Model History

The Ferrari Challenge began not in Maranello, but in France — when Ferrari importer Charles Pozzi proposed a one-make race series for Ferrari owners. His idea: take standard 348 TB and TS models and upgrade them with a factory-supplied kit. The program was trialled locally, then formalised by Ferrari in 1993 as the 348 Challenge.

The Challenge Kit supplied by Ferrari included a roll cage, racing seat and harnesses, fire extinguisher, lightweight Speedline wheels, freer-flowing exhaust, and uprated suspension — creating a car that was both road-registrable and track-ready. These cars competed across Europe, Japan, and North America, often driven to the track by their owners.

As the series evolved, Ferrari introduced the F355 Challenge, followed by factory-built 360, 430, 458, and 488 Challenge models. Today, the 296 Challenge carries the lineage forward across four continents — but it all began with the 348.

This model laid the foundation for what has become Ferrari’s global racing ecosystem. Analog, adaptable, and deeply connected to its road-going roots, the 348 Challenge remains the car that defined a new era of Ferrari motorsport.

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Vehicle Highlights

This 1991 Ferrari 348 TS — the rarer Targa-bodied variant — was delivered new to Japan, where it was converted (in-period) by Ferrari to Challenge specification. It was later imported to Australia and remains fully road registered in Queensland.

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•   Odometer: 33,261 km
•   Engine: 3.4L Naturally Aspirated V8
•   Transmission: 5-Speed Gated Manual
•   Drive: Rear-Wheel Drive
•   VIN: ZFFFA36JAP0088393
•   Exterior Colour: Rosso Corsa
•   Interior Colour: Nero (Red Seats)
•   Specification: Ferrari Challenge Kit
•   Servicing: Recent Engine Out Servicing

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Options & Equipment

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•   Air conditioning
•   OMP Challenge Kevlar bucket seat
•   18-inch Speedline Corse magnesium wheels with Nankang tyres
•   Roll cage, racing harnesses, and tow hook
•   Challenge brake ducting and underbody diffuser
•   Alcantara Challenge steering wheel
•   Starter button and battery isolator
•   Plexiglas headlight covers
•   Challenge decals and badges
•   F40-style gear knob and pedals

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Service & Maintenance

The car was last serviced in August 2024 at 32,550 kilometres. Work completed included:

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•   Engine-out service with clearance measurement and reshimming
•   Kevlar timing belt and uprated tensioner kit
•   Rebuilt phase sensor
•   Replacement of cam gaskets, seals, and auxiliary belts
•   New spark plugs, air and fuel filters, idle air control valve hoses
•   Alternator and associated bearings
•   Gearbox oil and radiator components
•   Brembo carbon brake pads and new tyres

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Documentation Includes:

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•   Service handbook
•   Book on the 348 Challenge
•   Poster
•   Toolkit

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Final Summary

Finished in Rosso Corsa over Nero, this 1991 Ferrari 348 TS was converted to Challenge specification in period using Ferrari’s factory-supplied kit. It retains its original Challenge components, has recently undergone a comprehensive engine-out service, and is currently road registered in Queensland.

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