Featured here is an outstanding 1987 Ferrari 328 GTS Targa. The letter S refers to the Spider or Targa Convertible. Targa refers to a convertible with a removable roof panel. It differs from a T-Top which has a solid unmovable bar running from the windshield to the roll bar.
The Designing of the Ferrari 328 GTS
Before the Ferrari 328 was unveiled, Ferrari was considering to offer a 328 convertible model. The model was designed and built and was even road tested. At the end Ferrari decided to scrap the project and offer the GTS and GTB instead. The thinking was that the convertible 328 might take away sales from the Ferrari Mondial Convertible that was available at the same time.
The letter B signifies a Berlinetta or Solid Roof model. Both models are two seat mid engine sports cars. Both the Ferrari 308 and 328 were designed by Pininfarina’s Leonardo Fioravanti. From 1988 to 1991 Fioravanti worked for the Fiat Group, at first as deputy general manager of Ferrari and later as head of Fiat’s design center as well as Centro Stile Alfa Romeo.
The Ferrari 308 and the latter 328 shown here are two of the most popular Ferrari’s. Many collectors refer to both of these models as true Ferrari classics.
The Ferrari 308 came out in 1975 at the Paris Salon. The 1987 Ferrari we are featuring is a second generation model. The difference between the 87 328 GTS and the Ferrari 308 is a much larger engine. The 328 first came out in 1985 replacing the 308. Other than engine size the two models were similar. This entire model line actually started in 1973 with the Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 2+2.
The 328 had it’s tubular steel chassis remained as before, with all-round independent suspension by double wishbones, The interior too had just a few changes and now featured improved instruments, switch gear and heating. The 328 still had the separate heater boxes and fans for each side of the interior.
If the buyer wanted to enjoy open air driving the GTS was the model for him or her. Many times the choice of a targa top or hardtop had to do with the predominant weather where the buyer happened to live.
The Ferrari 328 GTS Performance
The Ferrari 328 as tested by Motor Trend posted a 0 to 60 rating of 6.5 seconds, some 1.5 seconds faster than when they tested a 308 some ten years earlier.
Tpo speed was rated at 163 MPH.
Ferrari 308 / 328 Production
The 328 was a big sales success for Ferrari. By the time the Ferrari 328 was replaced in 1989, there were some 7,500 examples produced. Total 308 plus 328 production was 22,000 over the span of 1975 through 1989 model years. This made the 308 and 328 the most commercially successful Ferrari models of all time.
1987 Ferrari 328 GTS Targa Specifications
The 1987 Ferrari 328 GTS was equipped with a naturally aspirated transversely mid-mounted 90-degree 328 cubic inch V-8 with a Bosch K-Jet fuel injector delivering 270 HP.
Transmission was a five speed manual.
Brakes were four-wheel servo-assisted vented disc and wheels were aluminium-alloy.
Suspension included an anti-toll bars with coil springs.
Dimensions on the 1987 Ferrari 328 included a wheelbase of 92.52 inches, 167.5 inch overall outside length, 68.1 inch width and 44.4 inch height. Curb weight comes in at 2,800 lbs.
Related Auto Museum Online articles are found on the links below…
Reference material for this article includes..Enzo Ferrari : The Man, The Races, The Car, The Machine by author Brock Yates..One Hundred Cars That Changed the World : The Designs, Engines, and Technologies That Drive Our Imaginations by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide..The Story of Ferrari : A Tribute to Automotive Excellence by Stuart Codling.
1987 Ferrari Collector Cars
Ferrari has built some of the most popular collector cars of all time. Regarding the value of some of their models, the Ferrari 250 TR was sold at auction in 2011 for a reported $16.4 million.
For the second generation showroom condition Ferrari 328’s, of which the 1987 GTS is a part of, have sold at auction for prices in a range of about $100,000 to $175,000.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)