The Koenig Specials F48 is a rare and captivating modified version of the Ferrari 348 TS, boasting a significant upgrade in power and a visually striking F40-inspired body kit. The vehicle is equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V8 engine, which generates an impressive 520 bhp. Paired with a five-speed manual transmission, this powertrain elevates the car far beyond its original specifications. It is believed that only two right-hand drive F48s were ever produced, with just seven units made globally. This particular car was imported into the UK in 1994 after undergoing its transformation by Koenig Specials.
The car’s first private owner was Douglas Hall, deputy chairman of Newcastle United FC and the son of Sir John Hall, the club’s owner. The second owner, Professor David Clarke, held onto the car for 18 years and was instrumental in developing carbon-ceramic brakes for Surface Transforms PLC. Following several prototype developments, this F48 became the world’s first car fitted with carbon/ceramic hybrid brakes, incorporating carbon-ceramic discs at the front and steel discs at the rear.
Koenig Specials, founded by Willy Koenig in Munich, became famous for creating high-performance versions of Ferrari supercars, combining aggressive styling with extreme power. This Ferrari 348 started life as a standard 1990 TS model before being sent to Koenig in Germany for modification into the F48. The inspiration for the transformation came from the Ferrari F40, with two Garrett T3 turbochargers added to the standard 3.4-litre V8 engine. This modification increased the car’s output from the original 320 bhp to a remarkable 520 bhp.
The exterior design of the car was extensively altered. A wide-body conversion kit was fitted, leaving only the doors and bonnet from the stock model. The bodywork was styled to resemble the silhouette and features of the Ferrari F40, particularly at the rear. The car also featured wide, staggered multi-piece OZ Racing alloy wheels, adding to its commanding presence. Mechanical enhancements included improved suspension, a new ECU, and a large intercooler. As previously mentioned, the brakes were significantly upgraded with the world’s first ‘hybrid’ composite brake system developed by Surface Transforms, using carbon-ceramic discs at the front and steel discs at the rear.
This specific F48 was sold at auction on 17th August 2022 for £93,000 (€110,391). According to its previous owner, it is the only right-hand drive F48 with a documented provenance from new, and it comes with a detailed maintenance history. Accompanying the car were a duplicate service book, a Ferrari 348 technical manual, various invoices, MOT certificates, and other essential documents. At the time of sale, the vehicle’s condition was assessed in great detail.
The Giallo paintwork was described as being in fair condition, with minor scuffs on the underside of the front bumper, light chips on the bumper’s surface, and small imperfections on the bonnet. Minor surface cracks were present on the wheel arches, with lower arches touched up to address chipping. Similar minor cracks were found on the doors, side skirts, and rear wing panels. The removable ‘targa’ roof, engine cover, and large rear wing also showed slight imperfections. The glass was generally in good condition, with only minor chips on the windscreen. The black leather interior, while still presentable, exhibited some sagging and bunching on the seat bases, along with typical wear on high-contact areas. The air-conditioning vent surrounds on the central dashboard needed reattachment, but no warning lights were present on the dashboard.
At the time of the auction, the car was due to receive a new 12-month MOT certificate, with any necessary issues being addressed. Its previous MOT, conducted on 5th April 2018 at 40,200 miles, resulted in a first-time pass without advisories. In the years leading up to the sale, the car had been largely stored, except for its appearance at the prestigious Salon Privé in September 2020.
In terms of service history, the last comprehensive service was completed in March 2017 at 40,029 miles by Ferrari specialist R&D Automotive. This service included an annual check, a cam belt replacement, and the renewal of turbo gaskets, cam cover gaskets, end plate gaskets, and the phase sensor gasket. The camshaft oil seals, fuel hoses, and intercooler hoses were also replaced. Additionally, the air-conditioning system was re-gassed, and the engine received fresh oil, a new oil filter, spark plugs, and brake fluid. The car had been previously serviced in March 2016 at 39,866 miles, with an earlier cam belt replacement in March 2014 at 39,012 miles. Over the years, the car has been meticulously maintained, with detailed invoices on file. Work has primarily been carried out by Ferrari specialist R&D Automotive, and earlier by experts such as Italia Autosport and Reg Vardy.
This rare Koenig Specials F48, with its incredible power upgrades and F40-inspired design, is a testament to the bold and innovative modifications made by Koenig Specials. The car’s historical significance is further cemented by its involvement in the pioneering development of carbon-ceramic brake technology by Surface Transforms. Its uniqueness, both in terms of design and performance, makes it a standout in the world of modified supercars.
Surface Transforms plc (LON:SCE) is a manufacturer of next-generation carbon-ceramic brake discs for automotive and aircraft applications and has been certified to IS9001-2000 since 2008 and was certified to TS16949 automotive quality accreditation and AS9100C aerospace quality accreditation in 2015.
