1988 Ferrari 328 GTB from UK and Ireland - Comments

Just read this feature and its comments and I agree with a lot of the views on here and feel differently to some, I owned a non ABS 328 gts and it was indeed a great car, and is, I would agree a painfully beautiful car. and indeed I would agree any ferrari (even the bad ones) has a charecter and soul that you just don't find in any other manufacturers cars, however as a driver more than an art critic, my 355 could never be described as ugly or bland, and if it looks like a japanese car (which I don't think it does) its because the japanese have tried to imitate european car design as opposed to the other way round) the 355 is so much more of a drivers car than the 328 it handles better has more grip, communicates more, has a better driving position (althought the stearing wheel angle could be better) it sounds better (even before I fitted a tubi exhaust) stops better and is built better (even though it still has its typical italian spats every now and again).

I would just like to add though, that some japanese cars should not be so quickly dismissed as being 'nothing special' my everday car (something I could never in a million years expect my 355 to be) is a 1999 mitsubishi lancer evo 6, and it's a very special car indeed, as a drivers tool there really is nothing like it, other than top speed it easily eclipses the 355 as a point to point drivers tool, has never once had any reliability issues. sounds awsome, has a charm all of its own, seats 5 and most of all puts a big smile on my face everyday ... and guess what, I think if someone made me make the descission of having to own only one of the cars, the 355 would go!

Yesterday I was lucky enough to enjoy a 'Mini Mayhem' day at Prestwolde, organised by Everyman Motor Racing. It was a birthday present. The Mini Coopers were enjoyable, yes, but as a TVR owner (which I am) they were a bit tame. The highlight, though, was my 3 laps in a 328 GTB.

Horrible driving position (low head hight v helmet) but oh what a car! I kept having to back off to let the 550 in front pull ahead so we (328, instructor and I) could take the bends fast enough. Lacking in torque compared with my Griffith 500? Certainly. But more than made up for by that gloriously revvable (is there such a word?) engine, perfect gear ratios and fantastic balance.

I want one...

Alan.

The 328 gts has so much more to offer than any other new car out there today. Racing history, design like no other, quality workmanship, and hand made in every aspect to the car. Not too many cars to this day have even one of these aspects. I am very fortunate and proud of owning an 88 328, there is something about just having this particular car around the house that I just can't explain. I must say this much to all you car guys out there, don't think about it just do it. Everyone should get to experience the whole Ferrari package some time in their life time.

First of all, I'm biased because I lusted after 328s for years before buying one, and I'm not likely to admit to a mistake on the web, of course. Second, I live in the west of the United States (the colonies, you know...) so I presume you'll consider everything I have to say as being somewhat suspect -- alright, outright lies.

With that preface in place let me join the chorus of praise for the 328. I've put well over 30,000 miles on mine, some in rain, snow (!), and 100-degree plus (fahrenheit; see above) heat. It has NEVER failed to deliver me to my destination in comfort and style. I belong to the Ferrari Cub (of America; see above) and when we rent a track my 328 competes with 348s and 355s quite well; usually causing embarrassment to those drivers. Although I have some racing experience and use the stickiest tires that are street legal, the inherent design of the machine is sound and performs close enough to the newer equipment that differences are insignificant on the street -- not that we would ever race in those settings, of course... The 360s and 430s are a big step above, however, and I can't keep up with them. As has been noted, though, advancements have been made, most notably in power. Also, this chassis is really closer to being 35 years old than just being in its teens. It's Ferrari's last tube/space frame, with the newer cars having monocoque/unibody chasses and the advantages that come with that.

As for the style issue, particularly the "Japanese" part, I think I can shed some light there. If you inspect the body of a 328 and look for body panel seams, you won't find any. Yes, the rear and front bumpers -- at least in the states -- are separate, but follow the metal from the fenders (wings?) from front to back. It's all welded, filled, smoothed and painted. That's just not the way newer cars -- including Ferraris -- are built these days; too expensive, too much hand labor. It's true for every late model car I've noticed on the road any more, and that's one reason why they all look so much the same -- to me, anyway. Of course, I don't notice many, as I'm in love with my 328.

Incidentally, a friend of mine in the club recently totalled his 360 and is looking for a good 328 as a replacement. He says they look so much better than his old car and the performance issue isn't significant enough to matter to him. I believe him, but I'm not selling him mine.

Some great threads on here, as a hope full 328gts owner very soon could anyone enlighten me as to average maintenance/running costs for this baby, also how much did they cost from new and what are the main things to look for when trying to find a good one, thanks for any input in advance...

Regards

Magnum (only joking)

Dave.

After a few years a dream came true, in my garage is now a Ferrari 328 GTS year 1989 with 51 k kilometers on its tag.

It drives like a dream, brakes and roadholding are super.

For 13 years I have driven a Caterham, but this beats it all.

A great looking car in every angle, I hope to keep also 13 years.

Frans from the Netherlands.

I have also just realised my dream, to own a 328, sadly I could not afford or find a 328GTB but I can't complain. I am now 55 and never gave up my dream. So if you are thinking that you will never be able to afford one, just keep working and saving and it will happen at the right time.

I'm sure if had been in position to own one twenty years ago, I may not have had the chance to write this little piece today. So there is a reason why and when the great man allows you to do things. To the guys in Carlton, look out for my 328GTS, she is just beautiful. Like all things, if you can't afford to take care of it then wait, you can't compromise on the upkeep.