1991 Ferrari 358 tb Berlinetta

The 348 tb was a dramatic departure for Ferrari. Its 3,405-cc dual overhead-camshaft engine is mounted longitudinally in the chassis like the 288 GTO. However the 348’s chassis is only four inches longer than the transverse-engined 328 GT that preceded it. To accomplish this magic, Ferrari applied lessons learned in its Formula One racing program, developing a transversely mounted gearbox in unit with the differential to minimize the drivetrain’s length and contain the masses of the drivetrain for optimum handling. The 348 tb also utilized a monocoque chassis, further reducing its mass and containing it within the extended wheelbase for quicker response.

Like other manufacturers, by the time the 348 was introduced in 1990, Ferrari was learning to live with emissions restrictions. Bosch Motronic port fuel injection and electronic engine management delivered 300 horsepower at 7,200 rpm from the 348’s four-valve-per-cylinder engine. Luxuriously...