Low Mileage Exotic: 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS

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The single topic of Ferrari’s engines – from the Inter to the Enzo – could generate at least a couple of volumes for your library shelf. This 328, the 308 before it, and the 246 before that, represent evolutionary leaps at Ferrari – and showcase the divine combination of Enzo Ferrari and Vittorio Jano. Jano built the Alfa Romeo P3 in 1932, a car Enzo piloted to several victories at Scuderia Ferrari. More than two decades later, Jano’s experience with V6 engines at Lancia put him in Ferrari’s orbit again, this time in consultation with Dino, Enzo’s son. Ferrari’s V6 was introduced in the 206 GT, placed mid-ship; and in Fiat’s conventionally front-engined Dino. The 246 defied Ferrari’s rallying cry – “the horse pulls the cart!”: the mid-engine habit endured. The 308 arrived in 1975 with its three-liter V8 also mid-mounted; that model enjoyed an exceptionally long production period punctuated by appearances on the TV show Magnum, P.I. While Ferrari was challenged during the 308’s run by US emissions and fuel economy regulations, engineering alterations to its V8 were generally satisfactory solutions, maintaining performance over time. But the 328 brought a seamless delivery of better power and a more driver-friendly experience. It also sold like hotcakes. Today’s example is a 1989 328 GTS with fewer than 14,000 miles, located in Ashland, Nebraska.

The well-tended engine bay houses that 3.2 liter, Bosch fuel-injected V8, with four valves per cylinder and 270 hp. This engine uses Marelli’s Microplex electronic ignition – a more reliable and repairable upgrade over the 308’s Digiplex system. The gearbox is a five-speed manual housed behind the engine’s sump; the shift lever operates through a gated design and is famously balky about second gear when cold. By 1989, ABS was standard, necessitating a convex profile to the five-spoke wheels. Earlier cars’ wheels are concave. The seller indicates that maintenance has been meticulous, and the car will be sold with a fat notebook of receipts and records documenting most of its history. Tools and the jack are also on board.

The interior is immaculate, with little wear noted. Yes, the seats are narrow; if you’re on the wide side, comfort could be an issue. The controls are less characterful than the vintage 308 – with its sliders and “aircraft” feel. We could wish Ferrari had come up with a better housing for the Veglia gauges, too. But who’s complaining – once you hear the competent note of that V8 in your ear, none of this matters.

The gaps, paint, trim, wheels, glass, and rubber remind us that this car is nearly new as measured by its mileage. It’s had five careful owners. Listed here on eBay with a buy-it-now of $138,900 and bidding at $75,100, this 328 represents a fine option for a would-be Ferrari owner. The mileage will still be low even after rolling up another 20k on the odometer. It’s the right color. Its history is known. And it’s being sold into a rising market with a new appreciation for this model. The BIN number is on the aggressive side, but this example very likely deserves a six-figure price.

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Comments

  1. Howard A Howard A.Member

    Oh, Tom( Selleck), you were once so proud, driving a Ferrari around Hawaii, swimming with supermodels, now hawking reverse mortgages to seniors. When it comes to Ferraris, I don’t know my rear from home base, they all look the same, but TV was so influential, it’s what most folks think of seeing this car.

    Like 9
    • Stan StanMember

      Here’s what i know about em Howard. Cool 😎 gated shifter inside and they are tiny cars. Pulled up right beside one in our 89LX Mustang, (one of your favorites), and couldn’t believe how small they were when you see one in person. Sellecks peel out from the grass onto the hwy was fantastic. The whole opening scene was great, 👙 🎶 🐕 and TC power-turning that Hughes helicoptor along the shoreline 🌴 🌊 🚁

      Like 4
      • Harry KritisMember

        The 308 was built around the same old, before the 80’s, sports cars and fighter jets principle as the Fiat-Bertone X1/9 also was. Driver up to 6 feet max, average built with some muscle preferably, to be able to get in and out. In Sellecks case Ferrari did some alterations to the seat in order to accommodate him.

        Like 1
      • Marky Mark

        I had an ‘85 red Pontiac Fiero with the V6 and a 4-speed. The V6 added quite a bit of pep to the Fiero. In ‘85 Magnum was popular and one day while out with a buddy I recreated his peel out in my Fiero (poor man’s 308) on a back road, spinning the back tires on a grassy shoulder after a u-turn and dropping into first gear and flooring it, laying some rubber when I got back on the pavement. Was quite proud of myself.

        Like 0
  2. Cobraboy

    BIN for $139k.

    20 years ago you could find fine examples for under $35k.

    Like 4
    • SubGothius

      Lol, a Big Mac hasn’t ever cost 29 cents; it debuted at 45 cents in 1967, which was a bit more than 20 years ago.

      That said, an online inflation calculator tells me $35k 20 years ago was equivalent to $60k in today’s dollars, so inflation only accounts for about half the appreciation in value for these cars.

      Like 1
  3. Billy

    John,
    Thanks for your welcome into the “Grin and Bare It” side of having a little fun on BF.
    I completely understood your satire. I really hope that you would look up Dunhams’ performances. He is one talented funny guy.
    Best wishes.
    As far as the Italian Fiero goes. Appears to be a pretty much nice representation from across the pond. Personally, I’d rather have a couple C2’s. MHO. I can still do everything that needs attention to them. Later.

    Like 0
  4. JoeNYWF64

    The door mirrors are nothing to brag about.
    I had trouble recognizing Tom in Terminal Island (1973) but not Marta Kristen.

    Like 1
  5. Billy

    Well, I guess our fun is over. Ebay sez that the fat lady sang her song.
    It’s over.

    Like 1
  6. t-bone tom

    This listing was ended by the seller on Wed, Aug 14 at 4:01 PM because the item is no longer available

    Like 0

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