Lot 150: 1986 Ferrari 328 GTS

Full service history, 23,000 miles from new1986 Ferrari 328 GTSRegistration Number: EAZ 3085 Chassis Number: ZFFWA20C000064491Although the much-loved Ferrari Dino 246 GT was replaced in 1973 by the all-new Dino 308 GT4, Ferrari's first ever V8 engined production model, its Bertone styling and 2+2 seating received mixed reactions; it was not until 1975, when the Pininfarina-penned 308 GTB was launched at the Paris Show, that aficionados of the marque felt the 246's true successor had arrived. The 308 GTB employed a tubular steel chassis with independent coil spring/wishbone suspension front and rear, complimented by anti-roll bars, adjustable dampers and powerful disc brakes. At is heart, and again mid-mounted, was the Formula One derived, all alloy, four camshaft and dry sump 3.0 litre V8 engine of the GT4, allied to a transversely mounted five-speed gearbox. Pininfarina's stunning two seat, glassfibre coachwork combined the best features of the 246 and the later 356GT4/BB and looked just right. Producing 255bhp at 7,700rpm and 201lb.ft of torque at 5,500rpm from 2,926cc, it was also very quick with 154mph top speed and 0-60mph acceleration in just 6.5 seconds. For 1977 three important changes took place: steel replaced fibreglass for the body structure, adding some 200lb in weight, dry sump lubrication was dispensed with and the GTS model with targa top was introduced. The GTS proved a big success, outselling the GTB to which it offered similar performance combined with the joys of open top motoring. With the replacement of the engine's Weber carburettors with Bosch electronic fuel injection in 1980, however, to meet exhaust emissions, some 40bhp was lost. This was remedied the following year with the Quattrovalvole model, the name signifying a change to four valves per cylinder for the V8 and an output of 240bhp. The Ferrari 328 GTB and GTO which replaced the 308 models in 1985 can be seen as the ultimate development of the line. Its race-bred suspension continued to endow this Ferrari with enviable poise and dynamic handling, while the 270bhp, and now 3,185cc, V8 engine propelled it to over 150mph with a 0-60mph time of just six seconds. Though not having the ultimate performance of its larger brother, the 288 GTO, the 328 earned itself a meretricious reputation for its all round ability. Here was a car that was capable of being driven with complete docility around town, but possessing the potential to see off all opposition on a fast twisty road. When it became time to replace the 328 the task was enormous; it had been by far the most popular model to leave Maranello, a perfect combination of practicality and performance. With only 23,000 miles on the odometer, this particular example is perhaps one of the finest currently on the market. The car is in very good condition all round with the red paint work in excellent order and the cream leather interior of a similar standard. Supplied with a full service history by Maranello Sales in Egham, including an invoice from January 2004 totalling £8,241 for work which included a comprehensive 25,000 mile service and camshaft belt renewal, this 328 GTS comes with a V5 registration document, MoT test certificate valid for 12 months, a file of bills, tool kit and a Ferrari car cover. With only 542 right-hand-drive examples produced, this is a rare and practical example from this most famous automotive marque.Estimate£20,000-£24,000