1987 Ferrari 328 GTS

Details

Apple, Coca-Cola, McDonalds and Nike are brands recognisable the world over. So is Ferrari and interestingly the iconic Italian luxury sports car manufacturer was named ‘The World’s Strongest Brand’ in the 2019 Brand Finance Global 500 Report.

Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1939 out of Alfa Romeo’s race division as Auto Avio Costruzioni the company built its first car in 1940. The Second World War halted Ferrari’s dream, which was finally realised in 1947, when the first car bearing his name, the Ferrari 125 S, was built. From that day on Ferrari race cars dominated the world over, winning race after race and many world championships in Formula One, sports car racing and endurance racing. Ferrari built exclusive sports cars for the road too, but in the early days, this was primarily to fund his motor racing!

The Cavallino Rampate or ‘prancing horse’ was the symbol chosen by Ferrari and like the ‘golden arches’ it is recognised by just about every man, woman and child on the planet!

The Ferrari road cars from the 1940’s and early to mid-1950’s were built in very small numbers and it was not until the introduction of the 250 series cars that production numbers increased. Almost 1,000 Ferrari 250 GTE’s were built from 1959 – 1963. The 250 series also produced some of the most special Ferraris ever built, including the Ferrari 250 LM, 250 SWB, 250 California Spider and of course the 250 GTO. The 250 series cars were superseded by the 275 series cars, the 330 series cars and later the 365 series cars. The nomenclature designated the cubic capacity of each cylinder. So a Ferrari 330 was powered by a 12 cylinder engine of 3967cc capacity. Ferrari’s iconic Dino was first shown to the world as a prototype at the 1965 Paris Motor Show. The car morphed into the 206 GT of which only 150 cars were built from 1967 to 1969. In 1969 the 246 GT was released, which whilst a similar looking car in many ways was actually quite different. The car sat 3” taller than its predecessor and the body was now built from steel. Mechanically the ‘new car’ was powered by a 2418cc V6 engine. Enzo was keen to tackle Porsche head on and to do this he needed to increase production. The Dino was a hit and circa 4,000 of these cars (both the 246 GT and 246 GTS) were built from 1969 to 1974.

The Ferrari 308 GTB was introduced at the 1975 Paris Motor Show, essentially to replace the 246 Dino GT. The car was designed to fit between the top of the range 365 GT/4 Berlinetta Boxer and 2+2 308 GT/4. The car was released to critical acclaim and its sweeping Pininfarina design was admired by everyone who laid eyes on it. Originally the car was manufactured with a glass reinforced plastic (fibreglass) body to keep the weight down and it was powered by a three litre V8 engine with a dry sump. Only circa 800 fibreglass cars were built before Ferrari reverted to a more conventional steel body construction in 1977. Most markets also reverted to having a wet sump engine. In 1977 Ferrari introduced the 308 GTS, which was essentially the same car with a targa roof. The car was made famous through its appearance on the TV show Magnum PI. The model evolved into the 308 GTBi / 308 GTSi in 1980 when Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection replaced the traditional Weber carburettors. Two years later the four valves per cylinder “Quattrovalvole” or “QV” was introduced. The 308 was an incredible success and circa 12,000 cars were built from 1975 to 1985 before the 328 was introduced.

The 328 GTB / GTS was essentially an updated version of the 308 with the same engine as its predecessor, but with an increased capacity of 3185 cc. The styling remained similar though its overall profile was somewhat ‘softer’ and the car featured colour coded front and rear bumpers. By mid-1988 ABS brakes were available and these cars were fitted with convex shaped wheels. Interestingly 328 GTS production out numbered 328 GTB production by a factor of five to one.

Oldtimer Australia has on offer a 1987 Ferrari 328 GTS. This particular car is an Australian delivered factory right hand drive example (compliance plate dated 10/87) that was sold new by Ferrari Adelaide. It is understood that the car was registered in South Australia as PDO 474 and it remained with its first owner through until the mid 1990’s. It was then sold through Prestige Formula in Adelaide to its next owner in Victoria who enjoyed the 328 for some ten years. The Healey Factory in Melbourne then sold the car in the mid 2000’s to a Victorian enthusiast with an extensive private collection. In 2017 this car was offered for sale at Shannons’ Melbourne Spring auction where it was purchased by the current owner, joining an eclectic collection of cars.

In early 2019 this Ferrari 328 GTS was treated to a bare metal repaint by Brisbane based classic car specialists GT Motors. The car was repainted in its original colour of ‘rosso corsa’ FER 300/9 as confirmed by the original paint sticker on the car.

Today this Ferrari 328 GTS presents and drives exceptionally well. Given the recent repaint, the car makes a strong impression cosmetically. The paint is immaculate and you have to look hard to find any blemishes. The body is straight and the panel is excellent. All of the external trim, lenses, glass and the wheels are in very good condition and compliment the paintwork perfectly. You will note from the photos the colour coded targa top, which we think suits the car perfectly.

You open the door on this car to reveal an interior that presents exceptionally well. The leather is clean, with no rips, tears or split stitching. The dash, door cards/pockets, steering wheel, instruments and controls are in excellent condition. The only exception, is there are two small holes in the centre console where at some stage a mobile phone is likely to have been mounted. To be picky, the ash tray (unused) cover needs a repaint, some of the rubbers (whilst serviceable) are just starting to show their age and a few of the instruments are slightly faded. The carpet is in very good condition.

The engine bay is impressively clean and is also unmodified in appearance. The boot is clean and tidy though the zipper for the rear boot cover is broken. The front compartment is similarly clean with the often damaged plastic moulding is in good condition and the spare wheel present.

As with any Ferrari it is all about the drive. This 328 GTS starts at the first turn of the key. The car goes through its warm up routine and then it’s time to hit the road. First impressions are really positive. The engine sounds ‘on song’ and it has a terrific exhaust note. It pulls strongly through the rev range and the car gearbox is good. The brakes are effective and pull the car up in a straight line. The suspension is tight and the car handles well, with a compactness that is missing from later model and larger Ferraris. The car does everything you would expect.

The seating position in a 328 is excellent, the car is comfortable and a sorted example can easily be used as a daily driver. These cars are best described as a genuinely usable classic car! It hard to believe this example is almost 35 years old!

This car was last serviced by Brisbane based Ferrari specialists, Automotion, back in October 2017. At that time the odometer was 77,327km.

Today the odometer reads 81,953km.

The car has a tool kit, jack kit and books, though the original service book has been misplaced. A replacement book is currently being sourced through Ferrari.

Highlights:

• An Australian delivered, factory RHD example.
• Recent bare metal repaint by GT Motors in Brisbane.
• Finished in its original colour scheme of ‘rosso corsa’ with a beige interior.
• This car presents and drives beautifully.
• Accompanied by books, tools and a jack kit.
• The car is ready to be enjoyed by its next owner.

 

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