Ferrari 348 Spider

Why it matters

Introduced in 1993, the 348 Spider was the first series-production two-seat Ferrari convertible since the Daytona Spider era and the first mid-engined Ferrari road car designed as a true folding-roof Spider. Pininfarina carefully reworked the 348's straked body, strengthening its platform while preserving the low waistline and clean open profile. The updated 3,405 cc longitudinal V8 used Bosch Motronic 2.7 management, revised intake and exhaust systems and a higher compression ratio to produce 320 hp at 7,200 rpm, sending power through the transverse five-speed gated gearbox. Wider rear track, revised suspension geometry, body-color lower panels and subtly improved aerodynamics reflected the same development program that created the late 348 GTB and GTS. Its manually operated fabric roof folded beneath a tailored rear cover, transforming the angular berlinetta architecture into an intimate open-air sports car without losing the Testarossa-inspired side strakes. Ferrari built 1,090 examples through 1995. The 348 Spider established the modern V8 Ferrari Spider lineage that would continue through the F355, 360, F430 and every open mid-engined successor.