Introduced in 1985, this open-topped variant represented the final evolution of Ferrari’s mid-engined V8 sports car line before the arrival of the 348. It carried forward the basic formula established by the earlier 308 family, but with a larger 3.2-litre engine, revised styling details, and a more polished interior that reflected Ferrari’s effort to make the car both quicker and more refined without abandoning the compact, low-slung character that enthusiasts valued. The removable roof panel gave it the classic targa-style experience that helped define Ferrari’s “GTS” nameplate for a generation of buyers.
The model occupied an important place in Ferrari history because it marked the end of the original V8 line that had begun with the 308 in the 1970s. By the time production ended in 1989, the car had become one of the most recognizable modern classic Ferraris, admired for its clean Pininfarina shape, balanced proportions, and approachable driving character compared with the brand’s larger 12-cylinder grand tourers. It also benefited from incremental updates during its run, including later-production refinements that kept the design competitive through the end of the decade.
As a nameplate, it belongs to a single continuous production period and was replaced in 1989 by Ferrari’s next-generation mid-engined V8 model. That makes it a clear bridge between the analog, wedge-shaped Ferraris of the 1970s and the more modern performance cars that followed.