The subhead for Road & Track magazine’s 1991 test of the Ferrari 348 reads, “Work hard, save money, live the dream.” The live the dream part is a true statement when driving a Ferrari 348 (or any Ferrari for that matter). Our Pick of the Day, a 1991 Ferrari 348ts, is your ticket to that dream state. It is listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Englewood, Colorado.
The Ferrari 348 was, in many ways, the first clean-slate Ferrari design since the introduction of the 308 in 1976. Interestingly, while it was a well-received car when new, the 348 was quickly overshadowed by the F355 that replaced it. This caused values to drop almost overnight, and values of the 348s continue to lag behind the F355. It becomes more interesting in that the 348 was the last Ferrari V-8 road car developed under the direction of Enzo Ferrari himself — something that is often overlooked.
I had the opportunity to spend 1,600 miles behind the wheel of a 348 in 2021 during a Ferrari club rally. I came in thinking that these cars were not very good based on postings I had read on many forums. I am here to tell you that is completely incorrect as 348s are amazing Ferrari road cars. The engine sounds fantastic, the steering is almost telepathic, and the car is one that demands that the driver know what he or she is doing when driven at the limit. For those who are good drivers, the 348 delivers a true, analog Ferrari driving experience. If this sounds like what you enjoy in a sports car, then this 348 is the car for you.
The Ferrari presented here is said to be a documented 43,400-mile example, and has clean CarFax history in Colorado and Utah (where it was sold new). Some common enhancements present on this car include painting the removable roof panel body color, a set of 18-inch modular Speedline wheels, and the lighter single-silencer late-348 exhaust system. It is important to note that the car includes the stock 17-inch wheels, plus the original owner’s books, tools, and a comprehensive file of past service history going back thirty years.
This includes a cam belt service done at 39,889 miles in 2020. In addition, a new clutch was installed at 42,498 miles a year ago. The seller calls it a very nice example with fine original paint and interior. It also includes a factory car cover and an original showroom brochure.
Looking at the photos of the car, this really looks like a 348 that is in excellent original condition, especially the paint. I especially love that you have the option to use the original wheels or the Speedline ones.
The interior looks outstanding as well, with the seats, door cards, and the rest of the interior appearing to be as nice as the exterior. I see nothing to fix outside of the sticky buttons that the seller has indicated is an issue.
The dealer has been quite complete with this listing. Near the end, it states it has priced this 348 with the idea that the new owner has the extra money to have the cam belts replaced at a shop of his/her choice, as well as having few sticky plastic pieces attended to. The fact that it has only been six years and 12,000 miles since the last cam belt change tells me it may not be necessary at this time. Yes, I know everyone on forums says that cam belts need to be changed every five years, but this is not necessarily the case and depends on the specific car and the condition of the belts. If you doubt me, ask a trusted Ferrari mechanic what he or she may think — you are likely to get the same answer.
Now for the best part of buying a 348: Due to these cars being a bit of an undeserved red-headed stepchild in the world of Ferraris, the asking price is only $68,500. This car is truly a great deal at that price, and less money than most 308 and 328 models. If you desire an example of buying a car today before the rest of the world wakes up to how good it is, this 1991 Ferrari 348ts is it.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
