Ferrari Service and Repair Bay area - History of the Ferrari 348 - Angelo Zucchi Motorsports - Sonoma 707-334-3700

The introduction of the Ferrari 348, after the long running success of the 308/328 era, was no easy act to follow. The 348 was filling the shoes of Ferrari’s most successful model to date and one that had become the moniker of Ferrari road presence.

The prospect of a whole new design had buyers pre-ordering the car months in advance.

The 348 was breaking new ground with new technology and a whole new look. Following in the footsteps of its big brother, the Testarossa, the 348 brought along the now famous “cheese grater” side strakes and the “not so traditional” grated tail light treatment, stepping away from the traditional round taillight set-up. The prospect of a whole new design had buyers pre-ordering the car months in advance. This was during a hot period of exotic car history and the Ferrari 348 was smack dab in the middle of that rush.

The Ferrari 348 was the last development in existence when the new Ferrari leadership came into play after the death of Enzo Ferrari in 1988. When the current leader of Ferrari, Luca di Montezemolo (LDM), took over the reins in 1991, he immediately bashed the 348 and claimed it to be one of the worst Ferraris ever developed. Referencing his experience about getting beat in a stop light drag race, LDM pledged his distaste for the model and vowed to change it and save Ferrari’s reputation. He soon replaced it with the now legendary 355 line up. The harsh words spoken by LDM hit home and the little 348 has suffered from this reputation ever since.

So, with the above in mind, I took the opportunity to find out what the Ferrari 348 was all about. It just so happens that an associate of mine owns a 1991 Ferrari 348 TS. I have heard him defend the car against many an insult, stating that the reputation is not warranted. In the same breath I have heard him talk about the expensive “engine out” timing belt service and notchy cold second gear shifts.  I myself have asked him why he holds on to it as he has plenty of means to purchase a newer and more improved model. Without hesitation he always responds that it is about the character of the car. “You have to drive it to understand it.”

So, after all the ribbing and prodding, he finally decided to prove it to me. He invited me to take the car for the day and put it through its paces. I agreed but told him that I if I did, I wanted to write an article for ECR about my experience. I told him to be careful what he wished for because I would write it with complete honesty. He agreed and handed me the keys.

I had my cell phone on full charge because I suspected I would be calling for a tow truck or mechanic in short order.

It was about 65 degrees the morning I met to take possession of the “worst Ferrari ever built”. I had my cell phone on full charge because I suspected I would be calling for a tow truck or mechanic in short order. I also brought my best batch of sarcasm as I let the proud owner know that I was going to do my best to expose his years of deception and find the flaws in his prized possession. He was a good sport and jested back for me to give it my best shot.

Now, I have driven and/or owned too many cars to count, including modern Ferrari’s, Porsches and Lamborghini’s. So, I felt I had the knowledge to tell a good sports car from a dud. So, with all my “education” from LDM, and past experience, I was ready to give the 348 a realistic report card.

I have to be honest; I have always loved the look of the Ferrari 348. It identifies well as a Ferrari and will never be mistaken for anything else. Those side strakes, the grilled taillight treatment and pop-up headlights scream 1980’s Ferrari. I was starting to get excited about my voyage. But, I held my excitement at bay because LDM had prepared me to get past the visual appeal.

So, after admiring Pinanfarina’s design, I opened the door and climbed inside. I am 6 feet tall and weigh 200lbs. I am not old, but am no “spring chicken” either. This car is not the easiest to get in and out of. It sits very low and the seats are a bit narrow for my 38” waist. But, once I poured myself inside, I was reasonably comfortable.

I spent a considerable amount of time looking over the interior. The entire cockpit smelled like a new catcher’s mitt. I couldn't get enough of the smell of that Italian leather. This is something that most cars cannot replicate and it really makes the car seem special. But, I had to catch myself because LDM knows best and I did not want to get caught up in some trickery of fine leather.

The interior is laid out well and once again screams 1980’s design. The tach and speedo were a little blocked by the steering wheel but not to the point where they were not useful. The rest of the gauges are well designed and in the right places for me. Many Ferrari’s suffer from the dreaded “sticky” plastic pieces. This particular car has had these issues addressed so I experienced none of that.

I twisted the key and brought the little 348 to life.

So, the big moment! I took the odd looking folding key and placed it in the ignition. When I did, the automatic seat belt attacked me and came sliding back. This I could do without. But, after fending off my aggressor, I twisted the key and brought the little 348 to life. I have to mention that this 348 is completely original except for an upgraded Nouvalari exhaust. So, I do not know how much difference there is from stock to this sound, but I liked what I was hearing…I liked it a lot!  But, LDM was constantly reminding me so I was not going to be fooled by some musical enchantment, designed to lull me into a false sense of “exotic” dreaming.

I let the car warm up for about five minutes and then took the shifter and put it in first gear. After years of driving modern cars, the dog leg first seems a little odd. But, I have to admit, it added to the uniqueness of the car. I was warned beforehand to take it easy on second gear until the car warms up. Once the car was warm, I was told to give it hell.

So, once in first gear I slowly pulled off and immediately shifted into second gear. The gear did give a slight grind and I kept the rpm’s low to avoid any breaking of parts. I accelerated slightly, got out of second gear, and was now cruising at the speed limit.

The steering was one of the best I have ever felt in any car!

The first thing I noticed was the feel of the steering. It is simply magnificent!! The 348 boasts manual steering but it is not difficult at all. It is surprisingly easy at slow speeds and just perfect at cruising speed. This was something LDM failed to mention during his evaluation.

The ride was stiff but comfortable. The car transmitted just enough information from the road without feeling like a truck. LDM must have missed this.

Once the car was fully warmed up, and I had a nice winding country road, I started to get a feel for this little stallion. What I found was a car that was pretty snappy for a 20 year old machine. It handled bends surprisingly well and I was falling in love with the “click – clack” of the gated shifter. In and out of the bends I went and the car followed suit. I have gotten used to all the traction control devices of modern cars and could definitely feel there were none on the 348. I got the distinct impression that if I pushed too hard, I would be making an insurance claim. But, this also added to the appeal. LDM must have only driven in a straight line. I was starting to wonder if the reputation was warranted.

I drove the car for a total of 3 hours. I drove on country roads, highways and in traffic. The little 348 never missed a beat. And the looks…wow!!!. Do not drive one of these cars if you are shy. If you want pictures of my drive, check the web because there were a lot of cell phones at work on this day. By the way, I have to mention the steering feel of this car once again. Magical!!!!

I will say that first gear pretty much seemed worthless to me. It is geared too low and makes the car feel a bit lazy off the line. This is likely what LDM was referring to. But, this is not a drag race machine. This car was built for long drives on winding roads, and I was getting the point.

I have never really liked the taste of crow, but I had no choice but to eat it.

When my time was up, I pulled into the industrial park where the owner was waiting. With a look of arrogance and a bit of worry, he waited for my verdict. I have never really liked the taste of crow, but I had no choice but to eat it.

The Ferrari 348 is a magnificent little car. The steering in this car is by far the best I have ever felt in any car I have ever driven. It is something that would sell the car all by itself if people were given the chance to feel it. This car captured my attention and completely dispelled any LDM bashing I was accustomed to believing. I was now a true fan of this car and felt almost a bit angry that I had missed out on this experience for so many years.

Now to be fair, is the power the same as modern Ferrari’s? No. And that goes the same for most cars that are 20 plus years old. But, the power is plenty to enjoy and certainly enough to make you feel you are in the cockpit of a true Italian sports car.

I do not blame LDM for his comments. He was taking over the number one exotic car maker in the world and needed to make his mark. Coming into Ferrari and saying all is well would not have built the legacy he has today. Plus, as a result of his desire to establish himself as the new man of Ferrari, he released the legendary and awesome Ferrari 355, one of my personal favourites and arguably the sexiest car ever built.

But, that is where the debate needs to end. The Ferrari 348 is a true Ferrari! It is the ancestor of a long list of legendary Ferrari’s like the 355, 360, 430 and the current, and unreal, 458. It is getting long in the tooth but holding up well.

So, will the 348 drift off into the sunset and be remembered as just a mistake made before the 355? Or, will it one day get its just due for the wonderful car that it truly is? I for one believe that the Ferrari 348 will shake this reputation and, like the Dino, take it’s place at the head table and become a desirable and collectable Ferrari.

The bottom line? Don’t believe the hype, check it out for yourself.

RS – Exotic Car Resource Contributor Robert Scacco
http://www.exoticcarresource.com/ferrari-348-black-sheep/