1988.5 328 GTB, 1 of 19 made, FCA Nationals Platinum winner, fully documented

• 1 of 19 1988.5 US 328 GTB cars ever produced
• Ferrari Club of America Platinum winner
• Fully documented since new
• 100% original paint and interior
• Long-term previous ownership

This is it. If you are looking for the "holy grail" of Ferrari 328 cars, you're now looking at it. This is a 1988 Ferrari 328 GTB, a "late" 1988 328 model (often called a 1988.5), in the iconic and classic color combination of Rosso Corsa over Beige, and most importantly, a GTB hardtop coupe. Please do not confuse this car with the vast majority of 328s on the market; the GTB is extremely rare, especially in the US. In fact, there were only 19 1988.5 328 GTB cars built for the US market, and this is one of them.

The 1988.5 328 cars contained cosmetic and mechanical improvements over the earlier years, such as a redesigned suspension and steering system, convex wheels, and other various (and subtle) interior and exterior differences. What the 1988.5 cars do not have, however, is ABS brakes, which were introduced in 1989 (for the US cars). Many enthusiasts and collectors prefer the 1988.5 over the 1989, because the ABS pump in the 1989 cars is now not available and must be rebuilt, often difficult to do. And, the brake feel is dramatically changed in the ABS cars. The 1988.5 cars have all of the improvements, without the ABS.

And this particular car is inarguably one of the finest 1988.5 328 GTBs, if not one of the finest 328s period, in existence. Starting with the original window sticker, this car is fully documented with an utterly complete history, proving that the indicated mileage of 27,676 miles is true and correct.The car's most current owner had the car for 12 years, and during that time this 328 won numerous Platinum, first place, and other awards at various concours, including a coveted Platino award at the 2012 Ferrari Club of America National Meet in Palm Springs. And, in 2005, this particular car was featured on the cover of Forza magazine.

The paint on this 328 GTB appears to be 100% original, as measured by a paint meter. And, the interior is equally completely original; there is no evidence of dye work on the leather, and the carpets and headliner are completely original. In the engine compartment, the zinc/cadmium plating is still shiny and intact on the various hard fuel and other lines, something that is very rare to see, indicating that this car was meticulously cared for. In fact, the entire engine compartment is beautifully clean and well maintained, as is the underside of the engine and even the entire car. A full major service, including timing belts change, was just completed in April 2016.

I have driven this 328 GTB, and it drives exactly as a 1988.5 328 GTB should drive. The steering feel is tight and accurate, the suspension has that beautiful Ferrari balance of suppleness and sporty feel, and most importantly, the engine sings to its redline. All electrical components work, and the A/C blows cold. In short, the driving experience of this car lives up to its appearance; this is the best of the best.

I advise my clients that in today's market, it is extremely important to buy the best car that you can, especially if you expect appreciation. The gap between values of the great cars and, well, everything else, is widening, as the market for these modern classics starts to mature and buyers are more educated. This 1988.5 Ferrari 328 GTB is unquestionably a collector-grade car, one that can be exhibited at a national-level concours, can be a cornerstone of a modern Ferrari collection, and can also be driven and enjoyed. I look forward to discussing this car further with you; please contact me at michael@mbrandonmotorcars.com or 832-617-0494.