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arthur chambers (Art355)
Posted on Tuesday, September 04, 2001 - 11:41 am:   

Eugene:

I've owned both. If you are planning on driving the car, buy the 355. Don't buy a 1995 however, unless you plan on doing your own engine rebuild, etc. The 95s had problems that's why they are so cheap. Buy a 96 or later. The 348 was a good start, but the 355 fixed 99% of the mistakes made on the 348.

Art
Paul Cox (Pcox)
Posted on Friday, August 31, 2001 - 2:20 pm:   

Eugene, is the Speciale in Houston? If so I would talk to to people at Ferrari of Houston, I looked at that car a few weeks ago, It has spent time on the track, for the past couple of years it has a racing exhaust(no cats) and nobody seems to be able to say how many of those miles are track miles.
Bye the way I was told by people at Ferrari all 355 body panels will fit the 348 except the rear hood.--Cheers
Paul Cox (Pcox)
Posted on Friday, August 31, 2001 - 2:19 pm:   

Eugene, is the Speciale in Houston? If so I would talk to to people at Ferrari of Houston, I looked at that car a few weeks ago, It has spent time on the track, for the past couple of years it has a racing exhaust(no cats) and nobody seems to be able to say how many of those miles are track miles.
Bye the way I was told by people at Ferrari all 3655 body panels will fit the 348 except the rear hood.--Cheers
Martin (Miami348ts)
Posted on Friday, August 31, 2001 - 1:13 pm:   

Do not overpay on the Speciale. There is one on eBay that I am consitantly bidding on with the full race package buit it is a Speciale. I checked the VIN against the Ferrari sheet.

Now I would be smart and get the limited number made Speciale instead of a 355 any day.

1. the Speciale is a late production car in a series vs the 355 being a new production car as a 1996 (baby flaws)

2. the Speciale is something very unique vs the 355 which everybody drives.

I personally would opt to get a real Challenge car. There were only 32 made and this is a true collector. Unfortunately I lost out on one the other day but I would have had to trade my 348TS for the 348 TB Challenge. Today I regret that though. There are not that many out there and you have to make sure it is a true Challenge from the Factory.

On the carbon seats, these are what makes the Speciale so Speciale! I would not remove them They are much more comfy than the regular ones. Good seating prosition, if you are not like me 6.3.
MADE100 (Noelrp)
Posted on Friday, August 31, 2001 - 9:15 am:   

The doors are aftermarket panels. The previous owner had them installed. I believe you can get them at Koenig in Germany. I imagine they are expensive though. The installation is simple, 4 allen head screws outside & 2 nuts inside the interior near the door jam (no mods required). They are nice but I'm not sure if Pininfarina would agree though.

Ebay is the best place to find rare Ferrari items - always bid with caution though. Send me an email if you like to know more.

-noel
David Albright (Dalbright)
Posted on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 10:15 pm:   

Eugene....they just had some tan and black 348 seats on ebay. Not sure if they are still listed, but I would check there fairly often.
Eugene Angelo (Eangelo)
Posted on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 9:04 pm:   

Noel,

This particular car does have the carbon fiber seats. This would not be a daily driver, but maybe driven 2-3 times a week. Any idea where to get a pair of good condition 348 seats in tan?

BTW, I agree with David, your doors look great. Are they 355 doors?
David Albright (Dalbright)
Posted on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 8:29 pm:   

Noel...are those 355 doors are your Speciale? Nice looking car.
David Albright (Dalbright)
Posted on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 8:21 pm:   

1st Question - no more than $70k....sounds like you'll need to put $5 - $10 in the car immediately due to service needs.

2nd Question - The 355 has plenty of room to depreciate. I dont think the Speciale does.

3rd Question - While you're waiting for the 355 to depreciate down to 348 prices, go ahead and get the Speciale. It may be a few years before 355's get down to where they should be. The Speciale on the other hand should not move too much since it is a limited edition car with only 100 cars made.

BTW - I don't think you'll be disappointed with either car.
MADE100 (Noelrp)
Posted on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 7:57 pm:   

I have seen 348 Speciales go from low to high 60s, depending on the condition. I would not pay over $70k for one. I purchased my 348 Speciale (s/n 005) a year ago from Ferrari of San Francisco in what I consider a fair price (30k service included). A local car with 17k miles.

Oh BTW, watch out for the carbon fiber seats if you plan on driving it daily.

As for the 355, if you can afford it, there's no question get the 355.

Good luck.

-noel
Frederick Thomas (Fred)
Posted on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 7:34 pm:   

I would love to have a 348 but I would get the ts. If I knew if I waited a bit I could get a 355 I would hold off.
Eugene Angelo (Eangelo)
Posted on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 7:08 pm:   

I've got the itch, and I've got it bad!! I am considering purchasing a 1993 348TB Speciale (red/tan) from a private owner (second owner). This car has about 9K original miles with a clean title. It will need a 15k service and possibly a new clutch. The car is all orignal. No paint. No accidents. Excellent interior (except for the sticky door handles and steering column housing). Very little maintenance records due to low mileage.

1st Question:
What is a fair price for this car from a private owner?

2nd Question:
Will this car depreciate more than a 355GTB?

3rd Question:
With 355 prices coming down, should I wait and buy a 1995-1996 355GTB?


Thanks for any advice!!!

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