As the 1980s drew to a close, Ferrari was faced with the inevitable task of replacing its successful 328 line of cars. The 328 itself had been a stopgap intended to draw more years out of the 308 model, which had debuted over a decade earlier in 1975. Styled by a design team led by Pininfarina’s Leonardo Fioravanti, and created under the direction of Enzo Ferrari in what became one of his final acts, the Ferrari 348 made its debut in 1989 at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

With slatted side air intakes and rectangular taillights, the 348’s shape differed radically from its predecessor. Styling was said to have been inspired by the car’s big brother, the Testarossa, as well as the ultimate Ferrari of the time, the F40—the world's fastest production car in its day. The 328’s transverse mid-mounted engine had been turned 90 degrees for the 348, and was now mounted longitudinally and coupled to a five-speed gearbox.

Three years into production, Ferrari introduced the hardcore 348 Serie Speciale, limited to just 100 examples for the US market. Expectedly, this model received a higher output version of the 3.4-liter V-8 engine, which produced 312 horsepower and fed into a free-flow exhaust system. A shorter final drive ratio allowed greater acceleration, while the 50-millimeter-wider rear track and Pirelli P Zero tires ensured maximum adhesion to the road surface. Unlike the standard 348, the Serie Speciale’s lower valance elements were all painted to match the body, and the front end received a new grille and front splitter. Perhaps the most obvious deviation, the rear taillight assemblies lacked the slatted covers first popularized on the Testarossa.

Inside, the occupants are treated to highly desirable and optional F40-style carbon/Kevlar performance bucket seats upholstered in Connolly leather. Finally, the door cards received simplified upper elements, and a plaque affixed to the passenger door post notes each of the 100 examples’ serial numbers.

The example on offer, serial number 45, is one of just 35 Serie Speciale coupes made over the course of the two-year production run. Further increasing the desirability of this already rare automobile, this is the only 348 Serie Speciale finished in Blu Sera over a tan leather interior. Originally registered in Houston, Texas, it now presents with just 19,855 miles on the odometer at the time of cataloguing. The vehicle is accompanied by its owner’s books and a tool kit in its leather case.