Ferrari 328 GTB

We are huge fans of the 1980s GTS. As far as affordable two seat V8 Ferraris go it made our best Ferraris for first time owners list. The 328 was a solid upgrade to the 308. It had better performance, that same gorgeous Pininfarina design, modern comforts and is pretty reasonable to maintain. In terms of lineage, the 328 sits in the Ferrari 308/208/328 model ranges.

A quick refresh for those who need to be reminded, the two-seater Ferrari 308 came in both a 308 GTB berlinetta and 308 GTS targa topped body style. The 308 models were produced by Ferrari from 1975 to 1985 and both were mid-engined, powered by naturally aspirated V8s. The similar 208 GTB and 208 GTS were equipped with a smaller initially naturally aspirated, later turbocharged two-liter engine as the 208 GTB Turbo and 208 GTS Turbo.  The 308 range was updated in 1985 and became the 328.

The 328 was the successor to the Ferrari 308. Rather than a lot of wholesale changes, this was a case of small improvements that made a big difference overall. Think of it as an upgraded 308 and you are on the money. The 328 is considered by some Ferrari enthusiasts to be one of the most reliable Ferraris; unlike some models, most engine maintenance can be performed without lowering the engine from the vehicle. The 328 bore a number of changes that separated it from the final 308 Quattrovalvole models.

Engine & Chassis

Mechanically, the 328 is based on the 308 Quattrovalvole model. The Ferrari 328 engine saw an increase in displacement to 3.2 liters. The V8 had a 4-valve-per-cylinder layout. The 328’s engine was also different from that in the 308 due to having re-profiled camshafts and new pistons and an electronic ignition system. Power was up to 270 hp and 231 lb/ft of torque. Its top speed was 166 mph and accelerating from zero to 60 mph was a scant 5.5 seconds.

The front and rear suspension are fully independent, double wishbones, with coil springs, telescopic dampers, and anti-roll bars. The steering is rack and pinion. The transmission is a 5-speed manual. The switch from a cable-operated to a hydraulically operated clutch was an upgrade in pedal actuation ease. In the middle of 1988 ABS brakes were made available as an option.

Design

The 328 model presented a softening of the wedge profile of its predecessor, with a redesigned nose that had a more rounded shape, which was complemented by similar treatment to the tail valance panel. The revised nose and tail sections featured body color bumpers integral with the valance panels, which reflected the work done concurrently to present the Mondial 3.2 models, with which they also shared a similar radiator grille and front light assembly layout.

The exhaust air louvres behind the retractable headlight pods on the 308 series disappeared, coupled with an increase in the size of the front lid radiator exhaust air louvre whilst a new style and position of exterior door catch was also provided. The interior trim also had a thorough overhaul, with new designs for the seat panel upholstery and stitching, revised door panels and pulls, together with more modern switchgear, which complemented the external updating details.