Fantasy Junction

Description

1989 Ferrari 328 GTS
s/n ZFFXA20A1K0081577
Fly Yellow (Giallo) with Black Leather Interior

Enzo Ferrari built some of the most outstanding performance cars in his lifetime. The brand that would proudly carry his name spawned some of the most amazing race and road cars of the century. By the mid 80s, however, the most critically important car to the Ferrari brand was the 308. With often a shoestring budget for racing Ferraris, the road cars would helpfully fund costly racing efforts. But over time, Ferrari needed more. They needed a world car. It would ultimately come in the form of the 308, setting an unprecedented production and performance standard, ultimately growing the company to new heights. And for the aging Enzo Ferrari, the 328, produced just after Enzo Ferrari passed away in 1988, would be among the last of the “Enzo Era” cars.

Succeeding the highly popular 308, the 328 continued refinement with increased displacement, boosting the 3.2 liter V8 to 270hp. Offered in both Hardtop and Spider configuration, the design had evolved quite a bit from the earlier 308 series cars. The 328 featured new blended-in exterior door handles, handsomely blended body-colored front and rear bumpers with more integrated fascias, and an all new dashboard, switch gear, and interior door trim. Additionally, in late 1988 and 1989, ABS brakes became available, making this series of transverse mid-engine designs the last of its kind – truly the end of an era. Today the 328 is highly regarded for performance and usability, ease of maintenance (engine does not need to come out for timing belt service), and styling that not only has aged gracefully, but has become classic among collectors worldwide.

This particular Ferrari has amassed a mere 22,974 miles since it was built in May, 1989 and delivered to the first owner July 8, 1989. Sold through Wide World of Cars, Spring Valley New Jersey, the car has been carefully used and thoughtfully maintained throughout its life. The current owner purchased the car in 1998 with only 4,000 miles. During the past twenty years he has tended to it regularly and prudently. Recently, this 328 GTS has been serviced by Ferrari specialist Patrick Ottis, resulting in invoices totaling $20,000 (including the critical belt service). Ottis removed both the 1-4 and 5-8 cylinder heads performing service to the pistons, valves and crankcase, replaced the cams and several mechanical components (including cooling and EGR pipes) to be certain the engine and mechanical systems were all properly addressed. The list of service includes all new ignition wires, cam seals, fuel crossover lines, valve seats and guides, head gaskets, fuel, air and oil filter, and numerous other components while the major engine service was underway. In addition, Ottis has also replaced the shift shaft seal and serviced the A/C ($2k total). Ottis test-drove the car just after the major service, subsequently performing additional mechanical details to further ensure the car was in top shape. Recent Carfax verifies that services over the years have been regular, specifically recording mileage chronologically without error or accidents, including passing California emissions inspections consecutively since 2010. The car comes with books, tools, and records further supporting the condition of this rare, original fly yellow 328 GTS.

Today the car exhibits a stunning visual presentation with excellent paint, beautiful gloss, and uniform coverage throughout. The paint appears to be original throughout with the exception of the very front of the car that appears to have been resprayed likely due to light road wear. In any case, the color and coverage are so well done, it warranted using a paint gauge to find that only the front area had indeed been resprayed. All lighting, lenses, and emblems appear in as-new condition. The wheels are in excellent condition showing no marks or compromise to the bead edges. The black accessories and black anodized trim are in excellent condition with virtually no fading and no signs of excessive sun damage, likely due to the car spending nearly all of its life in indoor storage.

The interior of the car is nearly immaculate, showing just light wear to the pedals, foot rubber, and very minor wear to the driver’s side carpeting. The supple black leather seats, stitching, and various soft components are like new, showing little signs of compression on the drivers seat and side bolsters. The instruments appear as new, as do the various console switches, rotating knobs, and beautiful aluminum switchgear plate. Even the seatbelt fabric and glossy black seatbelt receptacles are in near new condition. Carpeting throughout is in very good condition along with the factory original roof and the supporting case that houses the top when removed for open driving. The factory tool roll, tools, spare bulbs, factory parts, and spare belts are in new condition. It is doubtful that any of these original tools have ever been used and their visual condition confirms as such.

Under the hood, this 328 further impresses even the most ardent Ferrari expert with cleanliness and accuracy throughout. All factory fittings, components, and fasteners remain in excellent condition, replaced only when needed or when recently serviced by Patrick Ottis. All factory decals, number plates, and recommended service notices are in excellent condition. The black carpeted luggage compartment is in excellent condition, again likely seldom, if ever used. The spare tire tub has been beautifully maintained, showing no cracks or buckling typical on so many of these cars. The exterior, door jambs, interior, and all opening surfaces exhibit beautiful detailing and cleanliness. The underside of the car further validates the low miles and proper history, showing very little road wear, minor scuff marks to the skid plate, and excellent condition of all metal suspension components, soft material lines and hoses, and engine castings.

The car starts, runs, and drives as one might expect such a low mile car to perform. After the service work, Patrick Ottis tested the car carefully to be sure all systems were functioning as intended. The A/C blows cold when activated, and all electrical switches, lighting, and instruments function properly. The clutch and gearbox function in harmony with smooth operation and delightful feedback in downshifts. The car runs and drives essentially like a brand new Ferrari from 1989. Tubi exhaust has been fitted, deepening the exhaust note but only slightly. The steering and suspension are tight and solid, inspiring confidence in short bursts or when engaging in a longer drive. The brakes operate responsively, in part due to the ABS system, but also due to the minimal miles accumulated over the past four decades and the proper service afforded for this car. Overall the driving experience is quite gratifying, engaging and a nice reminder of the pre-GPS days when manual shifting engaged drivers beyond the next cell phone call and getting lost was not a problem, rather a new adventure.

This properly maintained and stunningly preserved, low mile 328 Ferrari GTS has been cared for and serviced since new by specialists and dedicated owners. Daring in Fly Yellow over black leather and offered with desirable ABS (only available on very late 1988 and 1989 cars) 328s regularly sell for 20-25% more than 1986 -1987 models. This 328 is offered with records, service receipts, ownership documentation (including original window sticker), all books, manuals, warranty booklet, a complete set of tools, flashlight, belts, custom car cover, and various factory accessories included when delivered new. Two sets of keys accompany the car, one of which is an original factory spare. Awaiting new ownership, this 328 GTS, the last of the true “Enzo Era” Ferraris, is ready for open road driving, competitive Ferrari Concours showing, or simply enjoying as a true work of preserved Italian automotive art.

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