Ferrari 348 TB

Why it matters

Presented at the 1989 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 348 TB replaced the 328 GTB and was Ferrari's first completely new production model after Enzo Ferrari's death. Its designation combined 3.4 liters, eight cylinders and Berlinetta Trasversale: the 3,405 cc four-cam V8 sat longitudinally, while the five-speed gearbox was mounted transversely behind it. This compact T-shaped powertrain, shared in concept with the Mondial t, lowered the engine and made major drivetrain servicing possible by removing the complete rear subframe. Pininfarina wrapped the chassis in a sharply tailored body whose horizontal side and rear strakes echoed the Testarossa, while a removable rear subframe, dry-sump lubrication, independent double-wishbone suspension and anti-lock brakes reflected Ferrari's evolving engineering. The original engine produced 300 hp at 7,200 rpm and propelled the closed berlinetta to 171 mph. Ferrari built 2,895 TB examples before the revised 348 GTB arrived in 1993, making the TB the foundational fixed-roof member of the 348 family and an important bridge between the analog 328 and the highly developed F355.