1987 Ferrari 328 GTS

Details

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 in 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 car were fitted with a 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 Australia delivered factory RHD example (compliance plate dated 1/87) that was sold new by Ron Hodgson Ferrari in Parramatta (Sydney). The service books notes a delivery date of 8th May 1987 to its first owner based in Bayview on Sydney’s northern beaches. The car has a documented ownership history having passed through four owners in NSW before coming to Brisbane, QLD in early 2005. At that time the odometer was only 33,000 km. Since then the car has been used and regularly serviced / maintained by Ferrari specialists until being acquired by Oldtimer Australia.

The car recently had a major service, suspension rebuild and other miscellaneous repairs completed by Ferrari specialist, Enzotech. At this time the wheels have been repainted and new tyres fitted. Additionally, the car has had the seats retrimmed and been recarpeted to the highest standard by Blakemores Automotive.

The cars service records confirm the mileage of ~ 75,000km as genuine.

Today the car presents beautifully in its original and stunning colour of rosso corsa (FER 300/6) with cream leather interior and brown carpets. The paints looks to be extensively original and is in remarkable condition. All of the panel gaps are excellent and it is difficult to find too many blemishes in the paint. All of the exterior trim, glass and badges are also in excellent condition. The interior of the car is also in excellent condition and the recently retrimmed seats and new carpets just set the rest of the cabin off nicely. Everything looks to be correct and all of the instruments and switches are in excellent condition.

Importantly everything appears to be in working order, including the A/C which blows cold air.

The car starts easily and settles immediately into a smooth idle. Out on the open road the car performs impeccably. The engine pulls strongly through the rev range and the gearchange is slick once warm. The car is really tight on the road and it handles & stops as it should.

The car has full books in the original leather pouch, including the original service book / warranty card, tool kit (including the accessory light and bulb / fuse holder) and jack kit which are both like new. The targa top storage cover is also with the car and in excellent condition. Importantly all of the car’s ID plates, the Australian compliance plate, tags and the original paint sticker remain intact and are also in excellent condition.

We have had a few very nice Ferrari 328’s but this one is perhaps the best – just a jewel of a car. Hard to believe it is near 30 years young!

It’s now ready for its next keeper.

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