Lot details
Registration No: H357JLF
Chassis No: ZFFKA35C000086851
Mot Expiry: March 2013

Introduced at the 1989 Frankfurt Motorshow, the Ferrari 348 was a truly innovative design. Utilising a robot-welded sheet-steel monocoque that not only broke with Maranello tradition but also brought considerable gains in torsional rigidity and dimensional accuracy, the newcomer was powered by a longitudinally-mounted 'quad-cam' 32-valve 3405cc V8 allied to five-speed manual transmission. Developing some 300bhp and 238lbft of torque, the two-seater had need of its all-round independent suspension, ventilated ABS disc brakes, self-locking ZF differential and rack-and-pinion steering. A near performance match for its Testarossa 'big brother' (contemporary road tests spoke of 0-60mph in 5.4 seconds and a 171mph top speed), the two also shared a number of styling cues. Though, the similarity was unsurprising given that both models were clothed by Pininfarina and featured side-mounted radiators. King of the junior supercars until the arrival of its 355 successor during 1994, the 348 could be had in coupe, targa and eventually spider guises (each variant enjoying leather upholstery, air-conditioning and an adjustable steering column as standard).

Finished in Rosso Corsa with Beige leather upholstery, this particular example has had just two registered keepers from new. Maintained by Grimaldi Engineering, Hargreaves Racing Services, DK Engineering and Maranello Sales, its history file records 16 services at 903, 4,544, 5,997, 7,313, 8,907, 11,422, 12,850, 16,747, 20,743, 22,851, 23,245, 23,489, 23,962, 24,708, 25,598 and 26,944 miles. A 'no-expense-spared' £10,000 has reportedly been spent on the Ferrari over the last two years alone and that's without taking into account the cambelt change which has been promised ahead of sale. The vendor considers the indicated mileage of just 27,000 to be genuine and rates 'H357 JLF' as "outstanding in all respects with almost unmarked upholstery". Riding on later (360-model) alloy wheels, the Ferrari is currently fitted with a stainless steel sports exhaust but comes complete with the original system, history file, Ferrari tool roll and MOT into March 2013.

PLEASE NOTE: This lot is now fitted with its original alloy wheels and not the later / incorrect 360-model wheels shown in the catalogue. The imminent cambelt change promised in the catalogue description was performed by Grimaldi Engineering (see new invoice on file).