1990 348 TS - Finally

After rather long pondering, wondering and looking, I finally pulled a trigger. This one was in my opinion fairly priced for the condition and current market in Europe, after some haggling I paid about 47k€ ≈ $48k which includes a brand new tires and belts and fresh service.

There are several angles which make this less desirable on the market and thus lower the price:
- It is early version i.e.with battery at the rear, early rear suspension setup, etc.
- Even if it is early version the lower valance and targa panel are painted to body colour. Generally market doesn't like this.
- Mileage is rather high for a 348 i.e. ≈95 tkm / ≈60t miles (For a Porsche 964 of same age this would be super low mileage!) Market despises high mileage Ferraris, almost regardless of their condition

There were enough positives for me, though as I am looking more of a longer term, usable weekend fun car.
- The seller is a specialty shop with own garage focusing on high end sport cars. I was lucky enough to deal directly with owner, a sports car enthusiast himself and we able to discuss for me to be convinced that he and his shop are there for long haul and not for the quick buck. By the way, I am pretty sure that my 348 was the most "boring" car on the shop floor. Certainly it was the least expensive by a mile or two.
- The car has almost complete documentation throughout its history with five previous owners. The last owner since 2013 has based on documentation, serviced and taken care of the vehicle meticulously. During 2013 - 2020 car has been driven less than 3000 km / 2000 miles. And 2020 - 2022 only 300km / 200miles. I.e. driving to state inspection and back.
- The engine has reasonably well documented full rebuild at 2016 after a catastrophic failure due to stuck belt tensioner with caused interference engine to... well.. interfere. From my perspective well done rebuild is actually a positive. Freshly machined heads, new pistons and valves. Not bad at all.
- The car has been fully repainted at 2017. Not a concourse level job but rather good anyway. No rock chips and no cracks on buttresses is a positive for me even if purist market doesn't like resprays.
- Red / Tan is a good colour combo in my eyes and interior is surprisingly fresh looking for this "high mileage" 348. Even the drivers seat bolstering is looking OK. Steering wheel requires a reupholstering, though.

http://selectcars.se/bilar/?item=15271685

Image Unavailable, Please Login

Image Unavailable, Please Login

Now waiting for delivery once service is done.

 

Thanks for welcoming!

And yes, the terms of the deal literally say: ".. including new tires and rear wheels put on correct sides.."

 

Thanks!

 

Thanks!

The next step on beauty section is to polish the pumpkin...

 

Thank you, gentlemen!

As a status update, some minor leaks are fixed, few hoses and seals changed and a horrible ignition current "fix" has been removed and proper OEM wiring put in place.

 

Thanks for the tip, John!

Then next challenge is with what to seal the cast aluminium surface to keep it shiny for little bit longer. I have to check if Nyalic (https://www.nyalic.com/Restoration-Projects_c_134.html) products are available in Europe, while living in good old US of America I used their coating product with Porsche A-arms with great success.

 

Image Unavailable, Please Login

Lots of hoses, seals, bushes and sundries to be replaced. And lots of elbow grease to be applied with a vengeance...

Set of Michelin PS4 arrived to garage also, as they are asymmetrical I must make sure that they will be installed on right way. Need to mark rims very visible way "REAR LEFT", "REAR RIGHT" etc. Otherwise it will be 50/50 change how tire guys will put them on...

 

Image Unavailable, Please Login

Slowly but slowly, one gasket at a time...

 

As Ferrarium pointed out 348 headers are far less prone to overheating related issues than f355 headers but nevertheless heat shields need to be de-uglyfied. Some soft media / vapor blasting and yellow zinc chromate plating?

 

Your pumpkin patch looks great, Jeff!

 

"Maiden voyage" next week, assuming no surprises found.

 

Thanks!

Meanwhile I have to prep the garage space also. We have 2 cars garage and 2 car ports. Currently Alfa Busso Spider and Mrs' DS3 are occupying the garage and my DD Tesla and kiddos car are on the car port. I might have to update Mrs' vehicle to Tesla to get the other garage bay for myself. The EV charger is in car port and with pre-heated Tesla Mrs might be willing to have car "outdoor" even during the Northern winter.

And kids car will then camp outdoors in front yard.

 

There has been several small things slowing the project down, like water pump seals, etc. but now engine is back where it should be!

Image Unavailable, Please Login