Ferrari 348 tb/ts
The Ferrari 348, introduced at the 1989 Frankfurt Motor Show, had the unenviable task of replacing the enormously popular 328 GTB/GTS. Styled by Pininfarina with clear visual references to the Testarossa, including straked side air intakes, the 348 represented a significant departure from its predecessor in both design and engineering philosophy. Where the 328 had been compact, light, and agile, the 348 was larger, heavier, and more complex, reflecting Ferrari's ambition to compete with the Porsche 911 on a technological level.
The most significant mechanical change was the relocation of the engine from a transverse to a longitudinal orientation, with the gearbox mounted transversely beneath it in a layout Ferrari described as "longitudinale posteriore." This configuration, while theoretically beneficial for weight distribution, introduced significant complexity. The 3405cc V8 engine, now with four valves per cylinder and Bosch Motronic fuel injection, produced 300 horsepower in European specification and 296 horsepower for US-market cars.
Initial reception was mixed. While the performance figures were impressive, early road tests revealed handling quirks that drew unfavorable comparisons with the poised and predictable 328. The 348 could be snappy at the limit, with a tendency toward sudden oversteer that caught some journalists off guard. The car was also heavier than expected, and the build quality of early examples was inconsistent.
Ferrari responded with continuous improvements throughout the production run. The 348 tb (transversale berlinetta) and ts (transversale spider) were joined by the improved GTB and GTS models from 1993, which featured revised suspension geometry, stiffer chassis, and other refinements that addressed many of the early criticisms. The Challenge model, produced for Ferrari's one-make racing series, demonstrated the platform's potential when properly developed.
By the end of its production run in 1995, the 348 had matured into a competent and capable sports car, if not one that inspired the same affection as the 328 or the subsequent F355. Total production reached 8,844 units across all variants, making it a relatively common Ferrari. The Pininfarina-styled body has aged well, its angular lines now appreciated as a distinctive expression of early 1990s design.
Today, the 348 represents one of the most affordable entry points into Ferrari V8 ownership. While it may lack the driving finesse of the F355 or the charm of the 328, it remains a genuine Ferrari with a sonorous V8 engine, gated manual shifter, and the kind of dramatic presence that only a Maranello product can deliver.
Late-model GTB/GTS cars are preferred over early tb/ts for improved handling and build quality. The cam belt service is critical and expensive; verify service history. Check for oil leaks from the engine and transaxle. The electronic suspension (where fitted) can be costly to repair. Look for straight body panels as accident repair is expensive. The gated shifter should feel precise; worn shift gates indicate high mileage. Spider versions are rarer and command a premium.
The 348 was available as the tb (berlinetta coupe), ts (targa), GTB, GTS, Spider, and Challenge variants. Early production (1989-1993) used the tb/ts designation, while later cars (1993-1995) were labeled GTB/GTS with improved suspension. The Challenge model was a track-oriented variant for Ferrari's one-make series. Total production across all variants was approximately 8,844 units.