Welcome to the InstacarHK website – an automotive multimedia platform for like-minded individuals with a passion for cars – especially classic cars.
As our first ever car review, we thought it would only be appropriate to review my own car – the 1987 Ferrari 328 GTS. Those of you familiar with Ferrari would know that the 328 was the successor of the hugely successful 308. The 308 was Ferrari’s first official mid-engine Ferrari (the 206/246 and 308GT4 Dino’s were, well, Dino’s and not Ferrari) and was an instant hit. Throughout the 308’s production run from 1975 to 1985, Ferrari made more than 12,000 308’s, outnumbering any previous models by far.
Hence when it was time to release the new 328 model, Ferrari did not make too many changes to the 308’s winning formula. The most visible changes were the headlights – which were changed to bigger, rectangular, lenses imbedded into the front bumper – aligning with the Testarossa’s design. Both the 308 and 328 were designed by Pininfarina’s Leonardo Fioravanti – a talented and important man who designed some of Ferrari’s most iconic models, including the Dino 206/246, Daytona, BB512, Testarossa, 288 GTO and F40.
The 328’s production run was shorter than the 308; going from only 1985 to 1989. During this time, 7,412 328’s were made, with the GTS version outpacing the GTB version with a 5 to 1 ratio. 6,068 GTS’ were made compared to only 1,344 GTB’s; as a result, the GTB is the more desirable pick today due to rarity.
The 328 uses the 308 series’ final engine – the V8 quattrovalve engine (or quattrovalvole in Italian) – but increased its capacity from 3.0 litres to 3.2 litres – hence ‘328’ (3.2 litre V8). The 328 has about 260-270hp, depending on whether it is a U.S. or Euro version, respectively. The car I have has the subpar looking square-shaped rearview mirrors, which I originally thought was exclusive to the U.S. version. For years, I had no idea why my original Hong Kong 328 has U.S. mirrors. Did one of the ex-owners replace the originals with U.S. version mirrors for whatever inconceivable reason? The mystery was finally solved when I went on holiday to Melbourne, Australia, a few years ago and saw a 328 identical to mine. Turns out Australian version 328’s were basically U.S. version cars, but right-hand drive. Aside from the mirrors, Australian versions also have the rear fog light delete just like the U.S. versions (Euro versions have (nonfunctioning) fog lights on the top of the quad exhaust tips). Unfortunately, the Australian version also has the U.S. version’s detuned engine.
I am fine with the detuned engine because let’s face it, whatever version it is, the car is still not fast by today’s standards. I bought the car because I like the mechanical feel of classic cars, and most importantly in this case, my love for 1980’s Ferrari’s. I grew up during the 80’s and 90’s and Hong Kong was a very different place then. To see a Ferrari was a rare occasion, I would count my lucky stars if I saw more than one on the road in a month. That was a huge contrast to life in Hong Kong today, where kids won’t even bat an eyelid if it is anything less than a 488 Pista! The looks, touch, and smell of an 80’s/90’s Ferrari never fail to bring me back to those childhood memories.
I remain surprised and impressed to this day by how easy it is to drive the 328. The clutch is not heavy, something that is notorious with older Ferrari’s, and the biting point is easy to manage with generous clutch travel. The seating position also fits me well, with no ‘long arms, short legs’ issue as typically (or rather, stereotypically) found in older Italian cars. The fly off hand brake on the side, however, is a bit too far up front and there have been occasions where I pulled a muscle reaching for it when rushing off traffic lights on a slope (first world problem, I know). Emotionally, going through the open gated shifter with that distinctive ‘clink’ and holding that simple but iconic Ferrari steering wheel is a dream come true.
There are only two complaints I have about the driving experience of the car. First, the weak aircon (although I have seen 328’s with strong aircon so it should be a problem of my car which I have yet to address) and second is the lack of head space. I am only 5”8 but my head touches the top (in the rare occasions where I don’t have the top down)– imagine being someone over 6 foot tall. This is, however, a well known problem of the 328.
Candidly, my dream 80s/90s Ferrari has always been the BB512 or Testarossa due to their jaw-dropping looks. However, the maintenance issues of those, being a few cylinders more, and an engine-out required for every cambelt change thanks to the engine being longitudinally-mounted, is just too much for me. The usability of flat 12 Ferrari’s in Hong Kong is also limited. As such, I have happily ‘settled’ for this 328 as I can take it out anytime I want with the only consideration being the weather. For these reasons, I highly recommend the 328 for anybody who wants to try a classic/modern classic Ferrari.
Many thanks to the team for joining me on this YouTube car review journey!
Alex (http://www.taipanmedia.com)
Dave (Email: david@lemonadeandgiggles.com)
Adhiraj Rathore (IG: @supercarsofhongkong)
See the review video here:
Thanks to the production team for making this review possible:
Alex (http://www.taipanmedia.com)
Dave (Email: david@lemonadeandgiggles.com)
Adhiraj Rathore (IG: @supercarsofhongkong)
Belinda (http://www.belindajiao.com)
Hugo (IG: @hugochow)
Ewan (IG: @_windee_)
Alex C. (IG: @nofishshark)