When it first appeared in the early 1990s, the Ferrari 348 doesn't have it easy. Succeeding the very elegant Ferrari 328, it immediately shocks. Its more angular, more radical design contrasted with the fluid lines of its predecessor. At the time, the specialized press did it no favors. Criticism rained down, but it wasn't really about performance. It was above all its styling, judged to be too far removed from the codes of the past. Ferrari, and his demanding nature. Some journalists also pointed to his borderline delicate behavior, fueling a reputation that would stick to him for a long time. And yet, this view is now widely challenged.
A Ferrari still “validated” by Enzo
Yet the 348 has a strong historical argument. It was one of the last Ferraris developed during the Enzo Ferrari era. A detail which, logically, should have played in its favor from the outset... but which wasn't enough to convince at the time. It's only with time that this heritage takes on added value in the eyes of enthusiasts.
Old-fashioned driving experience
What's striking about the Ferrari 348 today is precisely what it was accused of. Where modern Ferraris have become easier, more assisted, the 348 demands involvement. No power steering, very few electronics, a manual gearbox, and only ABS as a driving aid. The driver is at the center of everything. Every bend, every brake application, every acceleration demands attention.
But that's precisely what makes it so appealing. The feel is raw, mechanical, almost analog. The steering wheel transmits every bump in the road, to the point of giving the impression of “reading” the asphalt. A sensation that many feel has been lost on modern models.
Flaws that become qualities
Yes, the Ferrari 348 isn't perfect. It's not the fastest, nor the most comfortable, nor the easiest to drive to the limit. But it's precisely this imperfection that appeals to us today. Unlike modern supercars, which are often considered “too perfect”, the 348 forces you to get involved. You have to learn to understand it, to come to terms with its character. And that's where the fun begins. As one owner perfectly sums up: a perfect car is not necessarily an interesting car.
A simple Ferrari... and ultimately reassuring
Another surprise is its mechanical simplicity. At a time when Ferraris are becoming increasingly complex, the 348 remains relatively accessible for a Maranello sports car. No excessive sensors, no intrusive electronics, no complicated systems. As a result, maintenance is more straightforward and often less stressful than on more recent models. An annual overhaul remains reasonable for this type of car, and even heavier operations such as distribution remain under control. An argument that counts today for enthusiasts who want to drive... and not just collect.
A rising star at last
Long shunned, the Ferrari 348 is now on the rise again. Whereas a few years ago it could be negotiated at relatively affordable levels, fine examples are now selling for over €100,000. A logical rise for a model that ticks a number of boxes: rarity, a much-appreciated design, analog driving and a pivotal position in Ferrari history.
“Those who really know their stuff all have one”.”
This is probably the phrase that best sums up the revenge of the Ferrari 348. Because today, it's often experienced collectors who seek it out. Many own newer, more powerful, higher-performance models... but still keep a 348 in their garage. Not for its numbers, but for what it provides. After all, the Ferrari 348 embodies a bygone era: one when driving a Ferrari demanded commitment, when every outing was an event, and when the machine made no compromises. An imperfect car, to be sure. But deeply endearing. And above all, now recognized for its true worth.
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It was the 348 TS and TB that were criticized, because the GTB, GTS, Spider and GTC were totally overhauled compared to the first 2, and for once the journalists were right, because a TB and a GTB, as far as handling is concerned, having tested them, it's night and day, because the TB wants to dance the waltz all the time, and you spend more time taming it than driving it.
To be perfectly clear, and to correct Scudric's opinion, the very first versions were indeed criticized and definitely (opinions and tests) tarnished the model's image.
Since its launch in 1989, the 348 has undergone a number of changes, especially to the chassis, which have considerably improved handling and made it less «manly».
The very last TB and TS versions from 1992 to the end of production are absolutely identical to the GTB and GTS except for the mechanics, with a 320hp engine instead of 300.
And no, because it's not the power where the work has been done, but the chassis and drivetrain, which have nothing in common with a TB and a GTB in terms of roadholding, but both are just as «virile», especially when it comes to shifting gears. After working on the Challenge in 1992, they passed on the work they'd done on the GTB (mainly the geometry).
the GTC is definitely a step up (nothing to do with the Challenge, which many people confuse).
And no, because it's not the power or the work that's been done, but of course the suspension and chassis, which have nothing in common with a TB and a GTB in terms of roadholding, but both are just as «virile», especially when it comes to shifting gears, and the GTC is definitely a notch above (nothing to do with the Challenge, which many people confuse).
For a car that «supposedly» tarnished the brand at the time, no Berlinetta had achieved such a sales record before it.