1989 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 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 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 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS. This particular car is an Australian delivered factory RHD example (compliance plate dated 3/89) that is understood to have been sold new by Ferrari Sydney. Whilst it has the convex shaped wheels the car is in fact a pre ABS model. The car’s first owner traded his Ferrari 308 for this 328 GTS enjoying the car for a number of years before it passed to its second owner in the mid 1990’s. The second owner was a well-known Ferrari Club stalwart who regularly used the car attending many rallies and Club events. In the mid 2000’s he traded the car on a Ferrari 355 and it then went to Perth, WA for its third owner. The car then came back to NSW in 2010 where it was repainted and bought up to its current condition and kept in storage until it was sold to the Gosford Classic Car Museum in 2015. The car was sold by Oldtimer Australia to its current owner in February 2016. A change in his circumstances have resulted in this car now being offered for sale.

Today the car presents beautifully in its original colour scheme of ‘rosso corsa’ (paint code 300/9) with a tan leather interior. The paint work is virtually unmarked and stunning in every regard. The wheels are also in excellent condition, as is the trim, badges, glass etc. The panel gaps are very good. The car looks to be correct in every way and it drives as it should. Oldtimer Australia has sold a number of 328’s over the years and this one drives as well as any of them. It is an absolute delight to drive!

The car starts easily and once on the open road it pulls strongly through the rev range and shifts through the gears smoothly. The car also handles and stops as it should. The interior is also in excellent condition belying of a car that is circa 28 years old. The seats, door cards, dash, instruments etc look to be original, however, the car was carpeted by a previous owner.

The car has just been fitted with a new set of tyres and it is accompanied by the correct tool roll, jack kit and removable targa top cover which are all in excellent condition.

The odometer reads 108,594 km.

 

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