1994 Ferrari 348 Spider

This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Classic Sale at CarFest 2026 on Saturday the 29th of August and Sunday the 30th of August at The Wing, Silverstone Circuit, NN12 8TN.

First seen in prototype form in 1987, the Ferrari 348 entered production in 1989, replacing the successful 328 GTB/GTS. It is a mid-engined car with a four-valves-per-cylinder, quad-cam V8 engine now enlarged to 3.4 litres, mounted longitudinally to allow a lower chassis position.

A new feature was the transversely mounted five-speed gearbox, derived from Ferrari's Formula 1 technology. This design concentrated weight within the wheelbase, enhancing the car's already excellent road-holding capabilities.

The 348 features aerodynamic skirts, spoilers, minimal overhangs, and distinctive Testarossa-style grille slats that feed air to side-mounted radiators. Its stocky appearance resembles a scaled-down Testarossa. With around 300bhp and a top speed of approximately 170mph, it offers performance comparable to its larger, 12-cylinder sibling.

In 1993, Ferrari introduced the 348 Spider, a more powerful open-roadster with 320bhp. It was the first two-seat Ferrari convertible since the Daytona Spider, featuring a minimal design that eliminated the GTS's prominent roll-over bar, Targa-style removable roof panel, and small side windows. Production of the Spider ceased in 1995 after only 1,090 units were built.

This particular 348 Spider is finished in Rosso Corsa. It was manufactured in February 1994, as confirmed by a letter from Ferrari S.p.A. in Maranello. Imported from Japan by the current owner and first registered in the UK on August 1, 2018, it has remained in his ownership since. The UK V5C shows no previous registered keepers.

In December 2023, at 45,227 kilometres, the car underwent an annual service at Ferrari Birmingham (Graypaul) according to manufacturer specifications, including cambelt replacement. Additional work included replacement camshaft oil seals, cam cover gaskets, spark plugs, front brake pads, and brake fluid. The invoices total £5,276, and the car has covered fewer than 50 kilometres since.

The odometer currently reads 45,253 km (28,119 miles), a low figure for a 32-year-old Ferrari. The history file contains the service invoice, previous MOT certificates, import paperwork, and a Ferrari factory confirmation letter verifying the chassis number and production date. It is offered with a fresh MOT valid until July 2027, with no advisories.

Much admired for its purity and usability, the 348 Spider is an increasingly collectible example of Ferrari's engaging analogue V8 models. Inspection at the CarFest Sale is encouraged.