1988 Ferrari 328 GTS

• An original left-hand-drive European example with just 2,040km (1,268 miles) from new
• Totally cherished by its first owner until 2013 before becoming the property of a significant European collector
• ABS, Air-conditioning and the optional roof aerofoil were specified from new
• With its Targa-top, the Gran Turismo Spider offers unbridled access to the glorious sound of that sensational 'flat-plane' V8
• Original books and manuals, Ferrari tool roll, Targa-top cover and spare keys with a Crepaldi key ring
• Perhaps the definition of preservation and reference of originality for all 328s?
• This surely must be one of, if not the, very best original 328 GTS in existence and excitingly, is offered at No Reserve
• NB. This car has been in a private collection for some time and although the mileage is tiny, it will need a full cambelt service before any attempt is made to start it

The Ferrari 328 GTS and GTB made their worldwide debut at the 1985 Frankfurt Motor Show and its styling was an obvious evolution of the Ferrari 308 Series, however, Pininfarina's Leonardo Fioravanti had softened his previous design and it still remained a popular choice with Ferrari aficionados.

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.

Taking advantage of all this development was Sig. Riccardo Nicoli, a Milanese businessman who, on the 14th January 1988, placed an order for this very 328 GTS through his local Ferrari Concessionaires 'Crepaldi Auto'. Pleasingly, both the original Order Form and Sales Invoice have been beautifully preserved, still within their original distinctive yellow Crepaldi Auto envelopes, and they show that the car was specified new with the optional air conditioning, ABS and roof-mounted aerofoil.

Having negotiated a near 4 Million Lire discount, presumably to help ease the cost of his optional extras, Sig. Nicoli signed over the L104.134.800,00 balance and proudly took delivery of his gleaming Ferrari Spider on 21st June 1988 - just time for the Italian Summer. The car was clearly cherished during his 25-year ownership as over this period he covered less than 2,000km but the Ferrari was maintained within an inch of its life. Every millimetre of the Rosso bodywork was dusted and kept clean and dry and every mechanical area received the attention it required. Total devotion. In 2013, the Ferrari joined one of Europe's premier car collections and was equally cherished there. Now on offer from our vendor's private collection, the 328 today has covered just 2,039 km (1,267 miles) from new and surely must be one of the, if not the, very best original 328 GTS in existence. As you would expect, it's accompanied by its original books, the original Order Form and Sales Invoice, tool roll, Targa-top cover and spare keys on the Crepaldi key ring.

We welcome any inspection of this remarkable car.

NB; Whilst it has been pampered, petted and polished for the last few years, it hasn't actually gone anywhere, so common sense dictates that the car is not to be started until it's had a full service and fresh cambelts.