Ferrari 348 TS 1993 – 107 000 KM

In 1989, Ferrari was faced with a major event. Enzo Ferrari, the famous Commendatore and founder of the brand, suddenly disappeared. Speculative hysteria set in, affecting all the brand's models. Completely turned upside down, the teams nevertheless work on the next model, the first not to benefit from Enzo Ferrari's genius. In 1990, Ferrari management offered the public a replacement for the Ferrari 328, the 348. Designed by Pininfarina, the 348's bodywork is obviously reminiscent of that of the 328, but also of the Testarossa, thanks to the flanks pierced by lateral striations. The rear lights are covered by a grille and are now rectangular, in a break with tradition. In practical terms, the 348 takes up many of the brand's strong design elements, as evidenced by the F40 or Testarossa-style retractable headlamps. But make no mistake: the 348 is a model in a class of its own.  

The very compact 348 is the result of extensive wind-tunnel work, resulting in a Cx of just 0.32. This streamlined silhouette requires a certain amount of contortion to fit inside the cabin. Once inside, the 348 nevertheless offers more space than its predecessor, with excellent wrap-around seats and a height-adjustable steering wheel. High-quality leather and aluminum gearbox grilles sit alongside a few unwelcome plastics, a discrepancy quickly excused by the soul of this 348, its sublime V8. Tradition dictates that it's the engine that gives Ferrari its name: 348 for 3.4 L and 8 cylinders. Logically, this means an increase in displacement compared to its big sister, the 328. The block, introduced on the Mondial T at Geneva in March 1989, delivers 300 hp at 7,200 rpm. Its suppleness and lyrical flights give the 348 an undeniable charm.  

Produced in two versions, the 348 TB (Trasversale Berlinetta) and the 348 TS (Trasversale Spider), a few shortcomings in the car's sharp handling prompted the Ferrari factory to redesign its berlinetta. The new models unveiled at the end of 1993 were named 348 GTB and 348 GTS. Changes were made to weight distribution, rear wishbone anchoring points and body rigidity. The restyling is also an opportunity to offer a more refined interior finish and the presence of power steering. Alongside these two new models, the 348 TS still built in 1993 benefited directly from a number of improvements intended for the GTS. They can be identified by the painted front blade and rocker panels, as well as the suspensions taken directly from the GTS.  

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