1989 Ferrari 328 GTB

The Ferrari 328 GTB (Gran Turismo Berlinetta) stands as a testament to Ferrari’s mastery of design and performance, blending Italian elegance with robust engineering. Produced between 1985 and 1989, this mid-engine, two-seat sports car was Ferrari’s successor to the 308 GTB, boasting notable upgrades in power and style. With an iconic 3.2-liter V8 engine, the 328 GTB became an enduring favourite among classic car enthusiasts for its performance, reliability, and unmistakable aesthetics.

At the heart of the 328 GTB lies the Ferrari Dino V8 engine. This naturally aspirated, transversely mounted 3.2-liter V8 (engine code Tipo F105 CB 000) retained the layout Ferrari fans knew from the 308 Quattrovalvole. However, it delivered significantly enhanced performance, producing 270 PS (266 hp) and 304 Nm (224 lb-ft) of torque. This engine, with its 4-valve-per-cylinder design, combined Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection and Marelli MED 806 A electronic ignition for smoother power delivery. The 328 GTB reached a top speed of 267 km/h and accelerated from 0 to 97 km/h in 5.5 seconds, making it quick even by modern standards.

The five-speed manual transmission was a standout, featuring Ferrari’s traditional gated shifter, which gave the driver a mechanical and engaging feel. With its transversely mounted engine, the 328 GTB made optimal use of space in a rear-mid, rear-wheel-drive layout, balancing weight distribution for excellent handling.

The 328 GTB inherited its silhouette from Pininfarina’s original 308 design but introduced subtle refinements to modernise its appearance. The updated design softened the wedge profile, introducing a rounder, more aerodynamic nose and revised rear with integrated body-colour bumpers. These changes aligned the 328 visually with Ferrari’s other eight-cylinder models, creating a cohesive lineup appearance.

Hand-built by coachbuilder Scaglietti, the 328’s body used steel with aluminium for the front hood and fibreglass-sandwiched steel for the floor pan. Ferrari introduced galvanised steel to combat rust,an essential update for longevity. These material choices contributed to a lighter, more corrosion-resistant frame, enhancing the car’s performance and durability. The 328 GTB’s frame construction, a tubular steel design, offered the rigidity needed for a high-performance sports car without excess weight.

Ferrari refined the interior of the 328 GTB, updating the seat upholstery, door panels, and dashboard layout. The car’s cockpit switches and gauges were modernised, borrowing the distinctive orange-on-black backlighting from Ferrari’s 1984 GTO supercar. The Momo steering wheel provided excellent ergonomics, with a large tachometer and speedometer for clear visibility. Optional extras included air conditioning, a leather-wrapped dashboard, and a leather headliner for the removable roof panel.

The 328 GTB employed Ferrari’s traditional double-wishbone suspension, fitted with coil springs and Koni shock absorbers. Vented disc brakes with twin-piston callipers offered impressive stopping power. In 1988, Ferrari introduced an anti-lock braking system (ABS) as an option, necessitating a slight redesign of the suspension geometry and convex alloy wheels. This setup reduced squat and dive, improving overall stability. With its unassisted rack-and-pinion steering, the 328 delivered a more direct connection between driver and road than many other vehicles of its time.

Ferrari produced 7,412 units of the 328 series, with 1,344 units designated as GTB models. Although overshadowed in numbers by the GTS variant, the GTB is often sought after for its fixed-roof design, which contributes to a stiffer chassis and, arguably, better handling. By the time production ended in 1989, the 328 had achieved commercial success, cementing its place as one of Ferrari’s most reliable and user-friendly models.

Despite technological advancements in later models, the Ferrari 328 GTB remains celebrated for its classic Ferrari feel. Its analog driving experience, coupled with timeless Pininfarina design, gives it an enduring appeal among enthusiasts and collectors alike. Whether valued for its investment potential or its driveability, the Ferrari 328 GTB embodies a period in Ferrari’s history where simplicity and performance met in perfect harmony.