1992 Ferrari 348TS Targa

• Two owners from new
• Circa 9,000 miles from new
• Recent service and check

"How do you replace a classic? It's tough, but it needs to be done eventually. Ferrari's transformation of the 328 into the 348 is much more interesting from a technical and engineering viewpoint (because serious dynamic issues have been addressed by a good team of development engineers) but it's bound to be the shape that people talk about first." – Fast Lane.

First seen in prototype form in 1987, the Ferrari 348 entered production in 1989, replacing the immensely successful 328 GTB/GTS. Mid-engined like its predecessor, the 348 differed by mounting its four-valves-per-cylinder, quad-cam V8 engine - now enlarged to 3.4 litres - longitudinally, enabling it to be positioned lower in the chassis. Another new departure was the transversely mounted five-speed gearbox - a spin-off from Ferrari's contemporary Formula 1 technology - that enabled weight to be concentrated within the wheelbase. This combination of a lower centre of gravity and better weight distribution addressed one of the perceived shortcomings of the 328: a lack of composure when cornering hard. Initially typed 'tb' and 'ts' - trasversale berlinetta and trasversale spyder - the 348 reverted to Ferrari's traditional GTB/GTS nomenclature part way through production.

Wider, taller, and longer in the wheelbase, the 348 nevertheless contrived to be 2" shorter than the outgoing 328. With its aerodynamic skirts, spoilers, minimal overhangs and distinctive gill slats feeding air to side-mounted radiators (the front grille is a dummy), the stocky 348 looked very much like a scaled-down Testarossa and, with around 300bhp on tap and a top speed of 170mph, gave little away in terms of outright performance to its larger, 12-cylinder sibling. As well as the extra horsepower, the 3.4-litre engine brought with it a useful increase in torque from 224 to 238lb/ft, which arrived at lower revs.

According to Fast Lane: "The extra urge lower down really is noticeable, and the smoothness of delivery is matched by very few engines from anywhere in the world: since this is conjoined with exquisite driveline smoothness, you can brutally stand on the throttle at low revs, and it'll just light up and take off without any hesitation." Clearly, owners of the Ferrari 348 have much to enjoy.

This Ferrari 348ts had belonged to a Guernsey-resident lady owner from new when Bonhams sold it to the current owner at the Goodwood Revival auction in 2021. The car has seen minimal use since purchase, but has been carefully looked after. The last MoT was in April 2023 at 8,796 miles. Circa £5,000 of work was recently undertaken with Diablo Engineering comprising an overall inspection, new clutch, battery, horn and exhaust bracket, along with a light coat of wax oil to maintain the cars rust protection, leaving it in excellent condition underneath. Coming to market with low mileage, a mere two owners from new and showing very well, this 348 is worthy of the closest inspection.