1986 Ferrari 328 GTS

Chassis 61613

Blu Medio Metallico

Owned by automotive journalist Sam Barer (of "Sound Classics" and "Sam Barer's Four Wheel Drift" fame) this is Ferrari #61613 -- a 1986 328 GTS that came off the production line in December, 1985. According to Ferrari factory production records archive, it is the only 328 GTS built in American market specifications with color code 503/C Blu Medio Metallico (Medium Blue Metallic), and one of only seven Blu Medio Metallico 328 GTS cars built in total throughout the entire worldwide series production of 6068 units. 

The 328 series is generally considered the most reliable and easiest to maintain Ferrari ever, and this specific car's 86,500 miles back-up the conventional wisdom. Despite revving to nearly 8,000 rpms, its four-cam V8 engine is simple and well-proven.  The engine was derived from the 240-hp 2926-cc unit with two valves per cylinder and four carburetors that debuted in the 1974 308 GT4.  Over the course of 308 production it received fuel injection then an extra valve per cylinder. Finally the engine was enlarged to just under 3185 ccs for the 260-hp 328. 

Timing belt changes are done every four years or 30,000 miles, but are easier to perform than on any modern econobox.  Forget the horror stories you've heard about dropping the engine for tune ups, or parts that cost as much as houses, the 328 GTS is simple, robust and benefits from a parts interchange list featuring low-buck cars like VW Scirocco...as well as great used parts suppliers.   

Packaging is courtesy of Pininfarina, and is one of the company's most beautiful designs.  Built by Scaglietti, the steel body panels are thinner than Nicole Richie after three months on the Karen Carpenter diet.  Consequently, just thinking about a parking lot results in dents.  The front hood is made of aluminum to keep weight down.

The 328 GTS (as well as its hard-topped GTB sister) is extremely rewarding to drive. Acceleration is brisk -- 0-60 mph comes in at under six seconds, but stop-light drags aren't its intended design. Get it out on a country road and the V8 sings. Steering is ultra-direct due to being totally unassisted. There is a hint of flex from the tubular chassis, but the car remains planted. 

The Ferrari 328 GTS is easy to drive. Clutch pick-up is easy to detect, the pedals do not require heavy effort and the car can lug-around in 5th gear at speeds as low as 15 mph. (Leave it in 5th and floor it -- the gear will carry the car up to its redline-limited 155mph).  Indeed, most driving mistakes in a 328 GTS are a direct result of the driver spending too much time worrying that they are driving a Ferrari.

Ergonomics are either good (compared to other 1980s sports cars) or a disaster (compared to anything else).  Drivers up to 6'6" will find enough space to fit.  Seats are low and as firm as a Catholic nun's bad-child paddle.  After two hours in a 328, occupants generally look for the nearest bottle of Advil.  It's a small price to pay, however, for such wonderful feedback.

...and that's just what you get with a Ferrari 328 GTS: feedback.  It is a full-body experience -- from the steering and pedals to the seat of the pants, eyes and ears (oh, that beautiful engine note!!!) the whole experience is engaging.  And when you finally park and get out, people come from all corners to gush praise.

Already rising in value, the 328 series can expect large appreciation in six-to-eight years. Buy well now -- a well-cared-for, frequently driven car with no hidden abuses or neglect, and you can enjoy an icon of the 1980s for less than the cost of a two-year-old Mustang GT.

The car appears more muscular with the targa top attached..Lines change to give a more elegant look with the top stowed.

At the Italian Concours in 2007.  The Barbie 328 GTS was painted to match

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