While the mechanicals were tweaked, the Ferrari 308 GTB and GTS models made do without a major mid-life refresh during their near-10-year production cycle. The updated Pininfarina styling of the 328, therefore, brought the platform back to the forefront. Debuting in 1985, the car gained an extra 300 cc, plus reintroduced an egg-crate grille design and new rear vallance.

Complete with a removable “targa”-style roof panel, the 328 GTS was little short of a sales phenomenon for Ferrari. More than 6,000 left the Maranello factory. That figure not only made it the second-best selling car in the firm’s history at that point in time (behind only the Testarossa) but also reemphasised the appeal of a mid-engine, V-8-powered model in the range. Little wonder such an offering continued through to the F8 Tributo announced in 2019.

This example of a 328 GTS was delivered to the supplying dealer, Auto Becker of Düsseldorf in Germany, in March 1987. Built in left-hand-drive form, the car was specified in the classic Ferrari combination of Rosso Corsa to accompany a Crema leather interior. According to an evaluation by noted expert Guillaume Cognet, the car subsequently gained lowered suspension by Stuttgart-based Ferrari specialist Rosenmaier for a more sporting aesthetic.

In October 1988, the 328 GTS was purchased by renowned French collector, Marcel Petitjean. He moved the car over the border to his home country of France, where it remained for some 34 years. Then acquired in February 2022 by the consigning owner, the Ferrari has since been relocated to the Middle East. Following a period of static display, this car will require recommissioning prior to driving.

Presented in its factory colours, the 328 GTS further benefits from retaining its matching numbers 3.2-litre, transversely mounted, V-8 engine coupled to a five-speed, open-gate, manual gearbox. This example is accompanied by a Ferrari folio containing owner’s guides and service book, plus jack, tool roll, spare wheel, and a vinyl cover for the glass fibre roof panel.

A poster star of the 1980s offered in open-top form, this 328 GTS is sure to appeal to Ferrari collectors and classic car enthusiasts alike.