1987 Ferrari 328 GTS – Exterior and Interior – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022

By 1987, Ferrari’s mid-engined V8 formula had matured into something unusually cohesive. The Ferrari 328 GTS combined the visual clarity of the 308 lineage with mechanical refinements that addressed earlier weaknesses. As a result, it remains one of the most usable and mechanically robust classic Ferraris of the 1980s.

Technical Details

The 1987 Ferrari 328 GTS is powered by a longitudinally mounted 3,185 cc (3.2-liter) naturally aspirated V8 engine, designated F105 CB. The 90-degree V8 features four overhead camshafts (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder, with Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection and Marelli electronic ignition. Output is typically quoted at 270 PS (approximately 266 hp or 199 kW) at 7,000 rpm, with peak torque of around 304 Nm at 5,500 rpm. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox mounted transversely, a layout characteristic of Ferrari’s V8 berlinettas of the era.

The chassis is based on a tubular steel spaceframe with independent suspension on all four wheels, employing unequal-length wishbones, coil springs, and telescopic dampers. Anti-roll bars are fitted front and rear. Ventilated disc brakes are installed at all four corners. The 328 GTS rides on 16-inch alloy wheels, replacing the 14-inch wheels of the earlier 308 models, improving grip and stability. Performance figures for the 1987 model include a top speed of approximately 263 km/h (163 mph) and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in around 5.9 seconds. The GTS variant features a removable targa roof panel, adding open-air capability without compromising chassis rigidity to the extent of a full convertible.

General Information

• Manufacturer: Ferrari
• Model name: Ferrari 328 GTS
• Year of manufacturing: 1987 (production of the 328 series ran from 1985 to 1989)

Design

The Ferrari 328 GTS represents an evolutionary refinement of the 308’s wedge-shaped design, originally penned by Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina. Externally, the 328 can be identified by its smoother, body-colored bumpers integrated into the front and rear valances, replacing the black rubber elements of the 308. The nose is slightly reshaped, and the side air intakes are more pronounced, improving both aesthetics and cooling efficiency.

The GTS features a removable black roof panel that stores behind the seats, preserving the car’s characteristic profile when installed while allowing open-top driving when removed. The proportions remain compact and balanced: a low nose, sharply defined beltline, and wide rear stance emphasize the mid-engine layout. At the rear, four circular tail lights and twin exhaust outlets maintain Ferrari’s established visual signature.

Inside, the 1987 model benefits from a redesigned interior compared with earlier 308 versions. The dashboard layout was revised for improved ergonomics, with clearer instrumentation and more durable switchgear. Leather upholstery is standard, and the driving position is distinctly driver-focused, with a gated metal gearshift prominently positioned on the center console—an element that has become closely associated with classic Ferrari manual transmissions.

Historical Significance

The Ferrari 328 GTS occupies an important position in Ferrari’s V8 lineage. It succeeded the 308 series in 1985 and preceded the more angular and technically updated 348 introduced in 1989. The 328 addressed several criticisms leveled at earlier 308 models, particularly in terms of build quality, corrosion protection, and low-speed drivability. Incremental improvements in engine management and assembly standards resulted in a car widely regarded as more reliable and better finished than its predecessor.

By 1987, production had stabilized, and the model was firmly established in Ferrari’s range as the entry-level mid-engined sports car. Total production of the 328 series reached 7,412 units, of which 6,068 were GTS versions, underscoring the popularity of the targa configuration. The 328 also represents the final development stage of Ferrari’s transverse-mounted V8 architecture before the transition to the longitudinal layout in the 348. As such, it marks the end of a distinct technical chapter in Maranello’s history.

Quirks and Pop Culture

The Ferrari 328 GTS gained broad cultural visibility during the late 1980s. In the United States, it replaced the 308 GTS in the television series Magnum, P.I. for the final seasons, reinforcing Ferrari’s association with open-top V8 sports cars in popular imagination. Although visually similar to the 308, the 328’s updated styling and wheels make it distinguishable to attentive viewers.

Among enthusiasts, the 328 has developed a reputation as one of the most “usable” classic Ferraris. Its comparatively robust mechanical fuel injection system and improved corrosion resistance have made it less temperamental than some earlier models. The exposed gated shifter, combined with the naturally aspirated V8’s linear power delivery, has contributed to its enduring appeal in a period increasingly defined by turbocharging and electronic driver aids.

Display and preservation

The vehicle was exhibited at Motorworld Classics Bodensee in 2022. This event, held in Friedrichshafen, is a popular gathering for classic car enthusiasts in southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The 2022 edition featured over 800 exhibitors spread across multiple halls and open-air spaces, offering a vibrant mix of vintage automobiles, motorcycles, boats, and aircraft. Visitors could explore restoration workshops, parts markets, and club presentations. A key highlight was the live vehicle auctions and dynamic driving demonstrations on the event grounds. The show reaffirmed its reputation as a hands-on celebration of classic mobility culture.

Conclusion

The 1987 Ferrari 328 GTS stands as a mature expression of Ferrari’s 1980s mid-engined V8 concept. Technically refined, visually cohesive, and historically positioned at the close of the transverse V8 era, it balances performance with everyday usability more convincingly than many contemporaries. With strong production numbers, cultural visibility, and a well-documented mechanical specification, the Ferrari 328 GTS remains a central reference point for collectors and enthusiasts interested in classic analog sports cars from Maranello.