| Author | Message | ||
| J. Grande (Jay)
Member Username: Jay Post Number: 753 Registered: 10-2001 |
Yes, you're right. If it is a GT4 or a GTB/S you are still going to pay Ferrari prices for parts. Some stuff is the same on the interior but it is far a few between. However, because the GT4's value is so low (relatively speaking) more people are parting them out. So in that sense there are lots of parts out there. You just have to be patient and things will turn up. You can't just run down to Pep Boys for parts. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Member Username: Whart Post Number: 581 Registered: 12-2001 |
Jay, point taken. But my point was, buy the best car you can, because fixing one, whether its a gt 4 or the pinin 308 costs real money, and its better, almost always, to let the prior owner spend the jack. My comment about spares applied to the cosmetic/interior pieces, which i don't believe are the same. Nu? | ||
| J. Grande (Jay)
Member Username: Jay Post Number: 749 Registered: 10-2001 |
Whart, a GT4 is basically a 308 under the skin, all the suspension, engine, tranny, most electrical,is identical. Expect to pay the same for sevice on a GT4 as a 308 GTB/S | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Member Username: Whart Post Number: 578 Registered: 12-2001 |
Although apparently maligned at the time, and clearly overshadowed by the pinin 308, the GT4 is a joy to see on the road, its dash layout is particularly nice, and it makes good sounds. In addition, they are relatively cheap. But, just like any ferrari, buy the best car you can, with a history from a compulsive, loving owner. The few bucks extra it may cost up front will be money saved if you have to do a number on the car once you own it. In fact, it is probably ridiculous to buy one with the expectation that you are going to have to spend money on it to get it right, unless you do your own work. Dunno what critical assemblies cost, but would assume that some of the cosmetic/interior pieces might be hard to come by, unless you also buy a basket case as a backup. | ||
| Rolly Astrom (Swede)
New member Username: Swede Post Number: 25 Registered: 7-2001 |
If you get a good one, you'll love it. I'm really happy with mine......similar performance to the GTB/GTS, and a lot of curiosity from the general public as they know it's special, just not quite sure what it is. Most folks think it is a lot newer than it is and conversations occur at almost every stop......likely true with any Ferrari though. | ||
| Ted Gay (Fhead)
New member Username: Fhead Post Number: 5 Registered: 10-2002 |
Late to this thread, hope this helps. Concours Automotive in La Habra, 541 W. Lambert, (562) 697-4188. Take the 57 north of the 91, exit Lambert, go west about 4 miles. Joseph is the man there, been there for a long time. He helped me on my GT4 about ten years ago. I'm sure he erased the experience from his mind. Found mine in the Auto Trader for $19,500.00. Bought it basically over the phone. I was 23 and working a ton of over-time building the Santa Margarita Water Dist. pipline at the time. It was about $3500.00 less than the Chevy truck I was about to buy, and since I had a company truck, it seemed like a no-brainer. I didn't know a brake job could cost that much. The car hadn't been serviced in over 20,000 miles. Not even an oil change. He gave me a break on the brake job, got the engine sorted out, and I traded it in on a truck. But it was a fun six weeks while I had it. There was also a shop on Collins in Orange, close to Angel stadium. If you get direction to a company called Southern Counties Oil, this shop was on the same side of the street about 1/4 mile east of SCO. Another shop I've heard good things about is Francochamps, in Costa Mesa. Don't know where they are though. GT4 is a fun car. Just make sure you have it inspected first. But a 365gtc/4 will probably be my next Ferrari. Loved that body forever. Or a fiberglass 308GTB with a 512TR engine. Or..... Ted | ||
| Dom Vitarella (Dom)
New member Username: Dom Post Number: 3 Registered: 11-2002 |
Pushers!!! Nah, I'm glad to have the info available. Apparently, it looks like there are a few to choose from in the Calfornia area (although it looks like mostly Northern california). I am following up on a few leads, and will keep you guys posted. I am looking forward to the addiction (I guess I'm somewhat addicted already, having owned 4 italian cars in the past, 2 Lancia's and 2 Alfa's). Frank, I am aware of the 365 GTC4, and I think it is a beaufiful car. My understanding though, was that a good example could not be found for under $50k, which is over my budget (I'd like to spend under $30k). Also, I really don't know alot about the issues involved with buying one of these cars, whereas I'm pretty familiar with maintenance costs, etc., of the 308GT4. Still, 12 cylinders, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!! Wish me luck, Dom P.S.- It seems like all of the leads for mechanics have been in the LA area. Are there any in orange county (besides the one's I mentioned earlier)? | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 1482 Registered: 9-2001 |
Since you want a back seat you should consider the 365GTC4 as well. They are basically a Daytona with a back seat. In fact, they had a MSRP several thousand dollars more than a Daytona when new. They have the same V12 with six two barrell Weber side draft carbs and sound GREAT! You can get one between $35k-$55K depending on condition. | ||
| J. Grande (Jay)
Member Username: Jay Post Number: 694 Registered: 10-2001 |
Hans, like Curtis Mayfield said..."I'm your pusher!"  | ||
| Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Member Username: 4re_gt4 Post Number: 416 Registered: 4-2002 |
Does anyone here feel like a 'pusher'? Twist the guy's arm, bring him into our twisted little world. "Come join us. Trust us, you'll really like it. Feeling a little down? Try a couple of redline shifts. Yes! Yes! That's it! 2nd, 7500rpm, snap 3rd, pull redline. Traffic OK? Keep going!! 4th. Yeah, doesn't that feel better?" Geez. Now I need some repairs. Bummer. I'm so depressed. $3K mechanics bill. Alright, let's see if all is OK. Warm up motor, sounds good. Starting to see some oil temp, let's see if it still works. Waaaaaaaa, Shift, Waaaaaaa, Shift. Mama, give me more. | ||
| Gene Agatep (Gagatep)
Junior Member Username: Gagatep Post Number: 51 Registered: 8-2002 |
Dom, Here are 2 other places down the L.A. area Modena Motors, La Cienega Beverly Hills - Luciano has been doing Ferrari's for over 20 years Tillack's at Redondo Beach they had an open house last week definitely one of the best shops in town | ||
| Mitchel DeFrancis (4re308)
Member Username: 4re308 Post Number: 718 Registered: 6-2001 |
Do you guys remember the picture of the yellow GT4 on the cover of Forza? Oh my God what a BEAUTIFUL car! I always wanted a GT4, maybe someday I will have one. | ||
| Matt Lemus (Mlemus)
Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 383 Registered: 8-2002 |
Dom, You can take your car to Blackhorse Motors. They are on La Ceniga in LA. Ask for Carl Ferrari in Woodland Hills will do a car inspection Free of Charge. Best of Luck | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 3122 Registered: 5-2001 |
Dom, I have a 208GT4 for sale. One of the last made. Will pass emissions w/o problems....it does not have an engine  probably your greenest Ferrari around just kidding. Meet up with the guys in LA | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
New member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 10 Registered: 11-2002 |
Hans I saw the car about two months ago or so. But it might still be there, because the owner wasn't actively selling it. I got real close to buying it but had to leave the country for a while and didn't quite follow up. Looking at getting something else now, actually. From what I hear Mark is damn good at what he does. He also comes well recommended by a lot of folks. | ||
| Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Member Username: 4re_gt4 Post Number: 406 Registered: 4-2002 |
Oh, also, click on FerrariAds at the top of this page. There is a '75 there. No financial interest, yada, yada, yada. | ||
| Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Member Username: 4re_gt4 Post Number: 404 Registered: 4-2002 |
Taek-Ho: Is the car still there? I ALMOST bought it last spring. I haven't done business with Mark, but he seemed a straight shooter on both email and the phone. | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
New member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 9 Registered: 11-2002 |
I second Hans' post. Mark Spencer had a great example. Red with the Boxer black bottom. He serviced it, meaning it's in top shape. I don't know if you know about Mark Spencer, but he has an impeccable reputation here in the CA bay area. I was interested in the car and took it for a spin. Mechanically excellent example. I ended up not getting it, but it might still be available. From what I remember the price was right too. | ||
| Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Member Username: 4re_gt4 Post Number: 400 Registered: 4-2002 |
Rick: There is a blue over black '75 advertised in the NW region FCA newsletter. I think his price might be a little high, but who knows...... | ||
| Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Member Username: 4re_gt4 Post Number: 399 Registered: 4-2002 |
Peter: Gawd no! At minimum wage, your car is worth $200,000 | ||
| rick catalano (Tatcat)
Junior Member Username: Tatcat Post Number: 71 Registered: 9-2001 |
Dom there are a couple on ebay right now. they are priced nicely. i hope to get a 75 blue on black very soon. its got a lot of miles but its in my budget. hmm... budget and ferrari, an odd combination of words not seen too often together. one of the beauties of the GT4. | ||
| '75 308 GT4 (Peter)
Intermediate Member Username: Peter Post Number: 2159 Registered: 12-2000 |
Not me! | ||
| Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Member Username: 4re_gt4 Post Number: 394 Registered: 4-2002 |
Oh, BTW: I've found that when a F-Chat sort of guy buys a car, it's NEVER up to snuff. The people here seem to be a lot more picky than the great unwashed. Best option: Find one of us willing to part with their car. | ||
| Dom Vitarella (Dom)
New member Username: Dom Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2002 |
Hi Everyone, I saw the thread about the Peterson museum, but unfortunately, I won't be available Sun  Does anyone know of local ferrari mechanics (local being orange county, possibly LA)? I know of F of Orange County,and Newport Autosports, but my guess is that there are other reputable shops around. I checked out collector car trader online, and a couple of other sites, and found 3 potentials in CA. I will give them a call tomorrow to learn more... I used to have membership in FCA, but let it lapse. I think it's time to resubscribe. Was also considering a subscription to FML. Did any of you guys go the the best of france and italy show last weekend? I usually go, but this year was the first in the last 4 years that I missed. Been really busy on the weekends lately. I figure next year I will make up for it by bringing both my 308gt4 and my Alfa 164!!! Thanks again, Dom | ||
| J. Grande (Jay)
Member Username: Jay Post Number: 678 Registered: 10-2001 |
Dom, welcome officially to ferrarichat. I bought a series 1 GT4 last year. It has been alot of fun restoring it! I think you are right on the money about knowing who has worked on the car and where it came from. I hung around a local independent Ferrari shop for about 2 years until mine came up (see profile). I suggest you meet some of the great people on this site and find out where they service their cars and who they trust. This goes a long way to setting your mind at ease. | ||
| Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Member Username: 4re_gt4 Post Number: 390 Registered: 4-2002 |
BTW, check the usual sources. Hemmings, etc. Also: cars.desertworld.com (an individual that does classified ads as a hobby), www.ferrarina.com (occasionally a dealer will have a decent example at a good price - Ron Tonkin had one a while back), sometimes AutoTrader. The various Ferrari Club newsletters often have them. (Let me know if you don't have access to FCA newsletters - I can get you the names of 'GT4 advertisers) | ||
| Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Member Username: 4re_gt4 Post Number: 388 Registered: 4-2002 |
Dom: A while back Mark Spencer at Veloce Speedesign had a decent example that had just passed CA smog. It's an identical twin to mine. (See my photo in my profile.) Also, I think Fantasy Junction has one. Might be yellow, but I can't remember. I'll be with Matt at Petersen's. Hope to see you there. | ||
| Matt Lemus (Mlemus)
Member Username: Mlemus Post Number: 371 Registered: 8-2002 |
Dom, A few of us are going to the Peterson Museum on Sunday, A few of the guys own 308gt4's. You are welcome to join us and discuss the gt4 with them and enjoy the tour. M http://server.ferrarichat.com/~ferrari/ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/21/162158.html?1036533994 | ||
| Dom Vitarella (Dom)
New member Username: Dom Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2002 |
Hi Everyone, This is my first post, but I've been a lurker here for a long time (at least a year). I'm finally at the point where I am ready to buy my first ferrari. I've long been in love with the 308 GT4, I have lots of info on it (including the Forza buyers guide issue, the Keith Blumenthal (sp?) book, a European Car issue on it, R&T, etc), and I believe I know what's involved in buying a good car. Of course, I will get a PPI!! The questions I have are regarding good sources to find one. Since I live in California, I think I probably should stick to a CA car, since emissions problems on an import into california may be problematic. This unfortunately, will limit my choices in cars. Any advice on this? While I'm here, I guess I'll list more info on exactly what I want. I'd like a 308 GT4, would be really nice in red or yellow boxer scheme, though I would consider other colors (however, I really hate silver or white colors). I would like to use this as a weekend/fun car, with an occasional time trial or autocross (My goal is 3-4 time trials/year). If the car has upgraded 16" wheels, electronic ignition, that would be a plus (and while I'm dreaming, one with the slow window lift problem fixed!!). Since I would like to drive it, complete originality is not necessary, but no wierd modifications. I have had 4 Italian cars in the past (Currently use an Alfa 164 as my daily driver), so I belive I know what to expect. A PPI is extremely important. Which leads me to question #2: What are good places for PPI's in orange county, CA? When I was looking for my Alfa, the strategy I used to find one was calling local mechanics in the area to see if they had a client who was selling one. This seemed to work well for the alfa. At the time, these cars were selling for about $10-12k, and I got one for $5000, that needed about $4000 worth of work. In the end, for $9k, I got a great car, and since I know the mechanic where the work was performed, I felt confident in driving the car daily. Other than F of Orange County, and Newport motorsports, I am unaware of any other independent mechanics in the orange county area. Alternatives: Well, I really like the looks of the Series 2 330GT 2+2(mmmmm, 12 cylinders), but I really don't know much about these cars. Others include the 365/400, or the mondial (I need 4 seats, since I have a daughter). However, my wife hates the looks of the 400, and I'm not too crazy about the mondial. Anyway, sorry about the long windedness. If anyone knows of any good cars, I'd love to hear about it. Thanks, Dom |