www.QV500.com - Ferrari 348 Part 5: 348 tb Zagato Elaborazione
 

Between 1991 and '92, a number of 348's had their original Pininfarina bodywork extensively modified by carrozzeria Zagato of Milan. Due to legislative restrictions on crashworthiness, Zagato weren't able to modify the engine, running gear or chassis of the stock 348, so they instead focused solely on the aesthetics. A re-working rather than a traditional re-body meant Zagato's creation came to be known as the Elaborazione.
   
The front bumper was more rounded than Pininfarina's initial design and set a theme that would continue throughout. It housed a fake central grille that could be specified as either oval or square, this being flanked by lights sunk into the surrounding panel. A lightweight aluminium bonnet featured two NACA ducts carved out from beneath the windscreen while the roof had Zagato's trademark ‘Double Bubble’ treatment that provided a slight gain in cockpit headroom. A distinctive new engine cover was fabricated from alloy and featured a clear glass screen similar to those seen on Willy Koenig's Testarossa convertibles and more recently, Pininfarina's 360. Zagato could never have retained those heavily stylised engine vents from the stock 348 that were such an obvious Pininfarina trademark, the Milanese designers blending two substantial NACA ducts into the doors to help cool the engine.
 
The tail treatment saw a trio of circular pods located each side of the facia while an electronically-operated spoiler featured Ferrari and Zagato graphics that only became visible when raised. Other interesting features were custom OZ Racing split rim alloy wheels, external fuel filler caps and three-inch rear view TV monitors plumbed into the cabin. The cockpit itself was thoroughly redesigned and came trimmed almost exclusively in suede. Overall, the Elaborazione was a curious mix of cues but was nevertheless immediately recognisable as the work of Zagato. A production run of 22 was originally planned although we are unsure if this number was ever reached.