The legendary Enzo Ferrari said that he was very happy to sit on a committee to agree the design of his Ferraris. But he had two rules. The committee must contain an odd number of members and that it was to be an odd number that was less than three.

 

Mr. Ferrari cared too much about his cars to let some one else tell him what to do with them. 

 

If you are lucky enough to have £30,000 to spend on a sports car then my advice is don’t buy a new Z4 or a used TVR. Live a little, buy a used Ferrari 348. After all you can own it for 3 years and when you come to sell it you’ll get most of your money back.

 

The 348 was introduced to the UK in November 1989, as a replacement for the very pretty 328. Up on power the 348 had a 3.4 litre V8 engine producing 300bhp. It immediately became the must have motor for the late 80’s yuppie.

 

In true Ferrari style the car has a 5 speed transverse gearbox and limited slip differential. Despite no power steering and a slightly heavy clutch the car comes alive once you’re on the move.

 

Performance is unlikely to disappoint with 60mph arriving in just over 5 seconds, let it stretch its legs and it will comfortably hit the 168mph top speed. With performance like that contact with the road is important. Ferrari recommends that front and rear tyres are replaced at the same time. Rears will last about 6-10,000miles dependant on driving style, look inside the passenger’s door for a silver sticker that will advise on the correct tyre make and tyre pressures.

 

Inside a 348 the cabin is pure Ferrari. Thin supportive leather seats, alloy gear shift gate and the deeply satisfying view of the prancing horse adorning the steering wheel boss. The adjustable steering column makes the driving position better than similar age super cars like the Testarossa and Countach.

 

Early cars came as either coupe (ts) or targa (tb) but in 1993 Ferrari introduced a convertible model, the 348 Spider. For some the manual folding roof detracts from the lines of the car but on a hot day few experiences can be as precious as a blast in an open top Ferrari.

 

In 1993 Ferrari boosted power by a further 20bhp on all models and the cars handling was enhanced with revised suspension telemetry and the relocation of the battery from the rear of the car to inside the front wing.  

With no factory options available all 348’s specification is consistent with leather upholstery, air conditioning and ABS, but don’t expect air bags or power steering.

 

Targa models command a £1,200 premium over coupes but check roof seals carefully, unless lubricated regularly they are prone to perishing and can leak.

 

Servicing on all 348’s is once a year or every 6,250 miles. With most Ferrari’s covering a low mileage, the standard annual service costs about £800. The larger 6,250 mile service costs about £1,500. The cam belt service, once every 2 years on pre 1993 models, once every 3 years on the later cars, will set you back about £3,000. Despite group 20 insurance many specialist companies offer limited mileage policies that can make cover very reasonable.

 

Most used 348’s now change hands through non franchised specialist car dealers. Most are long established and highly reputable. For more impartial advice talk to existing owners or visit the Ferrari owners club at www.owners.Ferrari.com

Check the following

Battery - mounted in rear engine compartment on cars before 1993

Check roof seals on 348ts models

Spyder models should come with leather tonneau cover

Front spoilers prone to scuffs and chips

Silver sticker inside near side door will give original tyre make and pressures

Catalytic converter - ECU is prone to failure and costs £500 to replace

Service history – must be complete and with original invoices

Gearbox – don’t use 2nd gear when it’s cold

Rear roof buttress seams - filled with lead for a smooth seam but prone to cracking, but simple to repair

Leather upholstery – seats will need reconolising every couple of years

Ferrari dealer can supply 3 piece fitted leather luggage set for the boot

Air conditioning standard

No front airbags

 

The one to buy 

 

Ferrari 348 tb

Rosso red with crema hide

1991 ‘J’ plate with 20K miles

Pay £33,000 at a dealer or £30,000 privately