Bill, a Ferrarista if ever there was. The owner of three fine cavalino’s shares with CHRONEVO his love for each. Each of the cars was born of a different era in Ferrari history, but all part of Bill’s passion and love for the Ferrari marque. He starts with his amazing 328 GTS in this first part of three articles..
Upon approaching the Ferrari 328 GTS you find yourself looking at an exceptional Pininfarina designed piece of Italian Art. From every angle you are visually treated to a beautiful, slender, low profile and stunning wedge shaped vehicle. Now it is time to release the perfectly placed door handle located slightly below the side window and position yourself into the luxurious leather seats. This is where, next to your right leg you will view and first feel the shiny chrome stick shift extending out of the Ferrari’s iconic gate. Insert key, turn on ignition, put in gear, slowly release the clutch and you are on your way to an experience of a lifetime. The 1989 Ferrari 328 GTS was the final evolution of the 308 GT4 from 1973 and benefitted tremendously through all the years and upgrades. Suspension, handling, 16 inch wheels with Goodyear 205/55VR front, 225/50VR rear road hugging tires and the ABS braking system guaranteed to lower your speed and stop effectively when needed. The experience driving this 80’s car is enhanced with removing the black vinyl wrapped fiberglass roof panel exposing the driver and passenger to the great outdoors and the fantastic engine sound. The roof panel is then neatly stored behind the seats for safe keeping.
Whether out and about, driving in and around town, running errands at 30-35 mph, 3rd gear is definitely a favorite of mine, the high revving engine is a sound you never lose interest in hearing and enjoying. There is also plenty of instant power available if a burst of speed is necessary. When highway cruising and 55-65 is the call for the day, 5th gear is perfect. Keeping in mind that this is a 1989 car and most cars nowadays are much faster at take-off and onward but very few have the pedigree of a Ferrari. The 328 is balanced effectively with a transversely mid-mounted 90 degree V-8 engine delivering 260 bhp @ 7,000 rpm’s and 212-kb.ft @ 5500 rpm’s. The 328 is also aerodynamically designed to keep you glued to the road at the following speeds of 0-60 performance in 5.6 seconds, finishing with a top speed of 163 mph which very few cars these days are safely capable of. Driving the Ferrari 328 with the 5 speed manual transmission and unassisted rack & pinion steering allows the driver a complete driving experience of continually using both hands and feet offering true driver connection and control. Be it slow or fast is the driver’s choice, but at any speed, being behind the wheel of a Ferrari is certainly thrilling and the Total Driving Experience!
