Built exclusively for the North American Market, the Ferrari 348 TB Series Speciale entered production in 1992 alongside the Ferrari 348 TS Serie Speciale and was perhaps the most sought-after Ferrari 348 during and after its production despite Ferrari making the Ferrari 348 GTB considered the best model across the Ferrari 348 model range. The Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale was the first road-going North America Exclusive model, featuring several upgrades over the standard Ferrari 348 TB. A power increment was inevitable with the same engine used across the Ferrari 348 model range, making 316 horsepower in the Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale. Additionally, tailored to meet enthusiastic clients' expectations, it received some handling enhancements and a minor facelift, distinguishing it from other Ferrari 348 models and giving it a sportier appeal. Ferrari didn't intend the Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale to be a homologation model. Still, it was the base for the Ferrari 348 Challenge that debuted in 1993, racing in the Italian and European Challenge Series. The 348 TB Serie Speciale's production ended in 1993, barely a year after production began, with Ferrari making only a handful. Due to its rarity, it's the most sought-after Ferrari 348, and finding one for sale can prove challenging. However, its limited production number affects market prices slightly since the Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale is as affordable as other Ferrari 348 models. Prices average around $100,000, which can vary depending on production specifics, such as the car's paint and interior specifications.
Before the Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale, Ferrari had built a limited quantity of Speciale cars, each representing a pinnacle in automotive rarity and performance and commanding an exclusive market and clientele due to their limited production numbers and unique specifications. The first Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale debuted at the 1992 Los Angeles Auto Show as it was intended for the North American market, donning some detailed and focused subtle aesthetic changes penned down by Pininfarina, distinguishing it from other Ferrari 348 models. Under its skin, Ferrari also made enhancements, mainly in the performance and handling departments, making the Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale easier to drive than the previous Ferrari 348 models criticized for their wild handling characteristics. The interior also got a refresh featuring new seats inspired by the Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale's bigger brother, the Ferrari F40. Between 1992 and 1993, Ferrari built 35 Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale units, all built at the automaker's enduring plant in Maranello, Italy. And like most Ferraris designed by Pininfarina, the bodywork was completed at the coachbuilder's works in Turin, Italy, before being delivered to Ferrari's plant for mechanical fitment. The 35 Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciales made add to the 100 Ferrari 348 Serie Speciales made with 65 units being Ferrari 348 TS Serie Speciales, which is a convertible version of the Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale.
The high-end luxury sports car market was dwindling in the 1990s, and for Ferrari to sell cars, they had to make their cars stand out amongst competitors. Customers in the United States also demanded more power since overseas models with V12 engines made more power than the V8 engine models that Ferrari made in the United States. By installing a free-flow exhaust system, tuning the ECU, and recalibrating the engine, Ferrari managed to push out 20 more horsepower from the 3.4-liter V8, enabling the Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale to have 316 horsepower during production. According to Ferrari, this was enough to catapult it to 60 mph from a standstill in 5.3 seconds, which was quite impressive in the 1990s. The engine sends power to the rear wheels via the same transversely-mounted 5-speed manual transmission in the Ferrari 348 TB. However, it was recalibrated with a shorter final drive ratio, allowing the Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale to reach its over 170-mph top speed quicker. Its weight also plays a part in its quick acceleration as it only weighs 3,071 pounds thanks to its half-aluminum and half-steel body construction. Ferrari engineers widened the rear track by 50mm to enhance performance, which lowered the center of gravity and improved rear-end stability. The rear end had a habit of wanting to send drivers into hedges in early production Ferrari 348s even when under light throttle. Additionally, Ferrari collaborated with Pirelli to make custom Pirelli Zero tires specifically for the Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale, which had more grip, thus improving handling.
Inside, the Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale retains a cabin layout similar to the standard Ferrari 348 TB. However, the seats were swapped out for carbon Kevlar-backed full leather bucket seats with considerably more upper and lower body support. The carbon Kevlar-backed full leather bucket seats were similar to the carbon fiber seats used in the Ferrari F40. Still, with the Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale being more GT car-oriented, they had to be made more comfortable, hence the extra padding and support. As with other Ferrari 348s, all controls and two auxiliary gauges are housed on the center console, thus keeping the dashboard clear of clutter and fostering focus on the driving experience. However, you can't fail to notice the golden 'TB Speciale' plaque on the dashboard, signifying the exclusivity of the Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale. There's also an individually numbered plate inside the passenger door, which shows the car's production number out of the total number of units Ferrari made.
The Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale's exterior design follows that of other Ferrari 348s but with refined elements to ensure maximum aerodynamic efficiency and aesthetic appeal. The front end was revised, getting a larger spoiler, which gives the car a bolder look and increases downforce, pressing the front end onto the road improving grip and stability, especially at high speeds and cornering. Larger side skirts and bulkier rear quarter panels to accommodate the wider track combined with a low stance give the Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale a sophisticated look that the radiator vents integrated into the doors enhance. Ferrari did away with the taillight vent on the Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale, which makes it look slightly odd, especially compared to other Ferraris. Still, the vent delete gives it a clean look, especially with the full view of the classic-style taillights. Finishing off, the Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale boasts a more prominent rear diffuser, contributing to an amplified rear-end aesthetic and dual exhaust tips on both sides.
The Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale retained the dual computer engine management system in the standard Ferrari 348 TB, mainly implemented for reliability. Still, it also helps the engine deliver optimum power with each ECU controlling one bank. Driver-assist features in older cars, for this case, the Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale, were kept to a minimum as technological advancements in the 1990s were not revolutionary. In most cars, you could only get ABS and various types of power steering depending on the manufacturers, and some cars had the not-so-often-seen traction control. The Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale only got double-redundant anti-lock brakes and Servo Assist, among the first advanced power steering systems. To balance the car's weight, the Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale's battery was moved to the rear end, which houses most of the powertrain, including the transaxle mounted onto the transmission.
A car produced in meager numbers, such as the Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale, is rarely seen for sale, and when one does, it is snatched up quicker than you can pick up the phone to call the seller. Some end up at auction but sell rapidly, especially if it's an online auction. Luckily, market prices for the Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale have yet to go astronomical since it's estimated that it's worth around $100,000. However, it will only remain that way for a short time since once collectors start getting an itch to add Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciales to their collections, prices will skyrocket, and you'll regret why you didn't buy one today. If you'd like to buy a Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale, you might find one listed on Exotic Car Trader, so ensure you watch out for our Ferrari listings. Also, we list all sorts of classic cars, so give us a call if any of Exotic Car Trader's classic car listings entice you.
Despite low production numbers and market availability, the Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale has secured a respectable status among enthusiasts. Its affordability compared to most limited-production classic Ferraris makes it desirable to present the allure of owning a piece of Ferrari History without overextending financially. However, prices will soon start soaring, so if you plan to locate and buy a Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale, you better do it now. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! In its brief production run, the Ferrari 348 TB Serie Speciale not only defined exclusivity but also laid the foundation for Ferrari's future Speciale models.
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