When you picture a Ferrari, what comes to mind? Sleek lines, roaring engines, and a legacy of performance. For many, the dream of Ferrari ownership starts young, gazing through showroom windows. The author of this article was no different, captivated by a brand new red Ferrari 348 as a student. Years later, that dream became reality, but the experience was… nuanced.
Ferrari 348 at Brands Hatch Race Track
The initial thrill of Ferrari 348 ownership is undeniable. Cruising with the top down in a TS version, life felt perfect. However, reality soon intervened in the form of an embarrassing roadside stall. A simple red light turned into a mechanical drama, with the engine abruptly shutting off and refusing to restart for an agonizing few minutes. This electrical gremlin, suspected to be a faulty lambda sensor, became a recurring theme, highlighting a significant weakness of the 348: its electronics. In short, they were, to put it bluntly, “shit.”
But the 348’s shortcomings weren’t limited to temperamental electronics. The handling, or lack thereof, was another significant issue. The driving experience could be described as “scary,” a far cry from the confidence-inspiring performance expected from a Ferrari. Several factors contributed to this unsettling feeling. The factory-fitted hard Bridgestone tires were a poor choice, offering minimal grip. The rear wheel track seemed too narrow, contributing to instability. The suspension was underwhelming, and the unassisted steering, while lauded by purists, proved to be a major drawback. Low-speed maneuvers were a workout, and even at higher speeds, wrestling with the steering wheel to achieve a decent turning angle was far from enjoyable. Pushing the 348 beyond 250 km/h felt like a gamble, a testament to its handling limitations.
Contemporary reviews were generally favorable, though even then, the 348 struggled to keep pace with rivals like the Porsche 911, or even a Golf GTI. However, the arrival of the Ferrari F355 changed everything. The F355 comprehensively outclassed the 348 in every aspect, exposing the older model’s flaws and prompting a reassessment of its place in Ferrari history. Even Luca di Montezemolo, former Ferrari CEO, reportedly labeled the 348 as Ferrari’s “worst product.” History, it seemed, was not kind to the 348.
Despite these criticisms, the story doesn’t end there. Intriguingly, the author’s journey with the Ferrari 348 took an unexpected turn. After selling his first 348 (the problematic red one) and briefly owning a Ferrari 360 and a Porsche Boxster Spyder, he found himself back in 348 ownership. A friend, who had purchased a yellow 348 at the same time as the author’s red one, offered to sell his car at a dealership trade-in price. This yellow 348, while sharing the inherent 348 faults, proved to be more reliable than the red one. The author seized the opportunity, finding himself once again behind the wheel of a Ferrari 348, twenty years after his initial Ferrari dream.
This second 348 ownership coincided with a burgeoning Ferrari 348 Challenge racing series. The Dutch Ferrari club had lobbied Ferrari for a racing series for owners, and Ferrari responded with the Challenge series. European 348 owners could order a “Challenge kit” to transform their road cars into track-ready machines. These Challenge-equipped 348s boasted significantly improved handling thanks to upgraded springs, suspension bushings, and performance tires. The author’s yellow 348 was fitted with such a Challenge kit, making it eligible for events like the Pirelli Ferrari Trofeo Classic races.
The key takeaway is that the Ferrari 348, while flawed in its original form, is highly upgradable. The notorious electronics can be addressed; heating system issues often boil down to inexpensive transistor replacements or wiring fixes. Tire technology has advanced dramatically since the 348’s release in 1989. Modern performance tires like Michelin Pilot Sport 4, Michelin Pilot Cup 2, or Pirelli Trofeo R transform the handling. Suspension bushings can be upgraded to stiffer Challenge versions (or even titanium), and complete suspension overhauls are readily available. Even power steering, a controversial addition for purists, can be installed to improve low-speed maneuverability and overall driving feel, often with switchable options for those who prefer the original unassisted setup.
So, where does the Ferrari 348 stand today? Price-wise, it occupies the lower end of the Ferrari spectrum, alongside the Mondial. However, the 348 is arguably a more visually appealing car than the 2+2 Mondial. The Ferrari 348 is now considered one of the most accessible entry points into Ferrari ownership. With some strategic upgrades – addressing the electronics, widening the track, fitting performance tires, and upgrading the suspension – a 348 can be transformed into a genuinely enjoyable Ferrari. It retains the iconic Ferrari sound and stunning looks, and with improvements, delivers respectable handling. For the author, the 348 became an affordable gateway to Ferrari racing, providing countless track days at circuits like the Nürburgring, Spa, Zandvoort, and Brands Hatch, and even Italian road trips, all without significant issues.
In conclusion, the Ferrari 348 might not be the best Ferrari ever made, and it certainly has its flaws. However, it’s far from being the “worst.” Instead, the Ferrari 348 represents exceptional value in today’s classic car market. It’s a beautiful, sonorous Ferrari that, with thoughtful upgrades, can offer a rewarding ownership experience and a genuine entry into the Ferrari world. It may not be the fastest Ferrari, but it is undeniably a Ferrari, and a cool one at that.
