1988 Ferrari 328 GTS – Auction Car of the Week

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Dale Vinten

Who doesn’t love a Ferrari? Seriously. And for us at least, if it’s a red Ferrari from the ’80s then we’re all over it like cream leather on a bucket seat. Yes there are the older classics like the 250 GTO and Dino from the ’60s as well as the more modern hypercars, including the LaFerrari and the 458 MM Speciale. But it’s the prancing horses of that most decadent of decades that we covet the most. Of course, part of that is down to our age and the cars we lusted after in our formative years, if only in poster form on our bedroom walls, but the fact of the matter remains: the ’80s was a fantastic decade for that most illustrious of Italian automakers. Case in point: the Ferrari 328 GTS.

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During that heady period of excess Ferrari gave us the likes of the 348, the F40 and the GTO, all fabulous models that have gone on to become true icons of the brand. And let’s not forget the beloved TV shows of the time which featured these cars. With such classics as Miami Vice and Magnum PI showcasing the Testarossa and 308 GTS respectively, these beauties were ingrained in our consciousness through this incorporation into popular culture.

Speaking of the 308 GTS, another classic Ferrari from that era is the 328 which was its direct successor, sitting in between that car and the later 348 in the line-up. Although based upon the earlier 308 the 328 did feature some tweaks to set it apart, most noticeably an increase in displacement of the mid-mounted, 3.0-litre Quattrovalvole V8 to 3.2-litres producing over 270bhp. With a curvier, more aerodynamic body, as well as other chassis and interior updates, the 328 could get to 60 from a standstill in around 5.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 160mph. Plenty fast enough then.

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Available in fixed roof (GTB) or Targa top (GTS form) the 328, released in 1985, is generally considered to be one of the more easy to live with and reliable Ferraris owing in part to the fact that it’s a relatively simple machine. Not only that but the engine doesn’t have to be dropped for routine maintenance which also equates to lower servicing costs. This, combined with those beautiful Pininfarina lines makes the Ferrari 328 an incredibly attractive proposition for any classic car fan, which is good, because we have a lovely, low mileage 1988 Ferrari 328 GTS available now via our auctions platform.

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This desirable, late model example looks gorgeous with its Rosso Corsa paintwork and Crema leather colour scheme. Peak Ferrari colours. An original UK-supplied Right Hand-Drive example this 328 GTS has certainly lived a charmed life. With a comprehensively documented history that corroborates the 44,633 miles covered the car has been meticulously maintained and comes with a fully stamped service book from Ferrari specialists, the most recent of which was in May of this year. When not in use the car is perpetually ensconced in a garage underneath a Ferarri indoor car cover living its best life. The car is 24 years old and although the bodywork presents extremely well overall there are a few minor paint blemishes, none of which detract from the car’s beautiful aesthetic. These cars were galvanised from the factory however and so corrosion is a non issue.

Moving inside the car you’re treated to swathes of cream and black leather and it’s a feast for the senses. There is some age related wear to the usual areas but this only adds to the interior’s charm and originality. Everything functions as it should including the after market Kenwood stereo head unit and new cobra alarm/immobiliser.

Mechanically the 328 is spot on. Although it has seen limited use it has been started and run regularly and thanks to a stainless exhaust system that 3.2 V8 is as sonorous as one would hope. Unsurprisingly, thanks to its nurtured and treasured existence, performance across the board is flawless and the car received a thorough mechanical refresh by renowned Ferrari specialists Foskers, including cam belts, tensioners, valve clearances and fresh gear oil, as well as a full brake system overhaul.

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This is an incredibly low mileage Ferrari 328 GTS in superb overall condition that is just one winning bid away from its new owner. If you’re hankering after an ’80s icon that can also be realistically used regularly without the crippling servicing and maintenance costs of more complex Italian fare then this is definitely the car for you. Head to the listing to get the full run down and drink in the wonderful pictures before chucking in a bid. Just imagine driving down to the south of France, your significant other in the passenger seat, the roof off and that feeling that comes from knowing that the car you’re driving not only looks good and drives excellently but is also mechanically sound to boot. Sublime.

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