previous owner was a member of the prestigious 'Automotoclub Storico Italiano', a well-respected car club in Italy. In September 2014, when the mileage was recorded at 2,490km, the car was sent to Toni Auto of Maranello for a service.

Our vendor purchased the car in 2015 and immediately sent the car to the aforementioned specialist for a full recommission of the engine. At this time, the engine was removed in its entirety, dismantled, machined and cleaned before being reassembled and put back in the car. Photographs of this work and the €8,000 invoice are contained within the history file. 'Ferrari Classiche' is in progress and has been prepared by Toni Auto of Maranello at a cost of 2,580 Euro as shown by the invoice in the history file. The certificate will follow from Ferrari in due course.

This superb 348TB is supplied with a complete set of official Ferrari luggage, tools & jack and a full leather book pack containing all the relevant literature. Presented in exceptional condition, this car is a rare opportunity to own a 2,500km from new 348TB - a model that is now getting the attention that it richly deserves. This car ticks all the boxes and wouldn't look out of place in any car collection.