BaT auction preview: Exceedingly rare 328 Berlinetta. US delivery example complete with books, tools, and detailed service history.
1987 Ferrari 328 GTB Quattrovalvole
VIN – ZFFXA19A5H0072029
Exterior Color – Red (Rosso Corsa)
Interior Color – Tan leather
Engine – 3.2 L mid mounted V8
Transmission – 5-speed manual
Current Miles – 48,920 miles
General Overview
With ongoing success in racing, the rapidly growing Ferrari brand, and the challenging loss of Dino Ferrari, it was not easy for Ferrari to change sports car paradigms in 1975. Amidst the otherwise dull automotive offerings of the period, the Pininfarina designed Ferrari 308 debuted at the 1975 Paris Auto Show to enthusiastic acclaim. Within a short period of time, the 308 quickly became a fixture of television shows, movies, and advertising posters. Initially limited to a fixed roof configuration, the GTS arrived in 1977, though the Berlinetta continued as well in production.
In 1980, the 308 was updated with fuel-injection which allowed for better emissions yet compromised performance with a loss of power. The solution arrived in 1982 with the Quattrovalvole. The new four-valve per cylinder engine delivered 232 hp without compromising emission requirements for the all-important US market. Limited in production, while blending the best of the early series 308 with a more potent engine, the 308 QV has since become more and more sought after by enthusiasts who enjoy driving their cars with the added benefit of not having to remove the engine when performing a timing belt change.
During the 1985-1989 328 GTB production run, a total of 1,344 Berlinettas were built, 335 of which were built in 1987.
History of This Ferrari
This 328 GTB was sold to the first owner in Hollywood, FL August 14, 1987. By 1994 it was under new ownership in Texas through 2025 until consignment. In 1996, the prior owner purchased this car and maintained a handwritten service ledger from 1996-2003 noting mileage, and fluid changes for this car. The current consigning owner purchased this car in 2003 and has continued to service and maintain the car to very high standards.
Copies of invoices accompanying this Ferrari date back to 1997 covering fluid changes, belts, hoses, and adjustments as needed, PDR for minor items, color blending for the hood, new tires, and the replacement of other consumables as needed. Minor cosmetic paint repairs were performed on the car in 2010 limited to paint finish work on the front bumper and blending on the hood and forward portion of the front passenger side fender.
Invoices continue through 2023 under current ownership with more recent services of note including transmission shift repair, AC compressor removal and service with charging, and fluid changes. The AC system was converted to modern refrigerant at this time. In 2020, with 42,800 miles recorded, a major service was performed including timing belt, tensioner, main seals, cam seals, coolant hoses, accessory belts, water pump rebuild, CV joints and new boots, and numerous other items totaling over $10k in service from Moorespeed, Austin, TX.
Current Condition
Today, showing just 48,920 miles, this beautifully preserved Ferrari presents as a wonderful original example with excellent preservation level finishes throughout. The paint is in excellent condition with high luster and a smooth finish to the Rosso Corsa paint, which appears original to the majority of the body panels. The paint has been digitally metered returning readings ranging 4-7 microns on all metal body surfaces with the exception of the hood and a small portion of the front fender returning 10-13 microns. A few superficial paint imperfections/bubbles are visible on close inspection on the bottom of the pax door. The hood and trunk open and shut smoothly displaying very nice fit with even panel gaps. Doors also open and shut without issue. The black trim remains in excellent condition with no major flaws or notable warpage due to excessive heat exposure.
The smooth red roof of the Berlinetta is a handsome contrast to the distinctive upper rear spoiler which is in excellent condition. The original Saint Gobain and Sigla brands are etched on the side and rear glass, all of which are in excellent condition as are the various window gaskets, black trim for the side vents and engine cover. The Ferrari emblems and badges are in excellent condition throughout the car, and the lenses and lighting appear remarkably fresh, further supporting the low mile accumulation this car has enjoyed since new. The car wears a set of correct 8.00J x 16 wheels with contemporary Bridgestone 225/50 ZR16 tires.
Inside the car, the tan leather interior has been remarkably preserved benefiting from thoughtful protection to the softer materials. The interior finishes are very nice throughout including the tan covered center console, black dashboard, and door panels. A contemporary Pioneer CD stereo unit is currently installed. Instruments and steering wheel are beautifully preserved with no fading or unusual wear. Even the carpeting is in excellent condition. The rear storage compartment is also in excellent condition with original black carpeting and a taut black zipper liner which opens and closes smoothly, offering small storage behind the engine. The front storage compartment is original and also nicely preserved including the spare tire and the original compartment liner.
Under the hood, the mid mounted V8 engine and surrounding compartment remain original without modifications and excellent finishes to the supporting components. The traditional red intake plenum sits atop the 32-valve V8, boasting the QV configuration. The handsome cast aluminum heads deliver all the visual engagement of a finely preserved Ferrari showing only modest amounts of patina since offered new. Factory finishes and original data plates, coded labels, and warning information items remain in place. The underside of the car is tidy, clean, and reflective of the indicated miles showing only modest signs of road use, clean and undamaged alloy engine castings, and no visual evidence of structural compromise to the floor or suspension mounting points.
The car starts easily, idling smoothly and evenly. Driving this 328, one is quickly reminded of how much the Quattrovalvole improved power delivery especially when compared to earlier 308 models. Power comes on strong notably in the higher rev range and shifting is very comfortable via the 5-speed gated shifter and tall clutch pedal. Braking is quite good even when coming down from high speeds. Most impressively, the 32-valve engine delivers impressive power and great range without the fussiness often presented with carbureted cars.
Items included with this Ferrari
The car is accompanied by a tool roll and tools, jack and case, a spare bulb case with bulbs, owner’s leather folio with books, supporting service copies of service invoices dating back to 1997, a car cover, A dash cover, and a pair of Ferrari embroidered black floor mats.
The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.
Fantasy Junction • 510-653-7555 • 1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608