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Coupes & Convertibles Ferrari Ferrari-the Ultimate classic (Ferrari Lovefest Topic)
729 messages, Last post on Nov 01, 2008 at 8:45 AM
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a good day. I saw a very nice silver 456M parked in front of a rinky dink looking local tire store. It was parked in the driveway w a motorcycle and no other vehicles around. I thought both vehicles complemented each other nicely. We only see F-cars two or three times yearly in Concord NH. |
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Last Sunday was likely the last run for the FCA/NE folks. It was a drive through the country side ending at Ferrari New England for lunch and viewing the Brazilian GP. About 50 cars showed, ranging from 3X8s and 355s to TRs. We even had a definitly not street-legal 355 challenge car running with straight pipes. Somehow the owner had talked a NH repair plate off of someone. It sounded beautiful, although the folks in some of the neighborhoods we went through might not have agreed. The ride went well, right up until we hit the police roadblock. No tickets issued, but some stern finger shaking was done. While at FoNE, I looked at a 512 Boxer on the showroom floor. Although the price was reasonable, there were several questions about the car. For one thing, the seat wear didn't match the indicated mileage on the odo. I'll take a pass on it. Besides, Boxers are notorious for service, constant and expensive. For those of you in the NE area, Peter Wright, who wrote an excellent book on Ferrari F1, will be lecturing December 4th at the Lars Anderson Museum of transportation in Brookline, MA. As I get more details, I'll keep you posted. T |
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I'm looking at a couple of '87 328GTS, both with approximately 40K miles. Both are California cars with clean Carfax, legit service records. One was stripped and repainted. The other is nearly pristine and original. Both are priced in the mid $40K's. Question for all of you: Is a 328 with 40K a few years away from being a parts car? I plan on using this as a weekend car only - figure 2-3K miles per year. I've talked to the service manager at the local Ferrari dealer, and I'm OK with the maintenance costs and schedule. However, I've read horror stories about Ferrari engines needing a rebuild before 50,000 miles. Any input appreciated -- I'm a Mercedes and BMW guy, never owned an F-car before. Oh wait, a Fiat X1/9 in high school. Mid-engined F-car. Vroom vroom. 
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Replying to: billymay (Nov 17, 2004 6:25 pm) I'd question why a car was stripped and repainted  40K (or less).
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Nah, you are probably talking to someone who remembers horror stories about the 80-81 308si cars, that had some bad ring problems. I think the 328 is the best of that era of Ferraris and 40K isn't too bad. You have to figure at least $1 a mile to drive this car, so if $3,000 a year for maintenance makes you swallow hard, then don't do it, because that's what it will cost. I also agree I'd go for the car that is the most original and with the best service records. That repaint sounds awfully unusual, and plenty of Ferraris get "smacked" without ever appearing on CARFAX. Carfax only uses public records of totals or in most cases (not all) cars with accident reports. So if the car was say dented to the tune of $15,000, and no accident report was filed, then the car will not appear on CARFAX.
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Nov 18, 2004 7:31 am) On another note, I called Ferrari-Maserati of OC and they told me they stopped doing PPIs six months ago, due to liability concerns. That gives me some pause, because more than one person has told me a PPI was money well spent. With regard to the cost, any of the 2-seaters I was considering as new car purchases would probably depreciate more than $3K annually. So, the maintenance costs, while shocking to Accord owners, seem acceptable to me. Frankly, the $642 front brake job on my ex-daily ride, a BMW 325 coupe, irked me more than the prospect of a $1K oil change on a Ferrari would. That sounds irrational, as I look at what I just wrote, but it's true. Thanks again for the replies -- also enjoyed reading the great earlier discussions here, esp. the one about the guy who gave the boy a ride in his Ferrari. |
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Actually Ferrari paint from that era isn't very good, sad to say. As Enzo himself used to tell owners: "You buy the engine, we give you the body". If you can't get a PPI at least you have to see all the service records. The 30K service should be done, as that's a $3,000-$5,000 job depending. Fortunately, you don't have to remove the engine to do the service as with say a 348 or a TR. Be on the lookout for oil leaks and poor running. You really need to buy these cars tip top or not at all. |
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Sheesh, i don't check the board for a couple of days and it gets active again! Billymay, welcome to the hunt for a good 328. As, Andys120 said, I'm an owner, and I'd be glad to assist in anyway I can. Although I'm on the opposite coast, at least I may be able to help with some suggestions. The prices you've been quoted are in the ball park. I've seen good 328s selling locally anywhere from low to mid 40K to the mid 70K range. The latter for a car which had only 1200 miles on it and had been completely gone through by a respected shop in our area. You definetly are not buying a parts car. I have about 52K on mine now and it is still in great shape. Andys120, who saw it over the summer, can vouch for its condition. The key is to buy a car that is good to begin with. To be assured of that you really need a PPI. If your local dealer won't do it, look for an independent shop of good reputation. Talk to other owners if the dealer balks at sharing info. You might want to join Ferrari Chat for even more opinions and help. (Mr. Shiftright, Am I allowed to say that here?). I would stay away from repaints. I always think they're hiding something. Although some of the early 70s cars had paint problems, I haven't met anyone with bad paint on a later 328. As I said, my paint is fine and the car is rust free. I use it, in the good weather, as a daily driver and my only complaints are a small parking lot ding in the passengers door and another in the hood, probably from an acorn. Yes, I have a few chips from road use, but quality touch up paint does the trick in covering them. A respray is several years down the road for me. 3K/ yr maintenance cost is probably an average. I think last year I spent about $1200 all toll, this past summer about $300, not including new tires. However, that average will change as it will go in for its 50K major over the winter and that runs about 5K. Actually a bit less as many shops and dealers run deals if you'll let them have your car for the winter and they can do the work at their pace. Unfortunately, that probably doesn't help in sunny CA. Be sure that any car you look at has ALL of the maintenance records with it and check them carefully. If the 30K major, including belt service hasn't been done, it should be reflected in the price. Again, you're talking 5K. Either have the owner get the service or take the cost off the asking price. Once you've driven one or two, you might have driving impressions to ask about, please feel free to ask, either here or email me privately. I don't claim expertise, but I've owned my 328 for several years now and it's our third Ferrari, so I might be able to help or steer you towards help. Good luck with the search! Andys120, you might be interested in an upcoming lecture at the Lars Anderson Museum. This December 4th, Peter Wright, who wrote "Ferrari F1 Revealed" will be talking about the Ferrari F1 program and the state of F1 in general. the lecture is at 12:30 Pm. Check the museum website for further info. Hope to see you there! Tom |
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I just received an email from Ferrari describing the new Superamerica model. It's going to be shown at Paris in January 2005. Based on the 575M, it features an horsepower boost to 540. It comes with the GTC (competition) suspension package and has a retractable carbon fibre roof. According to the factory, this roof rotates down in 10 seconds and when it's stowed doesn't interfere with trunk space. It also has a new glass system which permits the driver to automatically select one of five degrees of tint. That'll be nice on sunny days! The car's a limited addition, like the 550 Barchetta. Picture a topless 575 on which the B pillar has been partially retained when the roof is retracted. It also appears to have a (pop-up?) roll bar over the rear luggage deck. It's really attractive. No price announced yet, but as a limited addition I recommend rushing to the dealership to place your order. I'm sure it will be very affordable.
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I'll restrict my comments on the new Superamerica and F430 to the styling, since there's little chance I'll ever get to drive either :=( The Superamerica is a disappointment to me and not worthy of that august name. The original Superamericas were the very top-the-line Ferraris and featured bold styling that was shared with no other Ferraris but the new car is simply a derivative of the Maranello, IMO the least distinguished of the current lineup from a design standpoint. Back in the day of the glorious 250 Ferraris Enzo's personal Ferrari was the 400 Superamerica. I doubt the Commendatore would chose the new one for his ride if he were living. The new F430, OTOH, has a great look. The nostrils are much more shaped and styled than the simple over size holes that mar the visage of the 360 Modena. It doesn't hurt that the new nose resembles that of Phil Hill's F1 Dino 246 and some of the Chiti designed sports racers. The Enzo-style tailights are IMO less successful. I wish Ferrari would stick with the simple four round t/l designs that have been part of their design language for so long. All in all bravo! |
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