The Ferrari 308 and 328 were icons of the 1980s, made popular by the television series Magnum P.I. and by the sheer amount produced, which was a little over 18,000 units. The 308 was even campaigned in Group 4 Rally, racking up a number of wins from 1979 through 1984. When the last 328 rolled off the assembly line in Maranello in 1989, it's replacement, the 348, had big shoes to fill. Over six years, the 348 proved to be rather underwhelming. After owning one, Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo stating "with the exception of its good looks I was utterly disappointed. This was clearly the worst product Ferrari had developed for some time."
These were fairly strong words for what has proven to be a proud company with a storied history. Now these have become rather forgotten, as enthusiasts remember the 348's successor, the F355, as one of the last "classic" Ferraris, unburned with complex gearboxes and futuristic yet sometimes fussy styling.
1989 Ferrari 348TB
This is without a question one of the most handsome and sensible Ferraris one could ever desire or find. It is finished in a flawless fly yellow with impeccable (and rare) tan leather interior and perfect headliner. It is powered by a 3.4L V8 fuel injected DOHC 32V engine and has a manual 5 speed gear change. No accidents, it has a clean Carfax and has been exquisitely kept both mechanically and cosmetically. Tools, books and extensive records included. The colors of fly yellow with a deep tan leather interior are one of the most beautiful combinations to emerge from Ferrari. It has gone only 54,601 certified miles and a finer example of the great marquise could not be found and is for the true connoisseur.
A Ferrari for under $40,000 is very tempting, especially as modern as this one. This one comes with a service history and presents well, but it goes without saying that one will have to account for future maintenance costs, which are more frequent and costlier than your daily driver. In Giallo, this 348 looks sharp and while well used in Ferrari terms, with care, it should provide plenty of enjoyment in the future, even if deemed a lesser Ferrari by the Chairman himself.
-Paul