1993 Ferrari 348TS Speciale - Recent Major Service Completed

Description

The Ferrari 348 ‘Serie Speciale’ was introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 1992, and was noticeably different from the other 348 Model Ferrari’s, drawing the attention of true enthusiasts. Production was very limited with only 100 cars leaving the factory delivered solely to the American market. As Ferrari looked for new ways to attract American buyers, the ‘Speciale’ provided for a revised version of a current platform, improving on issues highlighted by automotive magazine reviews and customers. The 348 ‘Speciale’ was quite possibly the beginning of Ferrari’s offerings of special edition variants and set the stage for such cars as the 355 Fiorano, 360 Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia, and 458 Speciale.

The ‘Speciale’ had various improvements over the standard 348 model. Technically speaking, these upgrades include a more free-flowing exhaust, a shorter final drive ratio, a slightly wider (50mm) rear stance, and higher speed-rated Pirelli P Zero (z-rated) tires. Moving to the exterior, the improvements include a new front spoiler to improve aerodynamics, the removal of the grill around the taillights (making them more flush to the body), the addition of the prancing horse to the front grill, and for the first time, the bumpers, rocker panels, and engine cover were painted to match the body color. The interior received numerous upgrades as well, including F40 style Kevlar carbon fiber leather wrapped seats (original seats were still optional), leather wrapped door panels, and special interior badging. The overall end result of these improvements was just a 12 horsepower increase from 300bhp to 312bhp, however, combined with the all of the other improvements, it was a much more refined variant of the standard 348 Model.

This particular ‘Speciale’ is the 65thexample produced and is finished in the iconic Ferrari colors of Rosso Corsa over tan showing just 17,429 miles from new. It is offered in exceptional original condition and has received the coveted Platino (Platinum) Award at a Ferrari Club of America National meet; a true testament to the level of correctness and quality of this particular example. Additionally, it benefits from a major service that was completed in June of this year by marque experts Scuderia Performante at a cost of $8,910.27.

The quality of the original paint is excellent, especially given the car is now 23 years old. It is free of any major flaws and still has a very nice mirror-like finish throughout. There are some very minor imperfections if one looks closely, most notably a few minor stone chips that have been touched up on the front bumper and bumper lip that do not warrant any additional attention. All of the shut gaps are spot-on as one would expect, and all hood and trunk compartment struts work as they should. Both driver’s and passenger side doors and quarter panels are laser straight with no dings or blemish and still retain factory original paint throughout. The hood, targa roof, and engine compartment hatch are of the same consistency; original paint and finishes that are blemish free. Another common area where paint flaws can be found on most 348’s is where the roofline meets the tops of the quarter panels. This seam is an area susceptible to paint cracking though this example is free of these common blemishes. All of the glass, including the windshield, is original and crack-free. Rubber components and seals still show to be supple with no areas of rips or aging rubber. Proper, brand new tires have also been mounted at completion of the 30k service in June of 2016.

Moving to the interior, the F40 style leather-wrapped tan seats show slight wear consistent with the mileage though present very well along with the leather-wrapped door panels. All of the common “sticky” interior components have been properly tended to including the hard-to-reach defroster vents. The dash remains in excellent condition with no fading, cracking, or shrinking. The tan carpets are very nice with no major stains or soiling. The steering wheel and the gauges are all in excellent, functioning, condition as well, with no flaws. The all to common sluggish window regulators of 80’s and 90’s Ferrari’s have been totally gone through, serviced and function as they should.

The engine bay has been completely detailed and is show ready. Numerous factory paint markings are still present and the crinkle finish on the intake manifold, as well as the air box, still present nicely. The correct clamps and all the original engine compartment stickers remain in place and remarkably presentable. The proper hoses and the factory anodized finishes on the majority of the hardware still shine nicely and draw your attention. Notably, the factory paint sticker is still completely intact and is in excellent condition. Mechanically, the car is absolutely stellar with no issues, strange noises, or improper functions. The car tracks straight down the road free from shimmying or brake chatter. Each shift is crisp and acceleration is strong. Handling is as if it just left the original selling dealers showroom with no known issues to note.

In theory, if you examine the history of the ‘Speciale’ cars as a whole, in terms of the modern day ‘Speciale’ and compare that to the current market. The 348 Serie Speciale are not only the first iteration of this series but are really the only examples that haven’t seen a large jump in the marketplace. Take the 355 Fiorano as an example. They now trade hands north of $200k whereas two years ago, these were $100k cars. It is only a matter of time before collectors realize the importance of these limited production 348 examples.

Overall, this is an exceptionally well cared for example, with great history, documentation, and a Platinum Award that has been freshly serviced. It presents a great opportunity to acquire a true investment quality Ferrari, at a relatively small investment for such a limited production example. Included in the sale are original books, tools, jack and extensive service history and documentation including a copy of the original window sticker.