History

The Ferrari 348 was Ferrari’s replacement for the famously 80s 328. The hard angles that made the 328 an icon of the era were replaced by smoother, more rounded surfaces, while the side strakes served as a callback to the revolutionary Testarossa. The Ferrari 348 was also the final V8 model developed under the direction of Enzo Ferrari before his passing.

The 348 was produced in both coupe form as the 348 TB (Trasversale Berlinetta) and in targa form as the 348 TS (Trasversale Spider). Later production would also see a Spider variant. Under the hood was the naturally aspirated 3.4 L quad-cam Tipi F119 V8 engine, which produced 296 hp through a five-speed manual transmission. From 1989 to 1995, just 8,844 non-spider examples were produced, with 2,894 of those being TB’s and 4,228 being TS’s.

In 1991, just two years after the model’s introduction, Italian coachbuilder Zagato introduced the “Zagato Elaborazione” variant of the 348 at the Geneva Motor Show. The Zagato treatment changed the 348’s exterior and interior appearance, while keeping the same internals of the base car. The front bumper’s center grille and prancing horse emblem were removed, giving it a smoother, more aerodynamic look with integrated fog lights and either single or double intakes. Customers who didn’t like the smooth bumper could opt for one with an oval indent that housed fog lights and a prancing horse emblem.

The side intake cooling ducts were enlarged, their strakes were removed, and the engine cover was replaced with a see-through glass cover, revealing the masterful V8 underneath which received a few painted highlights. A hint of what was to come from Ferrari in the 355 and 360 respectively. Similarly, the hood also gained two intake ducts in place of the 348’s single intake reminiscent of the F40.

The taillights were replaced with triple round lights and an electronically controlled rear spoiler was added, revealing “Ferrari” and “Zagato” in the up position. The roof received the ubiquitous Zagato double bubble and the factory Speedline wheels were swapped for OZ Racing Futura alloy center-lock-look two-piece wheels. Nearby, the “Zagato Elaborazione” script just ahead of the rear wheels gives way to who is responsible for the design. Other modifications/options included body colored sills, new mirrors, and external competition-style fuel filler caps. Last but not least, in a nod to the 288 GTO, slats were added to the rear quarters.

The interior is well tended to as well, including a bespoke audio system console on the roof, a three-inch screen connected to the backup camera. Turned on through a module situated on the rear parcel shelf. An F1 inspired Momo three-spoke steering wheel finished in suede finishes off the two-tone leather and suede interior. Customers could also opt for Sports seats with larger bolsters and an embossed Zagato logo. Carrozeria Zagato initially planned to produce 22 examples, although only 10 would go on to be delivered, with no two alike. 

This Car

This particular example, Chassis # ZFFKA35B000090069 started life as a Ferrari 348 TB sold by Charles Pozzi Ferrari in Paris on June 24, 1991 to a Monsieur Dominique Bouhours of Neuilly Sur Seine, just outside of Paris. The original order on file shows it was finished in Rosso Corsa 300/9 over a Beige interior. Optional equipment included a radio and a factory alarm. The total price was ₣670,600.00 or apx. $140,000. 

The first owner took delivery two days after it arrived at the dealership, and in short order sold it to its second owner a week later on July 3, 1991. The second owner promptly contracted Zagato to transform the 348 TB into a Zagato Elaborazione, which had just been revealed that same year at the Geneva Motor Show. The cost of the conversion was 250,000,000 Italian lire, or around $140,179. This Zagato Elaborazione notably features the smooth bumper with a single intake and the Sports seats. The exact details of the conversion and correspondence can be found in the “View Documents” section above. 

This 348 was then registered in Paris on April 23, 1993, as a “348 Zagato,” and was subsequently serviced at the Charles Pozzi Ferrari dealership. Documents note an odometer replacement on July 1, 1996, at 4,034 km (2506.61 mi). Current mileage shows around 3,174 km (1972.23 mi), bringing the total mileage today to around 7,208 km (4478.84 mi).

We see occasional service and other receipts relevant to the vehicle up until about 2000/2001. Referencing the registration and insurance stickers on the windscreen and available records, it is believed from this point until late 2024 the car remained dormant in a parking garage in Paris. Until LBI’s discovery and purchase, bringing it stateside as likely one of the only examples in the US. 

This 348 retains all of the Zagato modifications as well as its original drivetrain. The body is finished in the same Rosso Corsa 300/9 color as delivered, while the interior was refinished in black at the time of conversion. Only ten of these coachbuilt Zagato masterpieces exist, and it is believed that only three or four were finished in Rosso Corsa. The low mileage, limited ownership, high marques of originality, detailed records and accessories suggest that this Zagato bodied Ferrari checks all the boxes for the serious collector. Its rarity and importance cannot be overstated. 

Upon purchase, the owner will receive all of the original Ferrari documents, the original owner’s booklets, multiple sets of keys, tool kit, the Zagato invoices and paperwork, the Zagato tool used to remove the center caps of the OZ wheels, and the Zagato car cover.