The Ferrari 328: The Perfect Exotic?
Los Angeles, CA–Ferrari is a world-renowned name as an Italian Sports Car manufacturer based out of Modena and Maranello, Italy. The company was founded in 1929 by Enzo Ferrari. The Ferrari line of vehicles are considered to be the most desired cars to both own and drive and are an ultimate status symbol of wealth. Simply having one in your driveway changes the impression people will have of you. The Ferrari 328 is less about status for most enthusiasts and more about trouble free ownership.
The classic line of Ferrari GTB/GTS seems to be the most common choice for the first time buyer of a Ferrari. Currently there have been more than 10,000 sold and there is a solid supply of these vehicles. When it comes to affordability, having this need in place will bring the overall cost down and make this a more affordable exotic car. Commenting on the efficiency of a 328 would be remiss if we first did not discuss its predecessor – the 308 which was one of Ferarris most successful vehicles.
Many people have considered the 308 to be the Ferrari to own, and suggested the 328 had some big shoes to fill after its success. The 308 after its debut in 1975 very quickly became the meat and potatoes vehicle for the company. Initially, the 308 was made of fiberglass, with a switch in 1977 to all metal construction. Currently the fiberglass models are in higher demand, simply because they make for lighter, faster vehicles. Further, their engines are not bothered by exhaust equipment sapping out the power. With the change to metal construction, the 308 began to decline. In 1985 came the first major redesign with the 328 GTB. The engine capacity was raised to 3185 cc, and the power went up to 270bhp making this the fastest vehicle from this Ferrari series. In the ’80’s, the 328 became the super-car of the Ferrari and the single most successful selling vehicle for the company.
As a successor of the 308, the 328 also brings a considerable boost in power in comparison to the 308. If you are considering the purchase of a 328, your main consideration is going to be whether to buy a 328 or 308. The most substantial advantages to the 328 are its newness and its greater availability. These benefits are going to be offset by the higher cost of the vehicle. This car today will run about $60,000. If you are a buyer wanting greater performance and a more modern design, the 328 will be the look you are going for. Rarity of this exotic vehicle and a stiffer body are going to be its greatest advantages when you are considering the Ferrari line.
Peter Klamka, a Ferrari collector from Ann Arbor, Michigan, commented, “I regret selling my 1987 328. It was a very weak moment when I sold it. That car was bulletproof mechanically and incredibly fun to drive.”
Finding the perfect 328 will not be easy but there are numerous sources including websites like http://www.ferrarichat.com and the http://www.ferrarimarketletter.com
Rachel Colt is a freelance writer based in Toronto. She can be reached at rcolt@torontomail.com and http://www.rcolt.wordpress.com. Rachel was previously an executive with a Fortune 500 automotive company.