Lot details Registration No: W235TRY Chassis No: ZFFKA35B000085528 Mot Expiry: May 2012
First seen at the 1989 Frankfurt Motorshow, the Pininfarfina-penned mid-engined 348 replaced the 328. The 348TB (Berlinetta) and 348TS (Spider) were the first series-production Ferraris to feature a steel monocoque chassis as opposed to a tubular frame, and a robotized production line was installed at the Scaglietti works in Modena specifically to produce the new shells. The newcomer shared a number of components with the Mondial, not least: the longitudinally placed 3405cc quad-cam 32-valve V8 engine and transverse (hence the T in the name) five-speed manual gearbox. Cradled in its own subframe, the V8 developed 300bhp and 238lbft of torque - sufficient to propel the newcomer to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and to a top speed in excess of 170 mph. Suspension was independent all round by wishbones and coil springs, while braking was by anti-lock ventilated discs and steering by rack and pinion. In common with the Testarossa, but unlike the BB512 and 328, the oil and coolant radiators of the 348 were side-mounted, widening the prancing horse's waistline but making for a cooler cabin. Leather upholstery, air-conditioning and an adjustable steering column were among the model's standard features. It was eventually available in a choice of Coupe, Spider and Targa guises, and a total of 8,844 are understood to have been produced before the 348 was superseded by the 355 in 1994.
The left-hand drive 348 TB on offer departed the Maranello factory for the South of France in 1990 and is understood to been imported into the UK in 2009 - it is finished in classic Rosso Corsa complemented a Nero leather interior. The vendor acquired 'W235 TRY' from our June 2009 sale and has apparently recently invested over £5,000 on the Ferrari via Maranello at Egham. The work has included: attention to the air conditioning system, electric windows, door locks and handbrake; adjustment of the brakes, and the fitting of new spark plugs and plug leads. Now seeking a new home, this eye-catching junior supercar is being sold with MOT into May 2012.
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:
Do you have an item to sell?
If so, contact one of our friendly specialists for your free valuation by completing the form below and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.
If you prefer to speak to humans, don't hesitate to call our office on +44 (0)1925 210035