Lot 154

London 2015

1989 Ferrari 328 GTS

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£190,400 GBP | Sold

United Kingdom | London, United Kingdom

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Chassis No.
ZFFWA20C000081188
Engine No.
17423
Gearbox No.
3848
Body No.
181
Documents
UK V5
  • One of only 292 RHD cars delivered new to the UK with ABS
  • Only 556 original miles; presented in as-new condition
  • Single owner and stored for 25 years
  • Recent major service

270 bhp, 3,185 cc DOHC transverse-mounted V-8 engine, five-speed manual transaxle, front and rear independent suspension with unequal-length A-arms, coil springs, a stabiliser bar, and telescopic dampers, and four-wheel ventilated disc brakes. Wheelbase: 2,350 mm

The 308, boasting one of the most recognisable silhouettes ever penned by Pininfarina, wore a markedly different design from Ferrari’s first two-seat, mid-engined road car, the 246 Dino. Whilst the Dino’s design was curvaceous and voluptuous, the 308’s was angular, sharp, and more progressive. Regardless, the 308 was an instant hit, and its lines came to define Ferrari’s late ’70s and early ’80s sports cars.

A few years later, Ferrari refined both the 308’s design and mechanical attributes, and in 1985, they released a new model, the 328. Stylistically, the 328 was very similar to its predecessor, albeit with a few small differences. It received moulded bumpers, a slightly smaller front grille, and its most readily distinguishable feature, a small roof spoiler that was mounted just aft of the rear seats. The 328’s interior received more supportive seats, along with superior ergonomics and improved general quality, which made the car’s driving experience more intuitive.

Mechanically, the V-8’s bore and stroke were increased, which increased capacity to 3,185 cubic centimetres. As a result, horsepower was increased to 270 brake horsepower at 7,000 rpm. This made the 328 capable of a top speed of 160 mph and a sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds.

This beautiful and all-original 328 GTS was delivered new to Michael Webb in Cornwall on 11 May 1989. The car was ordered through Nigel Mansell’s Emblem Sports Cars Ltd. in Nero over a beige leather interior. Mr Webb, an avid Ferrari collector, had ordered his 328 in January of the previous year and specified it with optional air conditioning, ABS, and a rear aerofoil. Once he took delivery, the car was registered as F387 WPR. As the market was rapidly rising, Webb decided to offer the car for sale the following Monday. Unfortunately, that day would later become known as “Black Monday”. Even as the market crashed, Webb refused to accept a lesser offer for the car, and the sale fell through. As such, he in turn decided to store the car and wait for the market to return. Thus, the 328 was properly decommissioned, with all fluids drained and the car raised on axle stands and wrapped under cover in a heated garage, and there it would remain for the next 25 years.

A quarter of a century later this 328 was awoken from its slumber, and it is now being offered very much as the day it was stored. As the Ferrari was hardly driven when new, it shows only 556 miles on its odometer, and it still retains its original books, tolls, jack, roof cover, sales brochure, and original purchase invoice, amongst other documentation. To ensure that everything remains in proper order, the car was most recently subject to a complete and thorough recommissioning. Work performed included overhauling the brake servo, fuel metering unit, and suspension, as well as a major mechanical service, amongst other details.

A 328 GTS in this gorgeous combination is rare, and one of only 292 right-hand-drive cars fitted with ABS delivered to the UK is exceedingly rare. This example, presented in exceptional condition throughout, is a sure-fire opportunity to obtain a rapidly appreciating asset and a stunning Ferrari no less.