Ferrari 328 GTB/GTS: The Definitive History, Specs, and Legacy
Introduction: Ferrari’s Refined Mid-Engine Evolution
In the celebrated lineage of Ferrari’s road cars, the 328 GTB/GTS, introduced in 1985, stands as a refined masterpiece—a mid-engine sports car that elevated the 308 series with a larger 3.2-liter V8 and subtle design updates. Crafted by Scaglietti under Pininfarina’s direction, this model saw 3,943 units produced—1,344 GTB coupes and 2,599 GTS targas—succeeding the 308 GTB and 308 GTS. The 328 combined enhanced performance with timeless elegance, cementing its status as a quintessential Ferrari GT.
The year 1985 was a dynamic period for Ferrari, its racing triumphs—288 GTO, Testarossa—complementing road car innovation. Unveiled at the 1985 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 328 GTB/GTS captivated with its smoother lines and boosted power. This exhaustive history, penned with a Ferrari historian’s precision, explores its technical advancements, its iconic design, its subtle racing ties, and its lasting legacy.
Historical Context: Ferrari’s Mid-Engine GT Refinement
The Ferrari 328 GTB/GTS emerged during a golden era for Maranello. By 1985, Ferrari’s racing pedigree—Mondial Quattrovalvole’s versatility, Testarossa’s supercar dominance—had solidified its stature, yet Enzo Ferrari sought to refine the mid-engine GT formula established by the 308 series. The 308 GTB’s 2,185-unit run (1975-1980) and 308 GTS’s 3,219-unit run (1977-1985) had proven popular, but their 3.0L V8 was nearing its limits. The 328, with a larger 3.2L engine and updated styling, answered, targeting enthusiasts and collectors while rivaling Porsche’s 911 Turbo and Lamborghini’s Countach.
A total of 3,943 units were built (1985-1989)—1,344 GTB coupes and 2,599 GTS targas—reflecting strong demand. Chassis 55239 (GTB prototype) and 55241 (GTS prototype) debuted at Frankfurt in September 1985, their sleeker profiles marking an evolution. This was a car for a broad audience—European drivers, American buyers—its production balancing exclusivity with accessibility amid Italy’s 1980s economic prosperity.
The broader context of 1985 shaped its purpose. The sports car market thrived—Porsche 959, Maserati Biturbo—while America’s performance scene embraced refined designs. The 328 GTB/GTS bridged Ferrari’s racing heritage, rooted in the Dino 308 GT4, with a polished mid-engine GT experience.
Technical Specifications: The V8’s Refined Power
The Ferrari 328 GTB/GTS’s heart was its 3.2-liter V8—a refined evolution of the 308’s engine, designed for enhanced performance and reliability. Below, we dissect its engineering with historian’s detail.
Engine: The 3.2-Liter Quattrovalvole V8
Displacing 3,185 cc (bore 83 mm, stroke 73.6 mm), the 328’s V8 was a transverse-mounted, all-aluminum unit with a 90-degree V-angle, featuring four valves per cylinder (double overhead camshafts per bank), a 9.8:1 compression ratio, and Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection. It produced 270 horsepower at 7,000 rpm (European spec) or 260 hp at 6,800 rpm (US spec)—a 15-20 hp gain over the 308 GTS’s 255 hp. Weighing 295 lbs, it delivered 231 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm.
This engine was a GT marvel. Chassis 58723, a 1986 GTS, showcased its smooth, potent power, balancing spirited performance with everyday usability.
Performance: Refined Velocity
The 328 GTB reached 166 mph (267 km/h) and the GTS 163 mph (262 km/h)—verified by Autocar’s 1986 test—outpacing the 308 GTS’s 159 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of ~5.5 seconds (GTB) or ~5.7 seconds (GTS). Its power-to-weight ratio (214 hp/ton European, 206 hp/ton US) improved over the 308 GTS (234 hp/ton) despite added weight, offering a lively GT experience.
Chassis and Suspension: Mid-Engine Precision
The chassis was a tubular steel spaceframe, weighing 1,263 kg (2,784 lbs) for the GTB and 1,275 kg (2,811 lbs) for the GTS—slightly heavier than the 308 GTS’s 1,090 kg due to structural updates. Its 2,350 mm wheelbase (10 mm longer than the 308) enhanced stability, with fully independent suspension—double wishbones with coil springs front and rear—delivering sharp handling and a refined ride.
Transmission and Brakes: Dynamic Control
A 5-speed manual gearbox—synchronized, mid-mounted—drove the rear wheels, its ratios (1st: 2.82, 5th: 0.93) favoring versatility. Braking relied on 14-inch ventilated disc brakes with ABS (from 1988), delivering 1.0g deceleration—robust for its class.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.2L V8, 270 hp @ 7,000 rpm (260 hp US) |
| Displacement | 3,185 cc (83 mm x 73.6 mm) |
| Top Speed | ~166 mph (GTB) / 163 mph (GTS) |
| 0-60 mph | ~5.5 sec (GTB) / 5.7 sec (GTS) |
| Weight | 1,263 kg (GTB) / 1,275 kg (GTS) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual, mid-engine |
| Suspension (Front) | Double wishbone, coil springs |
| Suspension (Rear) | Double wishbone, coil springs |
| Brakes | Ventilated discs, 14-inch, ABS (1988+) |
Design and Styling: Pininfarina’s Polished Evolution
The Ferrari 328 GTB/GTS’s aesthetic was a polished evolution of the 308, crafted by Scaglietti under Pininfarina’s design.
Exterior: Sleek GT Refinement
Scaglietti built all 3,943 units—chassis 55239 (GTB) featured a smoother nose, rounded lines, and integrated bumpers, finished in Rosso Corsa, while 55241 (GTS) added a removable targa top. Its 2,350 mm wheelbase and steel body (with aluminum panels) offered a sleeker profile than the 308, with air vents accentuating its mid-engine layout.
Interior: Refined GT Cockpit
The cabin was a driver’s retreat: leather bucket seats (black or tan), a gated shifter, and Veglia gauges—tachometer (8,000 rpm redline), speedometer, oil pressure. Chassis 58723’s interior, with upgraded materials over the 308 GTS, balanced sportiness with comfort, contrasting the Testarossa’s luxury.
Production and Variants: A GT Triumph
The Ferrari 328 GTB/GTS’s 3,943-unit run (1985-1989) included 1,344 GTB coupes and 2,599 GTS targas, with no major variants beyond ABS (1988) and market-specific updates. Chassis 55239 (GTB) and 55241 (GTS) launched the series, while 83127 closed it, transitioning to the 348 TB/TS. Its focus remained road performance—no racing versions emerged.
Performance and Racing Legacy: A Road-Bred Performer
The Ferrari 328 GTB/GTS racing history was minimal, its road-going ethos dominant. Chassis 57619 (GTS), tuned to 280 hp, ran private track events, but no official races ensued. Its true domain was scenic routes—Amalfi Coast, Pacific Coast—where its 166 mph (GTB) top speed and agile handling shone.
Ownership and Market Value: A Timeless Classic
The Ferrari 328 GTB/GTS value reflects its refined appeal. Early owners included European enthusiasts and U.S. collectors. Today, prices range $80,000-$120,000—chassis 55239 sold for $110,000 at RM Sotheby’s 2023. Restoration costs—V8 rebuilds at $90,000—highlight its enduring popularity.
Cultural Impact: Ferrari’s Refined GT Legacy
The 328 GTB/GTS refined Ferrari’s mid-engine GT lineage, its V8 and polished design influencing the 348 TB/TS. In 1980s lore, it’s the car of elegant performance and timeless style, a bridge between the 308 and Ferrari’s modern GTs.
Comparisons: Ferrari 328 GTB/GTS vs Rivals
The Ferrari 328 GTB/GTS vs Porsche 911 Turbo pits 270 hp V8 against 300 hp flat-6—Ferrari led in style, Porsche in power. The Lamborghini Jalpa (255 hp) trailed in refinement but matched in flair.
| Model | Engine | Power | Weight | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrari 328 GTB/GTS | 3.2L V8 | 270 hp | 1,263-1,275 kg | ~166/163 mph |
| Porsche 911 Turbo | 3.3L Flat-6 Turbo | 300 hp | 1,305 kg | ~162 mph |
| Lamborghini Jalpa | 3.5L V8 | 255 hp | 1,500 kg | ~155 mph |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Ferrari 328 GTB/GTS?
A 1985 3.2L V8 mid-engine sports car.
How many were made?
3,943 units (1,344 GTB, 2,599 GTS).
What engine powered it?
3,185 cc V8, 270 hp (260 hp US).
Did it race?
Rarely—built for road use.
What’s its value?
$80,000-$120,000.