Ferrari : 348 TS

VIN: ZFFKA36B000092721

On offer is a decent Ferrari 348 with some needs. but fundamentally a good car.

The Good:

This Ferrari drives really nicely. and all aspects of the drivetrain. suspension and steering function correctly.  The engine fires and settles to an idle perfectly. and does not smoke. make any funny noises. and the temperature of oil and coolant stay in the middle of their dials even in rush hour on a hot day.   Oil pressure remains healthy even at idle on very hot days in heavy traffic.   The gearbox has the typical hesitation to go into 2nd gear when cold. but warmed up is a pleasure to use with perfect linkage and excellent synchros and no bearing noise. The Clutch operates correctly with good feel and no slippage.   Suspension is compliant but firm. the steering has no sloppiness and the car tracks perfectly straight.

The car has  a clean CARFAX. and no evidence of any accident repair or paintwork.   Apart from some stress cracks on the front lip spoiler. the body panels are straight. and the inner panels appear to still have all their original hardware.  

The Bad:

We have no service history on the car at all. and while the previous owner was told the car had a major service prior to him purchasing the car in 2010. no paperwork exists.   In any case 5 years has passed and it is due for an engine out major service.   The engine warning “slow down” lights don't illuminate on start up. as they should – these warning lights tell if the Catalytic converters are too hot.   The exhaust appears to be stock.

The front lip spoiler could be refinished. and there is a chip on the top of the front wheel arch.

The interior is decent . but there is wear evident on the seats.   An aftermarket sound system has been installed. but works well.   The interior trim pieces which get ‘sticky' on these cars have been refinished. The dash leather shows no shrinking which is common.

The electronic Climate Control does not function properly. and only blows hot air (though you can turn off the fan).

there is some delamination starting on rear window glass behind the driver. though this is invisible from the interior.

SUM UP

While the next owner can expect a bill of perhaps $10. 00 to $20. 00 at a dealer or reputable independent to go through the car and give it a Major service and cosmetics it deserves. the car is fundamentally a sound machine.   With all collector cars going up in value. this 348 offers an entry into Ferrari ownership for a modest amount of money.   Also. any competent mechanic or diligent enthusiast can perform the maintenance on the car. and there is great support from forums and independent parts suppliers.   The starting bid is very realistic and the new owner has lots of upside potential.

WARRANTY

There is absolutely no warranty with this car-it is old and Italian.   I have driven the car personally for about 300km. commuting to and from work in it and taking it on a couple longer drives. and described it to the best of my ability.   As a former owner of a 328. I am somewhat knowledgeable on the Ferrari ownership experience.   It is an old Ferrari and just because something works today. there is no guarantee that it won't  fail tomorrow.   There is no evidence of a major service. and any prospective owner should take the view that the belts need to be immediately replaced!  Please don't buy this car without expecting to spend money and time on it.

It goes without saying that we encourage you to inspect this car before purchasing.  

For US buyers; We can have the car shipped to Seattle. duty and taxes paid. for $usd 5. 00.   Alternatively you can arrange your own transportation and brokerage.    Please don't assume you can just drive the car across the border without the proper paperwork – you can't!

Porsche Centre Calgary is a Porsche Dealer operating out of Calgary. Alberta Canada.   We are approximately 600miles East of Vancouver. and about the same distance from Spokane. WA.   We have recently set up an eBay Account. mostly in response to the low Canadian Dollar. which enables us to sell the cars  for a lower $US amount.   While the Porsche Centre Calgary ebay account is new. I have been active on eBay for 15 years under the username of MercsandRovers.   Also I have a Youtube channel under LawrenceR. and a Google search will reveal a significant amount of automotive related content under Lawrence Romanosky. I am the General Sales Manager of Porsche Centre Calgary. and write the descriptions of the cars.  

We will be listing a half dozen collectibles in the coming weeks. mostly air cooled Porsches.  Thanks for looking.

Also published at eBay.ca

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