FERRARI 308/328
THESE TWO ARE EMBLEMATIC OF THE EXOTIC CAR ERA RULED BY ENZO FERRARI
Show anyone with the slightest interest in cars a red 308 or 328 and almost certainly they will be correctly identified as a Ferrari. Paint them a different colour and the proportion of correct IDs would drop significantly. These mid-engined, V8-powered two seaters are emblematic of the era when the world of exotic car making was ruled by Enzo Ferrari.
Even Ferrari acknowledged that the switch to Bertone’s four-seat, mid-engine format for its GT4 was a step too far. In 1975 when the Pininfarina-styled 308 appeared, its job was to take Ferrari back to its pre-eminent position before Lamborghini and even Porsche came nibbling at its market share.
The very first 308GTs were also the firstFerraris with fibreglass bodies. Derided when new by the ‘purists’, glass-bodied 308s survived for less than two years before being replaced in 1977 by a steel-bodied version. Today those early cars are worth considerably more than a steel-bodied GT. Four years later came the fuel-injected 308GTSi and in 1985 the 3.2-litre 328GTS.
Australia’s earliest 328s arrived in 1986 and were priced at around $140,000. That was marginally less than a Lotus Esprit S4 Turbo but $20,000 more than the 3.2-litre Porsche Carrera. Output from the quad-cam, fuel-injected V8 was 198kW, developed at 7000rpm.
Five-speed transmission was mandatory and Australiandelivered cars came standard with air-conditioning. Offshore markets had the option of a fixed-roof 328GTB but here it came were only in GTS form with a removable roof section.
Distinguishing the 328 from earlier versions was a new grille, large cooling slots in the luggage compartment cover and new, five-spoke alloy wheels.
These are such complex cars that a professional inspection is mandatory. However, a perceptive test drive will usually reveal flaws that tell potential buyers to find another car.
Performance figures from overseas testing confirm this model as among the most potent supercars of its era and engine capacity. Acceleration from 0-100km/h recorded by a 328 running on leaded fuel was 6.2 seconds, with 0-160km/h taking around 15 seconds. Top speed was an achievable 255km/h.
Premium unleaded fuel is an absolute minimum, with 98 Octane preferable for everyday use and essential if the car is going to be pushed hard during Club ‘track days’ that are popular with owners.
MARKET REVIEW
People who buy an older Ferrari are often fulfilling a childhood dream. Many aren’t particularly wealthy but they are at the point in their lives where having a Ferrari becomes possible.
Prices have climbed by 30 per cent since 2015, however the 328GTS could still be the last of the ‘affordable’ two-seat Ferraris with real potential to deliver financial benefits to owners. As earlier and more costly cars are pushed towards $1 million, and beyond the means of all but the very wealthy, there will be increased demand for steel-bodied 308GTs, the later QV and 328.
There is just absolutely no sense in buying a cheap 328GTS – assuming one fitting the description might be available. Personal imports from Britain or other places where climates are harsh are worth avoiding, due to their potential for incipient rust.