Lot 227: 1990 Ferrari 328GTS Targa Coupe

Ferrari�s line of highly successful V8-engined road cars began with the 308GT4 of 1973. Originally badged as a Dino, the all-new 308GT4 2+2 took over from the preceding V6-engined Dino 246GT. The newcomer�s wedge-shaped styling - by Bertone rather than the customary Pininfarina - was not universally well received, but the performance of the amidships-mounted, double-overhead-camshaft 3.0-litre V8 certainly was. A new two-seater car using a dry-sump version of the same power unit debuted at the Paris Salon in 1975. Built on a shorter wheelbase, the stunningly beautiful 308GTB marked a welcome return to Pininfarina styling. Further developments included the introduction in 1977 of an open-top GTS version with Targa-style removable roof, the adoption of Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection (1980) and, finally, revised cylinder heads with four valves per cylinder (1982).
The 308 was superseded by the mechanically similar but larger engined 328GTB in 1985. By increasing both bore and stroke, the quattrovalvole engine�s capacity was raised to 3,186cc which, together with a higher compression ratio, revised pistons and an improved Marelli engine management system, lifted maximum power to 270bhp at 7,000rpm. Top speed was raised to within a whisker of 160mph (258km/h) with the sprint to 60mph covered in 5.5 seconds. On the outside, the elegant simplicity of Pininfarina�s original 308 had been diluted somewhat by the addition of Testarossa-style moulded bumpers incorporating both sidelights and indicators, deeper rear valance and an unobtrusive roof spoiler. Its underlying beauty though, could not be disguised. �If the sublime purity of the original shape has been corrupted, its striking appearance has not,� declared Motor magazine. �In our book, this is still the most beautiful of all contemporary exotics - a gorgeous looking car.�
Beneath the skin the tubular steel chassis remained much as before, with all-round independent suspension by double wishbones, four-wheel servo-assisted disc brakes and aluminium-alloy wheels, though the latter were increased in size. The interior too had come in for subtle revision and now featured improved instruments switchgear and heating. The 328GTB/GTS continued in production until 1989, by which time almost 22,000 308/328s of all types had been sold, making the model the most commercially successful Ferrari of all time.
One of the final 328s produced, the exceptional GTS we offer here is the last of its type delivered to Switzerland and has the unleaded-compatible, catalyser-equipped engine and anti-lock brakes. Ordered new by a Ferrari agent, who has kept it ever since, the car has covered 99 �delivery� kilometres only and has never been registered for the road. It is offered with all the original owner�s service books and maintenance manuals. Flawless and - almost certainly - the best in the world, this car is worthy of the closest inspection.