The Ferrari 328 is perhaps one of the most recognized symbols of 1980s-era wealth and excess. The 328, like the Lamborghini Countach, was a poster child of sorts for anyone who loved fast cars and aspired to look like any number of Hollywood celebrities who owned one. The 328 GTS shown here on eBay has under 30,000 miles from new and is said to be incredibly well preserved. The current bid price is $50,100 with the reserve unmet.
The seller has listed this Ferrari with a Buy-It-Now of $94,995, so we’re quite a ways off from a sale at the current bid. The 328 is said to benefit from a recent 30,000 mile service, which should comprise of the must-do engine-out service that sees numerous components replaced, namely the timing belt. The interior of this 328 is in excellent shape, with clean carpets and leather seating surfaces that appear undamaged, if not slightly dry. There are no cracks in the dash.
One of the simplest reasons that this 328 will be a future collectible is due to the gated shifter. This was a hallmark of a Ferrari for years, but has since disappeared from the company’s modern lineup (along with the manual gearbox itself.) The gated shifter is still a joy to row even if its shift action is significantly slower than the automated manuals that now dominate the supercar market, and I suspect anyone holding onto a gated Ferrari will see values increase steadily for some time to come.
The later 328s with their more aerodynamic bumpers and larger wheels look significantly better than the earlier models, in my opinion, and still look relatively modern despite being one of the old guards of the 1980s supercar market. The seller is looking for a fair price for a low-mileage specimen with the 30K belt service done, so I certainly can’t fault them for holding out. The question is whether today’s softening market will support such a price for a car that was produced in rather generous numbers when compared to similar vehicles in this demographic.
Based on the first photo, this looks like it could be the inspiration for “Luigi”, if they ever make “CARS 4”…
I think the earlier 308 version was the more iconic “poster child”, thanks to Magnum P.I. in particular which featured a series of different 308 GTS (the “S” for spider, i.e. targa-roofed) versions — first a 308 GTS, then a GTSi, then a GTSi Quattrovalvole.
The same basic car became the 328 starting in 1985, with enlarged engine displacement to 3.2 liters and a mild facelift introducing the body-color aero bumpers among other trim updates seen here. IMO this lost some of the earlier 308s’ more iconic details such as the ventilation louvers aft of the headlights, a pointier impression of the nose, and door-release handles cleverly hidden at the base of the B-pillar, but it’s also a bit tidier/sleeker looking and a worthy update for the times.
The asking price is too much. In the EU the slightly prettier 308 goes for 40 to 50 grand depending on condition.
Supercar??
Too much money ! And ” super car ” ??
Ditto
For that money you can buy a new GT-R and not have astronomical maintenance expense…
New GT-R’s start at $120,990. But yep, the maintenance is much friendlier.
Jeff, I hate to burst your bubble, but I do not believe the 30,000 mile service involves removing the engine. I have an ’88 328 GTS and the beauty of it is it is the last of the analog Ferraris. The timing belts (2) service, which on subsequent Ferraris, involved engine removal for access. On the 308 and 328 series, it can be achieved by simply removing the right rear wheel and inner fender for complete access.
It has been argued by many how often timing belts require replacing. Rule of thumb seems to be five years or 15,000 miles, which ever occurs first.
I have paid for the belts replacement in the past, but I have now mustered up of the courage to attempt it myself. Seems to be a fairly straightforward job! As one of my fellow club members (who does his own wrenching) said, if I have rebuilt engine, any engine, then changing belts should be a breeze.
I share your thoughts Cobra. The engine definitely doesn’t need to come out for a belt service on the 308 and i would be almost certain the same applies to these.
Like you, I am not afraid to tackle any sort of job but the absolute main requirement is you need the right tools. Good luck, I am sure it will be okay.
Right, no engine out until the motor was mounted longitudinally, which first occurred in the 348.
I hate the way popup headlights look.
I mean, that’s sort of the point, right? When you see the car (parked and/or in daylight conditions), the headlights are concealed and you don’t have to look at them. They’re not supposed to be pretty when they’re deployed!
Christie Brinkley ? Chevy Chase?
Ended at $75,100. Reserve Not Met.
I’m surprised these don’t have shorter less drag rectangular single headlights.
Odd how high those wipers are parked.
If you think about it: This is a derivative of the 308, which was introduced before the introduction of rectangular sealed beams as an option in the USA and, given that the pop up headlights will be stowed when performance is tested and published drag figures are measured, why would a low-volume manufacturer like Ferrari EVER spend engineering and tooling budget on a mid-lifecycle change to headlights that you’re not even supposed to see because they’re concealed when not in use?
Ended:
Oct 20, 2023 10:09:57 PDT
Current bid:
US $75,100.00
Reserve not met
[ 17 bids ]
But It Now Price:
US $94,995.00
Located in: Lomita, California,