Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1989 Ferrari 348TB. The 348 got a bad rap for years. People complained about things such as the styling, performance, and reliability. You name it, people complained about it.
Then a few years ago, a couple of interesting things happened. The first was people started to actually spend time driving the 348 and found it to be a very fun, completely analog car. There is no automatic option, no traction or stability control, and the 348 has manual rack-and-pinion steering. It’s the last truly analog V8 Ferrari road car and people finally saw it in a different light.
The second thing that happened was 1980s car nostalgia. People began celebrating things such as cheese-grater sides and pop-up headlights. In fact, a few very clever individuals in the collector car space started an event called RADwood to showcase the cars of the 1980s and 1990s. Suddenly, the 348 went from zero to hero. Prices rose accordingly.
I’ve driven quite a few miles in the 348. Most recently, I drove my friend Phil’s car on a 1,000-mile tour a few years ago. It was engaging and had a great-sounding engine, a comfortable interior, and handling that was a bit spooky at the limit. I came away from that experience loving the 348 for everything it is – and isn’t. In essence, the 348 is the last of the old-school Ferrari road cars, which made you work to drive it hard and rewarded you when you did it right, much like the Porsche 930 Turbo. I actually prefer the 348 to the car that replaced it, the 355. I know this might sound crazy, but I’ve driven both and found the 348 more fun and challenging to drive.
The 1989 348TB featured in today’s AutoHunter Spotlight is described as an example that’s been with the same owner since 2002 and is powered by its original 3.4L Tipo F119 V8 mated to a gated five-speed manual transmission. Finished in Rosso Corsa (Ferrari Red) over a black leather interior, it’s covered only 33,000 miles since new. This Ferrari is now offered by the selling dealer on consignment with an owner’s manual, its original factory exhaust system, its original factory 17-inch wheels and tires, a clean CARFAX report, and a clear title.
The exterior features iconic horizontal air inlets, Scuderia Ferrari shields, extremely rare 18-inch Ferrari 348 Challenge magnesium wheels, and a Tubi Style exhaust system. The seller notes that the exterior of the car has a few chips and scratches as well as slight damage to the front splitter.
The interior’s seats and other leather surfaces look to be in excellent condition. Both the dash and the headliner also appear to be in great shape with no visible issues. I can tell you from experience the 348 had the most comfortable two-seat mid-engine Ferrari interior of its time.
The last recorded major service on this car was in 2002 at 15,000 miles. That means this car is likely due for a major service including a valve adjustment and timing belt and tensioner replacement. Budget accordingly. On a positive note (and something not noted in the listing), this Ferrari 348 comes with its factory car cover and the factory tool kit, which can be seen in the photos.
If you’re looking for a fun mid-engine Ferrari that drives like a race car and makes you a better driver due to its analog nature, this nice driver-level 348TB coupe is one I’d seriously consider.
The auction for this 1989 Ferrari 348TB ends Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. (PDT)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery
