As the 1980s drew to a close, Ferrari was faced with the unenviable 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.

That V-8 had been expanded to 3.4 litres and now boasted nearly 300 brake h...