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.

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.

• 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

Options & Equipment

• 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

Service & Maintenance

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

• 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

Documentation Includes:‍

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

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.