1989 Ferrari 328 GTS

Tony’s Take: Remember when Ferrari model names made sense? The Ferrari 328 GTS is a 3.2-liter V8-powered Gran Turismo Spider (a.k.a., targa). You could call it an engine-upgraded 308 and you wouldn’t be too far wrong.

The Ferrari 328 GTS’ quattro valve is yet another evolution of the flat plane crank Ferrari Dino engine, allegedly designed by Enzo Ferrari’s son on his deathbed. The mid-engined Italian sports car’s power plant produces 270 hp and 231 lb⋅ft of torque.

That’s enough get-up-and-go to propel the [not-a-Magnum-mobile] 328 GTS from zero to sixty in 5.5 seconds – and make a glorious noise. Like-a-this:

Although Enzo would have disagreed, it’s not all about the engine. For this “refresh,” Pininfarina softened the 308’s wedge profile, designing a car with a more rounded nose and tail valance. With new door catches! And who doesn’t love the backlit orange-on black-dashboard gauges, borrowed from the ’84 288 GTO?

In 1988, Ferrari started fitting the 328 GTS with ABS brakes. For model year 1989 – the 328 GTS’ last – all cars had ’em. Otherwise, the 328 GTS is known as one of the last “analogue” Ferraris. No handling nanny to hold your hand. No airbag to save your life.

Here’s a surprise: the 328’s got a rep for reliability! Good reliability! In Ferrari-world, that’s a virtually meaningless term. But at least you don’t have to pull the engine out for regular service (a la F355). For other things, yes! If you buy the wrong car . . .

A 20k-mile red 328 GTS with a tan or cream interior brings about the same money as a low mile red/black interior car. In July, Sotheby’s hammered a 328 GTS like this one for $195k. I say the Miami auction car will struggle to make the same money given the . . .

Downside: “This 328 GTS will require mechanical inspection and servicing prior to being driven again.”