Finished in Striking “FLY” Yellow & Black Leather Interior / Top
Desirable Ferrari 348 Spider (One of 1,090 Produced) with Records & History
Engine Out Service <1,000 Miles- Professionally Maintained Example, California Smog Legal
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INTRODUCTION TO CLASSIC CARS LTD. eBay AUCTIONS
Thank you for visiting our eBay auction. We appreciate your interest in the Ferrari 348 Spider and feel that it is important that we provide some basic information relative to our business philosophy and utilization of eBay to market our collectible & Classic vehicles.
For over 26 years, Classic Cars Ltd. has operated a “brick & mortar” showroom located in Pleasanton, CA. in the San Francisco Bay area. As a small enthusiast owned collector car facility we offer unique and specialty cars to discerning buyers. We source our rust free California cars almost exclusively from local private collections and long term owner’s. We have sold thousands of unique, classic and collectible vehicles to buyer’s all over the USA / world and regularly deal with buyer’s that have not had the experience of purchasing a large (both physically, and monetarily!) item on eBay, or through an Internet source. Our eBay feedback is 100% positive on all vehicle sales from customers around the world, and is a reflection of our commitment to accurate, complete, and thorough vehicle descriptions.
While we have had comments about the length of our narrative on each vehicle, most serious buyers appreciate the detailed photographs and description and believe that “more is better.” However, if you are looking for a brief summary of the vehicle, please view the photographs and scroll to the very bottom of the listing where you will find a summary of the car for sale including; make, model, mileage, specifications, etc.
Please keep in mind that we will gladly…
– Answer any questions over the telephone and take the time to guide prospective customers through the buying process over the telephone (925-846-1451)
– Assist with locating a quality, suitable transporter at competitive prices
– Provide proof (upon request) that we are licensed, bonded (for the financial transaction), fully insured, and operate from an established showroom environment
– Provide feedback from previous buyers, and specific references for vehicle purchases in your area (we also ask that you view our detailed eBay feedback by clicking on the number to the right of the eBay user name)
– Provide additional information including specific photographs or clarification of any part of our description of the vehicle
Thank you again, please let me know if I can be of assistance.
Cheers and Happy “eBaying”!
Classic Cars Ltd.
Pleasanton, CA
925-846-1451
THIS PARTICULAR FERRARI 348 SPIDER
Those that are familiar with the Ferrari 348 Spider are aware that it offers tremendous value in the Ferrari marketplace. The Ferrari 348 Spider is a beautiful example of pure Italian artistry and engineering. The cars are not only brilliant to look at but offer dependability and reliability in an exotic vehicle. They combine beauty, exhilarating performance, and very nice, later model build quality.
Of course, as a “Spider”, the car offers the benefit of a full “top-down” experience. Finally, in typical Ferrari fashion, they are built for performance but unlike the early Ferrari’s offer considerably more in the way of “creature comforts” with all of the niceties ranging from air conditioning to power windows.
This particular Ferrari has been enjoyed and accumulated 71,333. While some seek examples that have exceptionally low mileage, these cars can often develop issues as a result of not being used. Most Ferrari specialists (including the experienced Ferrari mechanic that works on many of our foreign and exotic cars) will tell you that a Ferrari that is used and serviced regularly is generally a better car than one that has not seen use and is simply a “garage queen.”
The Ferrari comes complete with the original owner’s manual and a car cover, receipts, and ownership history.
The independent inspection of the Ferrari, performed within the previous 100 miles by a mechanic with Ferrari experience, shows the car to be very solid, totally rust free and having every indication of never having been exposed to the elements. We know that our customer treated the car with incredible care and that it never saw rain during his ownership. In fact, the car was used virtually 100% of the time with the top down in the California sunshine.
Specifically, the car will come with the following factory original items:
FERRARI 348 SPIDER – OVERALL COSMETIC CONDITION
Describing this Ferrari is straightforward. Every part of the car, both inside and out rates high and reflects the level of care that this car has received. The cars exterior is finished in what is one of the most popular and striking color combinations; classic “FLY yellow”” with black leather interior and top.
The Ferrari exterior condition shows very well and certainly does not reflect its mileage. The Ferrari is free from noticeable “road rash” often seen on these cars. The body is extremely straight and a totally clean Car Fax report. The paint is high gloss and devoid of any damage or issues that detract from the overall appearance of the Ferrari. The convertible top functions properly and the top is excellent with a clear rear window. The owner/driver is a “mature” driver and has been literally the only driver of the Ferrari since he acquired the 348.
Of course, the car has been garaged for its entire life and has received the benefit of high quality, professional and through detailing. The exterior trim is equally as good with no nicks or scrapes on the bumpers (a “suburban car” so there is none of the “big city” parking damage), door damage or indications of current or previous body damage. The lenses, glass and other exterior components are also in excellent condition. The wheels are factory Ferrari 17” wheels that have literally a few very minor imperfections that require a close critical inspection to be noted.
The interior on the Ferrari is in very nice condition reflecting shows only the patina of fine Italian leather materials. The seats, dash, door panels and other parts of the interior are free from any damage or signs of other than normal light use. The interior is accurately depicted in the photographs and, using and old adage “A picture is worth a hundred words.”
All of the electrical system and gauges are fully functional including the sometimes finicky power windows. The carpeting is in very good condition. The original soft top boot is included (shown on the car in several photos) and is ebony in color.
MECHANICAL CONDITION
Simply stated, driving this car is a pure joy. The 348 lacks the electronic gadgetry that is so prevalent in newer cars allowing the driver to fully enjoy the classic Ferrari driving experience. For the low price of admission comparable to a family sedan, you can join the ranks of high society and drive one of the most sought after Marque’s in the world, a Ferrari!
The maintenance / service file and history on the car is extensive and too lengthy to outline in detail. Perhaps most noteworthy is the most recent service that was performed by Ferrari of San Francisco within the past 1,000 miles. The service was extensive and included the following:
Complete 36,000 mile service including:
– Timing belt replacement
– Poly belts replaced
– R&R spark plugs
– New fuel filter
– Refresh coolant
– Complete oil service
– Replace gear oil
– Replace bearings
– New gaskets, seals and washers
All other Ferrari recommended 36K service items.
The comprehensive file documents the ongoing maintenance work by Ferrari factory trained mechanics and specialists, for over 15 years. At ~40K miles the 348 received and engine out service including an engine rebuild (documented by photographs in the listing). Additionally, at 68,804 miles (less than 2,000 miles ago) the Ferrari received a completely rebuilt transmission including new bearings, syncro, and related components. The file documents a clutch replacement, master cylinder and pedal assembly and front brakes at 61K miles, ~10,000 miles ago. Other receipts include ongoing oil/filter changes, repairs to power windows, wiring harness, and a host of other items both preventative and at the time of needed repairs.
The Ferrari has no leaks, the engine fires right up, idles smoothly and has that wonderful Ferrari sound. The suspension is nice and tight with no odd noises, vibrations, or alignment problems when driving. The recent independent inspection revealed no major findings and supports that this is a problem free 348 that will be happy to serve its new owner for many years and miles to come.
DRIVING THE FERRARI 348 SPIDER
As expected from a well maintained Ferrari, the 348 runs and drives beautifully. A recent inspection revealed no major issues and the car passed the California required safety inspection within the past 100 miles.
Ferrari’s have a characteristic exhaust note and the addition of a smog legal Tubi exhaust on this 348 makes it even more pleasing to the ear. You can hear the car coming from some distance and there is no mistaking it for a Ferrari. The exhaust note is anything but offensive or overly loud; the car has the perfect blend of intake roar, mechanical “melody” and lovely “whine” that has us reaching to turn off the cars sound system to better hear the car’s engine. As the revs rise, the exhaust tone becomes increasingly pleasing.
While we haven’t begun to explore the handling or performance capabilities of the Ferrari, it is clear from our time in the drivers and passengers seat that this is a car that was designed to be driven, not just looked at. As we begin to drive the car a little harder and faster around the sweeping country roads in our area the car begs to go faster and faster, grips the pavement and demonstrates totally neutral handling characteristics. It is simply a pleasure to drive.
The Ferrari is also a very comfortable car to drive under virtually all conditions and could even be utilized for the occasional daily commute to, well, more spirited activities. As always, Ferrari has designed and delivered a superb driving instrument in the “348”. The car combines precision, balance, gusto, style, and what we imagine would be impressive test-track results if that is your forte. The Ferrari is the hot-looking partner that you’ve been looking for, will enjoy on your first date, and never tire of.
WHAT DO THE EXPERTS SAY ABOUT THE FERRARI 348 SPIDER?
The Ferrari 348 made its debut at the 1989 Frankfurt Auto Show. “To many, it was best in Show,” said Road & Track. “Free of Testarossa excess — in width, overhang, and styling — this 3.4-liter V-8 is compact, quicker on the track … ideal.”
In a Road & Track comparison of exotics, the magazine concluded the Ferrari 348 was “The better exotic” and would later name it “One of the ten best cars in the world.”
FERRARI 348 SPIDER SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: DOHC, 32 Valve V8, 3405 cc
Power: 300 bhp (224 kW) @ 7200 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Chassis: Steel platform & sub-frame
Suspension: Independent all round
Brakes: 4-wheel Disk ABS
Engine: DOHC, 32 Valve V8, 3405 cc
Power: 320 bhp (239 kW) @ 7500 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Chassis: Steel platform & sub-frame
Suspension: Independent all round
Brakes: 4-wheel Disk ABS
Acceleration:
0-100 km/h (62 mph): 5.6 sec.
0-161 km/h (100 mph): 11.5 sec.
1/4 mile: 13.8 sec.
Top Speed: 171 mph
FERRARI 348 SPIDER – HISTORY
The 348, badged 348 TB for the coupe (Berlinetta) and 348 TS (Spider) for the Targa versions, features a naturally aspirated 3.4-litre version of the quad-cam, 4-valve-per-cylinder V8 engine which was originally found in the 288 GTO sports car. Thus the model name, 3.4-litre 8-cylinder engine. The engine produced 300 hp (224 kW) at launch and sits longitudinally with a transverse gearbox. The transverse gearbox gives the model its “T” on TS and TB. Overall 2895 units of 348 TB and 4230 units of 348 TS were manufactured.
All 348s were shipped with dual-computer engine management with twin Bosch 2.5 Motronic ECUs, and double-redundant Anti-Lock Braking systems. Likewise, all 348s were shipped with on-board self-diagnosing Air Conditioning and heating systems.
USA imported Ferrari 348’s have functioning on-board OBDI engine management systems, though European variants do not come with the self-test push button installed, which is needed to activate this troubleshooting feature.
Similar to the Testarossa but departing from the BB 512 and 308/328, the oil and coolant radiators were relocated from the nose to the sides, widening the waist of the car substantially, but making the cabin much easier to cool since hoses routing warm water no longer ran underneath the cabin as in the older front-radiator cars. This also had the side effect of making the doors very wide.
All Ferrari 348s use racing “dry-sump” oil systems to prevent oil starvation at high speeds and in hard corners. The oil level can only be checked (accurately) on the dip-stick when the motor is running due to this setup. Also, all 348s have suspensions independently adjustable for ride height, as well as a removable rear sub-frame to speed up the removal of the engine for maintenance.
Late versions (1993 and beyond) have improved starter motors and power generators to improve reliability, as well as the battery located within the front left fender for better weight distribution.
Nearly 9,000 348s were produced, and the car’s straked side air intakes resemble those of the Testarossa, as do the rectangular tail lights. The 348’s successor, the F355, returned to the styling cues of the 328 with round tail lights and rounded side air scoops.
Changes for 1993+ Model Year
In late 1993 the 348 was revised, featuring subtle styling changes (front grille, rear chrome Cavallino and removable seat cushions) and more power, this time producing 312 bhp (USA cars) from the same 3.4-litre engine, with an improved engine management system – Bosch Motronic 2.7, increased compression ratio from 10.4:1 to 10.8:1, higher plenum chamber on inlet manifold, new exhaust system (single muffler) and different camshaft timing.
The revised cars are called 348 GTB (252 made) and GTS (137 made) and were presented to the public as the 348 GT versions, equipped with the F119H engine (as opposed to the original F119D and US F119G).
For these models, both the engine hood panel and lower body skirts were body-colored instead of black and the rear track was one inch wider due to the mounting area, on the inside, of the rear wheels being thicker. The suspension geometry was revised which greatly enhanced its handling, ride and body control. The fuel tank was also smaller (88L) in order to reduce overall weight and provide space to improve chassis rigidity.
The 348 Spider (convertible) model was also introduced, in-line with the phasing out of the Mondial Cabriolet. A mere 1,090 cars were produced.
Classic Cars Ltd. 925-846-1451