Is the Ferrari 348 a bit… misunderstood? Perhaps. For many years, this model has lingered in the shadow of its illustrious predecessors and the groundbreaking successor, the F355. Yet, for those with a passion for Ferrari, the 348 holds a unique appeal, and here’s why it might still be a compelling choice today.
Like many enthusiasts, my first encounter with the Ferrari dream happened through a showroom window. As a student, the sight of a gleaming red Ferrari 348, poised and waiting for its fortunate owner, was captivating. The promise of “One day…” echoed in my mind. Years later, that dream materialized when I finally acquired a 348 TS. The initial euphoria of open-top motoring on that first morning drive was quickly tempered, however. A stop at a traffic light brought an abrupt and unwelcome engine stall. The minutes it took to restart, amidst a chorus of impatient horns, felt like an eternity. This episode, while eventually attributed to a likely faulty lambda sensor, became a recurring theme, highlighting the car’s most notorious weakness: its electronics, often politely described as ‘temperamental.’
Beyond electrical gremlins, the 348’s handling has also been a point of contention. The driving experience could, at times, be unsettling. Several factors contributed to this perceived disconnect from the road. The factory-fitted, hard Bridgestone tires were far from ideal. The rear track, somewhat narrow for the car’s dynamics, didn’t help matters. The suspension, in its original form, left much to be desired. And then there’s the steering. While some purists champion the unassisted steering for its directness, in the 348, it translates to near immovability at low speeds and significant resistance even when cornering at higher speeds. This made spirited driving, especially above 155 mph (250 km/h), feel more like a gamble than a thrill. While initial reviews were moderately positive, especially considering it was positioned against the benchmark Porsche 911 (and even hot hatches like the Golf GTI), the arrival of the F355 changed everything. The F355 comprehensively outclassed the 348 in virtually every metric, exposing the earlier model’s shortcomings and leading many to reassess the 348’s place in Ferrari’s lineage. Even Luca di Montezemolo, former Ferrari CEO, reportedly labeled the 348 as Ferrari’s least accomplished product. History, therefore, hasn’t always been kind to the 348.
Interestingly, around the time of my red 348 ownership, a friend also purchased a yellow example. While his car exhibited the same inherent flaws, it surprisingly remained more mechanically reliable, without the random shutdowns that plagued mine. When I eventually sold my 348 and moved onto a Ferrari 360, and later traded the 360 for a Porsche Boxster Spyder, my friend considered selling his yellow 348. Facing a low dealership offer, he proposed selling it to me instead at the same price. Intrigued by the prospect of a second chance with the 348, and now with a deeper understanding of its quirks, I bought it. Two decades after that initial showroom longing, I was, once again, a Ferrari 348 owner.
Ferrari 348 at Brands Hatch Race Track
The Ferrari 348’s story extends beyond road driving. Its introduction coincided with the Dutch Ferrari club’s push for a Ferrari racing series. Ferrari responded by launching the Challenge series, initially for Italian and European owners. 348 owners in Europe could acquire a ‘Challenge kit’ to transform their cars into track-ready machines. These Challenge-spec 348s boasted significantly improved handling, thanks to upgraded springs, suspension bushings, and performance tires. My current yellow 348 is equipped with such a Challenge kit, making it eligible for competitions like the Pirelli Ferrari Trofeo Classic races.
The beauty of the 348 today lies in its potential for improvement. Many of its shortcomings are now easily addressed. The notoriously fickle electronics can be systematically overhauled. Common heating system issues often boil down to inexpensive components like transistors or wiring fixes. Tire technology has advanced dramatically since the 1990s. Switching to modern sports or track-focused tires such as Michelin Pilot Sport 4, Michelin Pilot Cup 2, or Pirelli Trofeo R transforms the handling characteristics. Suspension bushings can be replaced with stiffer Challenge-spec or even titanium versions, and complete suspension upgrades are readily available. For those seeking lighter steering, modern electric power steering systems can be discreetly installed, even with an on/off switch for purists.
Where does the Ferrari 348 stand in today’s classic car market? Price-wise, it currently sits near the entry point into Ferrari ownership, alongside the slightly more affordable Mondial, a larger 2+2 model. However, in terms of aesthetics, many, including myself, find the 348 far more visually appealing than the Mondial. The Ferrari 348 represents a compelling and relatively accessible gateway into the Ferrari world. With strategic upgrades – addressing the electronics, widening the track, fitting modern tires and suspension components, and optionally adding power steering – a 348 can be transformed into a Ferrari that delivers both captivating looks and engaging driving dynamics, accompanied by that signature Ferrari V8 soundtrack. For me, the 348 became an affordable entry point into Ferrari racing, a decision I wholeheartedly embrace. In the years I’ve owned it, it has seen more track days than any other car I’ve had, proving its reliability and inherent fun. From the demanding Nürburgring to Spa-Francorchamps, Zandvoort, Brands Hatch, and even touring adventures through Italy, the 348 has proven its versatility and charm.
Ultimately, the Ferrari 348 offers exceptional value for money in the current classic Ferrari landscape. While not the fastest Ferrari, it embodies the essence of the brand. It’s a Ferrari with character, a Prancing Horse that, with a little thoughtful enhancement, can truly shine.
