  We present time-resolved optical spectroscopy and photometry of the nova-like
cataclysmic variable V348 Puppis. The system displays the same spectroscopic
behaviour as SW Sex stars, so we classify V348 Pup as a new member of the
class. V348 Pup is the second SW Sex system (the first is V795 Herculis) which
lies in the period gap. The spectra exhibit enhanced HeII 4686 emission,
reminiscent of magnetic cataclysmic variables. The study of this emission line
gives a primary velocity semi-amplitude of K1 ~= 100 km/s. We have also derived
the system parameters, obtaining: M1 ~= 0.65 Msun, M2 ~= 0.20 Msun (q ~= 0.31),
i ~= 80 deg and K2 ~= 323 km/s. The spectroscopic behaviour of V348 Pup is very
similar to that of V795 Her, with the exception that V348 Pup shows deep
eclipses. We have computed the ``0.5-absorption'' spectrum of both systems,
obtaining spectra which resemble the absorption spectrum of a B0 V star. We
propose that absorption in SW Sex systems can be produced by a vertically
extended atmosphere which forms where the gas stream re-impacts the system,
either at the accretion disc or at the white dwarf's magnetosphere (assuming a
magnetic scenario).
