1993 Ferrari 348TB

Introduced at the 1989 Frankfurt Motor-show, the Ferrari 348 was a truly innovative design utilising a robot-welded sheet steel monocoque that not only broke with Maranello tradition but also brought considerable gains in torsional rigidity and dimensional accuracy. The newcomer was powered by a longitudinally mounted 'quad-cam' 32-valve 3405cc V8 (originally found in the 288 GTO) allied to five-speed manual transmission. Developing some 300bhp and 238lbft of torque, the two-seater had need of its all-round independent suspension (with wishbones, springs, telescopic shocks, anti-roll bars and revised geometry), larger ventilated ABS disc brakes, self-locking ZF differential and rack-and-pinion steering.

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.

A near performance match for its Testarossa 'big brother' (contemporary road tests spoke of 0-60mph in 5.4 seconds and a 171mph top speed), the two also shared a number of styling cues. Though, the similarity was unsurprising given that both models were clothed by Pininfarina and featured side-mounted radiators. The 348 was equipped with a dry-sump system giving it a lower centre of gravity and to prevent oil starvation at high speeds and during hard cornering. The oil level can only be accurately checked on the dip-stick when the engine is running due to this setup. The 348 was also fitted with adjustable ride height suspension and a removable rear sub-frame to speed up the removal of the engine for maintenance.

The suffix TB came from the transverse gearbox and closed 'Berlinetta' body style. After numerous improvements incorporated into later cars, including to the suspension geometry, the 348 was replaced by the F355 in 1994.

EVO magazine's Henry Catchpole wrote a very in-depth article in February 2015, where he drove and critiqued a Ferrari 308, 348, F355, 360 and F430 against a 458 Italia, saying about the 348TB "'I'm excited because it's instantly obvious this car has some of the best steering, possibly the best, that I have ever sat behind.'' To see the full article follow:

http://www.evo.co.uk/ferrari/458/12164/ferrari-458-italia-meets-308-348-f355-360-and-f430/page/0/2

The car offered for sale here is a 1993 Ferrari 348TB, being just 1 of 130 UK-supplied RHD cars (Chassis: ZFFKA35C000092832). It was first registered on the 25th August 1993, making it one of the later cars, and hence benefitting from the factory-issued updates to the model as it evolved.

The car has a very impressive maintenance record. Our fastidious vendor has owned this car for last 10 years and has set about maintaining it regardless of cost and effort. The fully-stamped up servicing schedule and stack of invoices are something to behold and really say it all about this special car.

Here is a summary:

15/09/94 Serviced at 6,901 miles by Ferrari dealer 08/11/96 Serviced at 12,566 miles by Ferrari dealer 11/07/97 Serviced at 14,252 miles by Ferrari dealer 09/04/98 Serviced at 21,468 miles by Ferrari dealer 29/01/01 Serviced at 24,994 miles by Ferrari dealer; cam-belt replaced 27/09/01 Serviced at 26,709 miles by Ferrari dealer; cam-belt replaced 16/07/03 Serviced at 33,154 miles by Ferrari specialist; cam-belt replaced 13/05/05 Serviced at 40,893 miles by Ferrari specialist 10/06/06 Serviced at 43,141 miles by Ferrari specialist 05/10/07 Serviced at 50,260 miles by Ferrari specialist; both outer CV boots replaced; right-hand door wiring loom replaced 14/05/09 Serviced at 52,847 miles by Ferrari specialist; cam-belt replaced, engine frame removed, shot-blasted, repaired and powder coated; battery tray replaced, front flexi-hoses and pads replaced; rear discs replaced; clutch seals replaced; new cam seals, O-rings and cam-cover gaskets, oil hose repaired 16/06/10 Serviced at 56,383 miles by Ferrari specialist; new multi-plate clutch fitted, door tread plates replaced, new rear tyres 20/04/11 Serviced at 57,010 miles by Ferrari specialist 05/05/12 Serviced at 57,945 miles by Ferrari specialist; cam-belt replaced; fuel tank replacedJuly 2012 Full bare metal respray and wheels re-furbished 14/05/13 Serviced at 58,353 miles by Ferrari specialist; window regulator repaired; cooling fan switch replaced 29/05/13 New alternator fitted 24/05/14 Serviced at 60,481 miles by Ferrari specialist; left-hand door wiring loom replaced; new engine cover struts; new expansion tank cap 08/06/15 Serviced at 60,722 miles by Ferrari specialist; cam-belt replaced 02/06/16 Serviced at 61,056 miles by Ferrari specialist

Having been overlooked for the last few years, the 348 is now getting the appreciation that it deserves.