Ferrari 328
Ferarri 328
The Ferrari 328 is an emblem of automotive engineering and design, an icon in the world of sports cars. A successor to the highly acclaimed 308, the Ferrari 328 is regarded as one of the finest achievements of Italian automaker.
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Birth of a Legend
Launched in 1985, it represented the pinnacle of the 308 series. With improved performance, styling, and handling, this was the new benchmark. Designed by legendary coachbuilder Pininfarina, it is characterized by its distinctive, curvaceous body and wedge-shaped profile. It was available in two body styles, the GTB (Gran Turismo Berlinetta) and GTS (Gran Turismo Spyder). Catering to enthusiasts who wanted both performance and luxury.
Innovative Design
The Ferrari 328 design incorporated a variety of innovations that set it apart from its predecessors. An evolved version of the 308’s silhouette, the 328’s more refined lines reflected Pininfarina’s evolution in design language. One noticeable change was the use of body-colored bumpers, which provided a seamless, integrated appearance. In addition, the distinctive side air intakes were enlarged to improve engine cooling, while the rear valance panel was reworked to improve aerodynamic efficiency.
Ferrari 328 Performance
The heart, is its 3.2-liter, naturally-aspirated V8 engine. It made 270 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 231 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm. The engine, designated as the Tipo F105CB, featured several innovative solutions, including Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection and a Marelli MED 806A electronic ignition system. Making it able to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of around 166 mph.
Transmission and Suspension
With a 5-speed manual transmission with a dogleg first gear, was an unusual configuration for a road-going sports car. This allowed for better gear ratios, enabling drivers to exploit the car’s full performance potential. It also had an advanced suspension system, with unequal-length double wishbones, coil springs, and telescopic shock absorbers at all four corners.
Braking and Wheels
Equipped with ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels ensured effective braking even during track situations. The 16-inch alloy wheels were available in both a standard design and an optional five-spoke “star” design, dressed with high-performance tires.
Interior and Ergonomics
The Ferrari 328’s interior was a perfect blend of Italian craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. The seats, upholstered in fine leather, offered excellent support, while the ergonomically-designed dashboard placed all controls within easy reach of the driver. A combination of analog gauges and warning lights provided the driver with vital information about the car’s performance, while air conditioning and an optional sound system ensured a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
Ferrari 328 Production and Sales
Produced from 1985 to 1989, a total 7,400 units were built. Of these, 6,068 were GTS models and 1,332 were GTB models. The 328 was succeeded by the 348, which was introduced in 1989.
Legacy and Market
The 328’s popularity have made it a highly sought-after classic sports car. It is often praised for its reliability, driving dynamics, and iconic design. These factors have contributed to its increasing value in the collector car market. There are many well-maintained examples still on the road.
Special Editions and Variants
During its production, variants were introduced to cater to the tastes of discerning clientele. One example is the 328 GTB/GTS Turbo. It was a limited production model featuring a turbocharged engine that produced 254 horsepower. This model was primarily for the Italian market, due to the country’s high taxes on large displacement engines. A total of 1,145 Turbo models were produced between 1986 and 1989.
Another noteworthy variant is the Ferrari 328 Conciso, a one-off custom-built concept car by Pininfarina. Based on a Ferrari 328 GTS, the Conciso had a crazy open-top design and little bodywork, showcasing Pininfarina’s avant-garde design philosophy.
Motorsport Achievements
The Ferrari 328 received widespread acclaim from both automotive journalists and enthusiasts alike. Its well-rounded nature, blending performance, style, and comfort, won it several awards and recognitions throughout its production life. The 328 was even crowned “The Best Sports Car in the World” by Car and Driver magazine in 1986, a testament to its enduring allure.
While not designed for racing, its performance and handling capabilities made it popular for privateer teams in motorsport events. There was also a modified GTB, known as the “GTB Challenge”. It competed in the Ferrari Challenge series, a one-make championship exclusively for Ferrari owners.
The Last Word.
With its impeccable design, impressive performance, and renowned handling characteristics, the 328 remains a cherished icon that continues to captivate the hearts and minds of enthusiasts worldwide. Its enduring appeal and rising market value are sure to secure its place as a true classic for generations to come.