1987 Ferrari 328 GTS 'Targa' Coupe

Description

Debuting as the stunning 308 GTB in 1975, Ferrari’s mid-engined V8s became the mainstay of production at Maranello during the Seventies and Eighties, a lineage that continues with the latest 488 GTB model today.  With exquisite styling from the legendary Italian carrozzeria Pininfarina combined with race-bred engineering, the 308 GTB was hailed by many critics as being the best Ferrari yet.  The need to meet stringent new emission legislation saw the adoption of Bosch fuel injection in 1980 and the consequent drop in performance was rectified in 1982 with the introduction of four-valves-per-cylinder heads on the Quattrovalvole model.  The final evolution of the original 308 was announced in 1985, the new 328 badge signifying an increase in the V8 engine capacity to 3185cc.  Power rose to a healthy 270 bhp at 7000 rpm, the Marelli electronic ignition changed to the latest Microplex system, a hydraulically-operated clutch was adopted and ABS was standardised from mid-1988.  Answering criticisms regarding cabin ergonomics, the 328 series had a comprehensive interior redesign, while externally the styling was freshened up with new panels below the beltline and the classic five-spoke alloy wheels were also changed to a new 16-inch design.  The 328 remains a rapid car even by today’s standards, capable of reaching 0-100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds on the way to a top speed of 260 km/h.  In total Ferrari built 7412 328s, of which the vast majority (6068) were the targa-topped GTS models.  Today, the 328 remains both a practical and very usable Ferrari, offering plenty of performance, sexy looks whilst being relatively affordable.  However 328 prices have begun the upward trajectory already shown by its predecessors in recent years and this growth looks set to continue as interest in Eighties supercars reaches new heights.