For Sale at Auction: 1993 Ferrari 348 in Las Vegas, Nevada

Chassis No. ZFFRG36A5P0094537
Limitation No. 038/100

Decades before a track-focused special series became an expected chapter in the life of Ferrari's mid-engine berlinettas, from the 458 Speciale through to the 296 Speciale, the 348 Serie Speciale offered an early expression of the formula. Built exclusively for North America, it was limited to 100 examples. Of these, 35 were tb berlinettas and 65 were ts targas.

Drawing on the uncompromising F40, the Serie Speciale brought a free-flow exhaust and revised engine management, raising the 3.4-liter V8's output to 312 horsepower, and a shorter final drive brought the zero-to-60 mph time down to 5.3 seconds. The rear track was widened by 50 mm and fitted with Pirelli P Zero tires developed for the model. On the outside, body-color spoilers, side skirts, and engine cover, a chrome Cavallino on the grille, and taillights without the standard car's black louvers set it apart. The cabin gained F40-inspired Kevlar-backed seats and additional leather trim.

According to its service booklet, chassis number 94537 was supplied new through Midwestern Auto Group (MAG) of Dublin, Ohio, and delivered in March 1993 to its first owner in North Canton. A plaque affixed to the passenger's door post identifies it as the 38th of 100 examples built, finished in Rosso Corsa over Nero leather. While the CARFAX Vehicle History Report records an ownership transfer in 2008, purchase documents on file record that the current Ohio-based owner acquired the 348 on 31 July 1993 with 760 miles recorded, and has remained in his devoted care since.

Stamps in the original service booklet record that the supplying dealer looked after the car through its early years. MAG carried out the first service in November 1993 and the 7,500-mile-interval service two years later, at 6,953 miles. In late 2000, with 14,661 miles recorded, MAG completed the 15,000-mile-interval service with the engine and transaxle removed for new cam belts and seals, and fitted a new front spoiler during the same visit.

In 2023, the Ferrari was entrusted to NJB Automotive of Westerville for a comprehensive major service. New timing belts, tensioners, and cam seals were fitted, the valves were adjusted, and gaskets, filters, fluids, ignition wires, and hoses were replaced. The engine was also detailed and refinished, and a new clutch and throw-out bearing were installed. The work totaled more than $21,600, documented in an invoice on file.

Now showing 23,284 miles at cataloging, the car is offered with its leather document pouch, U.S.-specification owner's manuals, and service booklet. With Ferrari's special-series models intensely sought after in recent years, chassis 94537 is a nicely presented example of the first Ferrari road car to carry the Speciale name, and one of the rarest V8 Ferraris of the modern era, cherished by its current owner for over three decades.