The Ferrari 348 Spider

Table of Contents:

Ferrari 348 Spider – Key Details

The Ultimate Guide to the Ferrari 348 Spider

FERRARI 348 SPIDER– THE TRUE OPEN-TOP 348 EXPERIENCE

As a car that was born in the 1980s, the Ferrari 348 Spider naturally had to sport those iconic side strakes made famous by the Testarossa. The Spider was made during the last three years of the 348’s production run – 1993 to 1995. That means it was actually in production at the same time as the Targa-topped 348 GTS, so buyers had two choices of open-top 348 motoring, with the Spider providing buyers with the full open-air treatment.

UPDATED STYLING AND POWER

Minor revisions were made to the 348’s styling for the 1993 model year, although they take a keen eye to spot. Look for a slightly revised front grille, along with new chrome prancing horse badge on the rear of the car. Still, the easiest way to distinguish the new models is by finding the badge; earlier models only came in TB and TS flavours. More noteworthy changes lie under the bonnet: While the 348 Spider houses the same 3.4-litre V8 as the older models, a new engine management system and exhaust allow it to produce an extra 20 bhp, for a grand total of 320 (or just 312 in the U.S.).

hat might not sound like a lot of power today, but back in 1993, it was enough for a very competitive 0 to 60 time of 5.4 seconds and a top speed 174 mph. A dry-sump system was used to prevent oil starvation at high g-loads, keeping the engine lubricated during hard acceleration and aggressive cornering. Most importantly, though, were the handling improvements. The rear wheels were set farther apart and the car’s suspension geometry was revised, resulting in improved ride and handling. All of this made for an exceptionally rewarding convertible driving experience.

PRODUCTION AND LEGACY

From 1993 until the model’s final production year in 1995, just over 1,000 Ferrari 348 Spiders were produced, meaning the Spider fared much better than its Targa sibling, of which only 137 were made. With good looks, a powerful V8, and improved ride and handling, these can be a great used Ferrari option today. In 1995, the F355 would take over the 348’s slot in the Ferrari stable.

Ferrari 348 Spider – Photo Gallery

Ferrari 348 Spider – Technical Specifications

Ferrari 348 Spider – Registry & Videos

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