From Ferrari World Magazine (UK) in late 1991. Robb "Eighteen years have passed since Zagato last clothed a Ferrari. Lungi Chinetti, importer of italian cars to the United States, ordered from the Milanese bodybuilder a special car with advanced styling based on the 330GTC chassis and running gear. Now after, such a long gap, Zagato is back with an "interpretation" of Maranello's latest product, the 348 tb. The Zagato design gives the coupe a new, more aggressive image, stressing the sporting traditions of the Ferrari marque. Systematic pairing away of anything not functional has divested the 348 of some of its distinctive features and brought about a change in character, with major modifications to side and rear grilles as well as engine cover. The car's flanks feature NACA-type air intakes set deep into the doors, which, like the front and rear panels are of hand-worked aluminum. At the rear, Zagato's most obvious trademark is the six circular tail-lights, which have black surrounds. Another peculiarity of the car's rear end is the retractable aerofoil, the aerodynamic effectiveness of which we doubt. When stowed away, this addition does not interfere with the original upper line of the tail; when extended, it displays the Ferrari and Zagato insignia. This is not the only place the bodybuilder has added his signature: it also appears on the backs of the seats, and the distinctive 'Z' is to be found on the door handles and the filler cap. Further to emphasize that this is a special version, the wording "Elaborazione Zagato' is featured on the car's side, in place of the Pininfarina Insignia. "It is definitely not our intention" we were assured by the Zagato factory, "to take the credit for work executed so magnificently by Pininfarina, with whom, in any case, we are on excellent terms. We have simply carried out a styling exercise on a well-known product, rather as used to happen in the 1950's and '60's." On the whole, the 348 Zagato maintains a typical Ferrari image. In some respects, the Ferrari character is actually reinforced, as in the case of the triple air vents between the rear mudguards and the tail, the composite O.Z. Five spoke wheels and the oval fish mouth design simulating an air intake at the nose. As a result of this modification, the front of the 348 loses its horizontal emphasis and takes on a more rounded appearance. It also features circular sidelights, direction indicators, and headlights. The view from above reveals two large NACA intakes on the bonnet, two attractive, typically Zagato humos on the roof, and a multiplicity of air outlets on the engine cover. In the midst of these a glass aperture gives a view of the eight-cylinder engine with a yellow Ferrari logo prominent. We should perhaps emphasize that no modifications have been made to the chassis or running gear; the performance of the 348, already outstanding, has not been augmented in any way. The interior is fitted out in the usual way, except that the upholstery is now in comfortable and practical suede combined with the traditional Connolly leather. The central instrument console has changed too: in the special Zagato version, the radio is mounted in the cabin roof and the its place is taken by a liquid crystal screen, which can be used as a TV or, if desired, as a rear-view mirror. The car also comes equipped with a tiny television camera located in the B-pillar: another high tech 'toy' to add to the car's other exclusive features. We will not speculate about the price. It may well remain a secret, carefully guarded by the 22 lucky owners." Image Unavailable, Please Login
Lol. It is a somewhat famous set of cars but some will like it, some won't. We can probably all like some of the detailing. Robb
Sorry about some of the photos being curved with the magazine pages. I like some features and dislike others. Makes you appreciate how Pininfarina got it right with the original. Robb Image Unavailable, Please Login
Lol. It's not the most timeless car I've bookmarked. But I thought the group would like the history and other specialties of the 348. Robb
I'm trying very hard to find anything nice to say about that.... .............. Ummmm........ Nup. Thanks for posting it, though. Makes you realise how often Ferrari get it right.
Never noticed the quarter window vent mod. Too curved for a 348 but might have worked on the softer lines of the 355.
