This Black over Black Ferrari 348 TS has been sold to the Netherlands.

On its debut in 1989, the Ferrari 348 set the car world on fire and soon became one of the most popular Ferrari models of all time. Its stunning looks, superb build quality and exceptional performance made it a clear favorite among Ferrari enthusiasts worldwide.

Continuing a special partnership between Pininfarina and Ferrari that had spanned over 30 years, the 348's body and interior were once again created by this famous Turinese Styling House.

The outside was clearly influenced by the five year old Testarossa, most obviously those straked engine cooling ducts and full width rear grill covering the tail lights. The Ferrari 348 was in production for just over five years between 1989 - 1995.

The early cars from 1989 - 1993 were built in the TB coupe and TS targa version. In 1993 - 1994 these models were renamed GTB for coupe and GTS for the targa. The 348 Spider was also introduced from 1993 - 1995. By the end of the 348 line up in 1995, around 10.200 units had been built.

A number of Limited Edition series of the 348 were also made, these were only meant for the US marked, Serie Speciale and the GT Competizione, a factory homologation special.

The Ferrari 348 chassis was a fundamental departure from its V8 predecessors, earlier 308 and 328 models having used tubular steel chassis's the likes of which had been standard fare for many years. Instead the 348 featured a pressed steel chassis with tubular engine sub frame and was also the first Ferrari to universally comply with global crash testing regulations.

The pressed steel chassis helps stiffen the car and the 348 is 50% stiffer than its predesessors 308 and 328 models. Chassis flex is still common with the 348, but not as noticeable. Another remarkable efford from the team at Maranello.

Engine-wise, the mid-mounted location is a competition inspired layout. The 348 had its dry sumped Tipo F119D 3.4 litre V8 engine positioned longitudinally à la Ferrari 288 GTO and their legendary F40. This sits the engine lower in the cradle, lowering the center of gravity, improving the handling and balance of the car.

The 90 degree V8 engine displacement was upped to 3405cc thanks to a bore and stroke of 85x75mm respectively. Output was also increased with 300 bhp at 7200rpm, compression being set 10.4:1 and Bosch Motronic M2.5 fuel injection controlling both cylinder banks.Late 1990 saw the change to the updated Bosch Motronic M2.7 fuel injection.

A transverse gearbox was mounted onto the rear of the engine. Early 348 models had a twin plate clutch but these were replaced to single plate in early 1992.

This was done due to reability issues with the twin plate setup. Performance figures were impressive with 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, and with a top speed rising to over 175 mph - enough to keep Ferrari's junior supercar crown away from Honda's NSX.

A stunning design, the 348 featured all-steel body panels except for its aluminium bonnet and boot, GRP having been used for the bumper panels front and back. Although the 348's interior iherited a family recemblance to other Ferrari's of the priod, it was totally new and plesantly understated design.

The option list was limited to metallic paint and a set of leather fitted luggage crafted by the well-known Italian firm Schedoni. Given its debut at the Frankfurt salon during September of 1989 to much acclaim from the press and public alike, orders for the 348's came flooding in from dealers, enthusiasts and speculators from around the world.

Subsequently, a few minor variations were made during production, these including different shock absorbers and mounting points, relocated battery for revised weight distribution and a revised fuel injector system.

Introduced in 1993 at the Frankfurt Salon as a second series 348, the Ferrari 348 GTB and GTS replaced the then 4 years old TB and TS. These second series took over some improvements already seen on the Spider and Serie Speciale.

Some of the changes were color coded skirts and a chromed Cavallino Rampante between the rear lights as well as removable seat cushions.

Thanks to an improved Bosch Motronic 2.7 engine management system, increased compression ratio from 10.4:1 to 10.8:1, higher plenum chamber on inlet manifold, new single muffler exhaust system and different camshaft timing the engine gained about 20 bhp over the 348 TB/TS.

Suspension geometry was revised with wider rear track which greatly enhanced its handling, ride and body control. The fuel tank was also smaller in order to reduce overall weight and provide space to improve chassis rigidity.

This was an Europe and Japan only model. It came with the F119H designated engine as opposed to the original F119D and US F119G version engine.

Production went on for about a year with a total production of 440 cars, 222 GTB's and 218 GTS. Production ended in spring 1994 when both GTB and GTS models were replaced by the F355.

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