www.QV500.com - Ferrari 328 Part 1: 328 GTB & GTS
 

328 GTB chassis 72853		 After the unprecedented popularity of the 308 that had in nine years become the most commercially successful Ferrari ever, a revised machine was introduced, albeit one clearly based on the outgoing model. Built from spring 1985 until late 1989, the Ferrari 328 was available in either Berlinetta (GTB) or targa-topped Spyder (GTS) configurations. Throughout the course of these four-and-a-half years, 328's remained largely unchanged, the most significant development having been the introduction of ABS brakes as standard for the final year of production.
   
The chassis was a fundamentally unaltered tubular steel spaceframe from the 308, this itself having been a shortened version of the type used on 1974's 308 GT4. In turn, GT4's had little more than a stretched frame from the 206 GT Dino launched way back in 1968. However, despite an obvious ancestry going back nearly twenty years, such were the poise, balance and dynamics of all these machines that few serious modifications were required to keep the 328 at the top of the junior supercar league. Perhaps the most significant set up change was the addition of a quicker 288 GTO-spec steering rack. Engine displacement on Ferrari's new Tipo F105 CB engines was increased from three to 3.2-litres (3185cc to be precise), this a result of stretching both the bore and stroke to 83mm and 73mm respectively. Output also rose, to 270bhp at 7000rpm (260bhp for US spec 328's) after an increase in compression (from 9.2:1 to 9.8:1) and rise in intake valve lift. As usual, Bosch K-Jetronic was the fuel injection system of choice. Importantly, Tipo F105 CB motors retained the 308 QV's alloy crankcase, but now featured aluminium in-liners in place of the steel ones used for outgoing F105 AB powerplants. Performance figures were once again moved on, the 328 sprinting from zero to sixty in 5.7 seconds and running on to a maximum speed of 158mph (5.9 seconds and 153mph for US-spec cars).
 

328 GTB chassis 72853

Pininfarina subtly updated what had become the definitive small sports car design of its era to produce one of the eighties most beautiful motorcars. Some even consider 328's to be even more attractive, no small compliment when you consider 308's are widely acknowledged to be among the most impressive post-war automotive designs. Distinctive changes came in the form of redesigned bumpers that, at the front, housed new supplementary lighting clusters and an alloy grille, the nose and tail alterations contributing significantly to the 328's fresh-faced look.

   
Pininfarina also fitted a new matt black front valance, re-positioned the retractable headlights further up the front wings and carved a bank of vents into the front lid. There was a redesigned engine cover, new less-obtrusive door catches and custom five spoke alloy wheels that lent the 328 an aggressive stance and further complimented the end result. Interiors had been changed from the outgoing model by fitting an instrument binnacle almost identical to the 288 GTO's, redesigned door trim (new buckets, armrests and grab handles) and new rectangular patterning for the leather seat centres. There was also a redesigned centre console with updated switchgear, all of which contributed to a much tidier, more contemporary cabin than the outgoing 308 QV. Introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show during September 1985, the 328 was an immediate success just like the 308 GTB had been in 1975. It received plaudits from press and public alike as its sultry lines and fantastic driving characteristics stole the hearts of nearly all who experienced one. Even today the 328 is considered by many as the finest of all Ferrari's series production V8's, 355 and 360 included. Options available from the factory included air conditioning, leather covered dashboard and headlining, metallic paint, a buttress mounted rear spoiler, Pirelli P7 tyres and an ultra desirable set of custom fitted luggage by Schedoni.
 

328 GTB chassis 72853		 The specification was left unchanged until late 1988 at which point ABS brakes became fitted as standard, these having previously been available as a cost option for a few months. 328's fitted with ABS are identifiable by their convex five-spoke alloy wheels whereas non-ABS 328's were fitted with Ferrari's more aggressive looking concave items. Production continued until late 1989 when both versions were discontinued to make way for the 328's successor, the all-new 348. In little more than four years of production, 1344 GTB's and 6068 GTS were built.
   

328 GTS