Fantasy Junction

Description

1987 Ferrari 328 GTS
VIN ZFFXA20A8H0071993, engine no. ZFFXA20A8H0071993
Silver with Tan Leather

The all-new Pininfarina designed Ferrari 308 debuted to an eager public at the 1975 Paris Auto Show. It’s an understatement to say these were challenging times in the auto industry, so one can imagine spectators’ delight witnessing this all-new sports car given the uninspiring vehicles then proliferating in the automotive landscape. Thankfully Ferrari offered a refreshing option. Pininfarina designer Leonardo Fioravanti, having already designed many of Ferrari's most celebrated cars including the Daytona, the Dino, and Berlinetta Boxer captured a taut new energy with the 308. Replacing the 246, the 308 was dramatic and modern, eventually becoming an icon of television shows and movies, while shaping public opinion about what a sports car should look and feel like. Although the initial design was limited to a fixed roof configuration, the GTS arrived in 1977, featuring a removable satin black roof panel, which could be stowed in a vinyl cover behind the seats when not in use, like the 246 GTS which preceded it.

After more than a decade, the 328 GTB and GTS (Gran Turismo Spider) replaced the 308 for the 1986 model year. Engine displacement was increased to 3.2 L (3185 cc), raising the power output to 270hp. The styling was freshened with new door handles and tidier and more modern treatment to the front and rear fascias both of which gained body color bumpers. The interior was significantly reworked as well, with new switch gear and revised dashboard and door trims. Production of the 328 ended in the fall of 1989, marking the end of the transverse mid engine Ferraris, a line that began with the 246 Dino. Nowadays, 328s are attracting increasing interest thank to their usability and the comparative ease of servicing since the engine does not need to be removed to perform a belt service.

This beautifully maintained Ferrari 328 GTS has been lovingly cared for since it was sold new on 7 November 1987 and delivered to Dallas, Texas resident Dr. Kenneth Bayles. Bayles owned the car for a few years. The car was relocated to California in August of 1991 with 12,640 miles, and it has remained in California since, still registered on its 1991 California registration number. A 2016 Carfax shows no accident/damage reported, and numerous entries support the current mileage of just over 44,000. The car’s service file includes service records back to 1988, receipts for some cosmetic freshening, and California emission reports, including the most recent one in 2017.

The current owner is a resident of Northern California and purchased it from Fantasy Junction in early 2018 from another Northern California owner. He purchased the car in Los Angeles in 2006 with 42,907 miles. During his ownership, he drove the car sparingly but maintained and improved the car. He had the well-regarded restoration specialist Frank Zucchi refinish the front spoiler and rocker trims (all of which are black) and partially repaint the bumpers in order to bring the cosmetic appearance of these areas up to the high standard of the rest of the car. Paint thickness gauge readings suggest the paint is all original on the sheetmetal panels (readings between 4 and 8 mils) aside from the left rear fender, whose readings are in the 15 mils range. New correct style carpeting was installed and a few other items addressed in the interior, which now presents beautifully. Mechanical items tended to include a new rear hood struts, new trunk zipper pouch, a new radio antenna switch window switches, brake fluid flush (August 2017), routine service including fluid changes, spark plugs, air filters, and accessory belts, and California emissions tests. After buying the car from Fantasy Junction 2018, the current owner performed a $9,500 service which included a new clutch, a full timing belt service, air conditioning service, and new tires. The car has covered less than 500 miles since this service was performed.

Today, the car is in very nice condition with excellent presentation inside and out. The paint is glossy with excellent luster and smooth finish, showing very minor paint marks in just a few places and light wear from normal use over the years. The front fascia and rocker panels remain beautifully smooth, accented by emblems and script around the car which are in excellent shape. Black trim, window gaskets, and removable roof are in excellent condition with some graying of the black finish on the side view mirrors. Of particular note are the original factory wheels, which remain in excellent condition, showing one very minor edge mark on one rim. Commonly scuffed, dinged, or incorrectly weighted when serviced, all wheels remain factory fresh and beautifully finished. The tires have 2010 date codes and remain cosmetically presentable, but the next owner should consider replacing them depending on their intended use pattern for the car. Doors, hood, and deck lid display very good panel gaps and are free of significant blemishes other than a small blister (smaller than a pencil eraser) above the driver’s door handle. The overall finish of the exterior shows attention to detail in all areas, with excellent glass (aside from a chip in the right fog lamp), plastic lenses, emblems, and very nice trim.

The excellent care and detailing continues inside. Properly looked after since new, the tan leather has been professionally dyed in the original color but suffers none of the usual excuses of a shoddy dye job, with even finish and no cracking. The seating surfaces remain supple and taut, showing only minor use or evidence of age in just a few areas. The center console, all controls, and all black switches and knobs sit flush to the leather surface, with no puckering, wear or dirt marks. Fit is excellent for all leather panels and the new carpeting remains in very nice condition as only a few miles have been covered since it was installed. The dashboard and instruments are beautifully maintained and unrestored, featuring an excellent dash pad, clear instruments with nicely contrasting dial faces, fronted by a correct steering wheel. The black vinyl roof pouch is in good condition, properly storing the roof behind the seats when not in use. The electric windows raise and lower properly, wipers, heater, horn, radio, electric antenna, and all instruments perform as expected when tested.

The engine compartment is nicely detailed and has been properly tended to over the years. Correct hoses, lines, and wiring create a very nice factory-faithful engine compartment. All cast finishes retain a correct and unrestored surface luster, while all rubber and plastic components remain in very good condition. There is a small area of peeling paint on the radiator header tank. Under the hood, the spare tire and inner liner appear factory original with excellent fit and finish. The undercarriage remains original in appearance, showing no signs of damage, abuse, or modifications.

The car starts easily, hot or cold, and warms up smoothly without hesitation. All mechanical systems appear to function correctly. At idle or when revved, there is excellent oil pressure and no smoke evident. The gearbox is very good throughout, even when cold, offering smooth operation and easy shifting, in harmony with the properly operating clutch. Once underway, the suspension delivers a smooth and proper ride with good braking and delightful mid-engine cornering. There is a pleasing coherence to the operation of the car and while visual inspection of the undercarriage reveals some cracking present to the suspension bushings, the experience behind the wheel is gratifying and tight. A spacer has been fitted to move the steering wheel toward the driver and thus provide more legroom for taller drivers.

This stunning 328 GTS is accompanied by a file of records dating back to 1988, the original factory tool kit and pouch (appearing essentially unused), and factory owners pouch with original manuals and miscellaneous booklets including service booklet with original owner’s info completed.

In recent years, finding an honest and correct Ferrari 328 GTS with faithful care and excellent cosmetics has become more and more challenging. This particular car is an unusual and desirable find thanks to its completeness, documentation, color combination, and longtime California history. It presents and drives crisply and is complete with all original accessories/equipment as supplied by Ferrari, including tools, jack, complete books set, and car cover.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608