Welcome to our ‘Car in the Spotlight’ function, the place we shine a light-weight on automotive treasures typically neglected. Right this moment, we’re indebted to Neil Genge, a passionate Ferrari fanatic, for sharing his journey along with his tribute to the distinctive Ferrari 348 Competizione.
The 348 Competizione is a uncommon and coveted mannequin that occupies a novel area in Ferrari‘s illustrious history. A product of its era, it bridges the gap between the classic Ferrari ethos and the brand’s transfer in the direction of extra fashionable, technologically superior supercars.
A Transient Historical past of the Ferrari 348 Competizione
Launched in 1994, the 348 Competizione was Ferrari’s response to the rising demand for track-focused highway vehicles. It was a time when homologation specials had been gaining recognition, and Ferrari, by no means one to shrink back from competitors, answered the decision. The Competizione was a efficiency improve and an announcement of intent.
Primarily based on the usual 348, the Competizione launched a number of modifications designed to reinforce the automobile’s on-track capabilities. From weight discount measures to suspension tweaks, the automobile was honed to ship a sharper, extra centered driving expertise.
Whereas the 348 Competizione was a restricted manufacturing mannequin, it rapidly gained a cult following amongst Ferrari lovers. Its mixture of uncooked efficiency, basic Ferrari styling, and exclusivity made it a extremely fascinating automobile.
Neil Genge is a raving Ferrari fanatic and has a captivating historical past along with his 348 Competizione, which he’s sharing with us as we speak. Let’s delve deeper into this automotive gem and uncover what makes it so particular.
An House owners Viewpoint
I’d like to say this can be a real Ferrari 348 Competizione, however solely 50 had been ever made, and solely 8 proper hand drive fashions. They’re now fetching as much as £200,000, so discovering one or buying one was impossible.
This felt like a problem greater than a restriction. I took it upon myself to show my Ferrari 348 right into a Competizione. This took me over 5 years sourcing items from Australia / USA / Germany / Italy, and the UK.
These items included:
Unique light-weight wheels from a racing driver in Germany
Interval right Ferrari Kevlar seats , upholstered within the right materials
Salbelt harnesses
Carbon ECU covers
Carbon door sills
F40 gear knob
Retrimmed inside to match Competizione
Bigger manifolds as Competizione
Sports activities no cat exhaust
Carbon splitter
Assume I’ve carried out a superb job in that it fooled all of the judges at Salon Privé / Blenheim Palace. You need to have seen their faces once I stated I can’t settle for as a result of it’s truly not an authentic.
When did you purchase the automobile?
I’ve owned the automobile for over ten years now
What was the acquisition worth of the automobile, and what’s its present worth?
Bought for £25,000 ( I might have had a 355 for £30,000) costs had been a lot decrease then! I’ve spent some huge cash changing it right into a Ferrari 348 Competizione tribute automobile with many authentic elements. So worth is round £70.000 now (not that I might promote it).
How a lot does it value to service and tax?
Servicing is £2000-£4000 each 3-4 years. Automobile tax £365. I common 1500 miles a 12 months.
How typically do you drive it?
Driving it most weekends to automobile occasions/ breakfast meets, and so forth.
Has it been on any eventful journeys?
Considered one of my most favorite drives was final 12 months to Blenheim Palace Salon Privé, participating within the 75 years of Ferrari parade and blasting down the Blenheim drive means.
How does it really feel wish to drive?
It’s previous automobile, however quick sufficient! Handles like a go kart and has nice retro styling. It’s a weekend automobile that favours lengthy sweeping roads.
How do you take care of the automobile?
I’ve carried out all of the work myself other than the principle service which has been carried out at Carrs , who I can extremely suggest.
Is there one other basic or supercar that you simply’d like to purchase, and why?
I’ve at all times needed a second basic automobile, perhaps a Testarossa or 308 would match the invoice.
How does it evaluate to newer fashions, or different vehicles you’ve pushed?
I’ve pushed different fashionable Ferrari’s, and sure after all their higher, quicker… however I nonetheless desire the older styling. You may’t get higher than a F40 (the 348 and F40 shared the identical manufacturing line on the manufacturing unit).
How is the present marketplace for this automobile, and the way do you see this evolving?
Present worth of a superb 348 with service historical past is £60.000. I feel sooner or later it will enhance as a result of low numbers. At present within the UK there are solely 68 RHD TB 348 taxed or sorn.
Is the automobile a keeper or are you able to see a time that you simply’d promote the automobile to a different custodian?
Undoubtedly a keeper.
To conclude
We want to say an enormous thanks to Neil into his perception to his possession of his cool Ferrari 348 Competizione. A uncommon automobile certainly.
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