| Author | Message | ||
| Eric Hawley (Eric)
New member Username: Eric Post Number: 11 Registered: 8-2001 |
I'll put in yet another positive for the 330GTC. I've had mine for a little over 18 months now, and will not soon part with it (never say never, right?). It's a real sweet car to drive, with good round-town behavior and handling, combined with sensational behavior at speed on twisties and open highway. All conversation about exhaust notes and aftermarket exhaust are of little interest once you've been in one of these cars with the marvelous Ansa Exhast system wailing at 7,200 rpm. If you want to hear a real Fcar exhaust note, these early v-12s are the only way to go. So far, my car has needed next to nothing. I've put maybe 4,000 miles on it, with now just over 35,000 on the odometer. I just keep dinking with the minor little things that all cars of that period needed: points adjustment, oil changes, filters, new touches of paint here and there, etc. Records of the car's past indicate it has had regular meaintenance all its life and never needed any major work. Sure, when the time comes to do major engine work, it'll cost, but then again, it's a pretty simple car to work on. I don't suspect it'll be much worse than maybe a 456 to do similar work. For now, the compression in the engine is within 5% in all cylinders, and I only get the light puff of valve stem oil blow by in the exhaust when I let it wind out to the extremes. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 1218 Registered: 12-2000 |
My only pics were a factory visit when I got married in Florence 2 years ago. Go here and then Ferrari... http://ferrarichat.com/florence2000/index.html | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 83 Registered: 3-2002 |
Rob, I spoke with Keith in January he has a new Ferrari book coming out in the next year, I know it will be great, as are his other books. Chris | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 1217 Registered: 12-2000 |
Some day. All these pics can be credited to the great site... http://www.barchetta.cc/ I think Keith Blumel is a big part of this site. For those that don't have it. His "Ferrari: The Road Cars" is a must read. | ||
| Joren Remans (J_remans)
New member Username: J_remans Post Number: 6 Registered: 2-2002 |
Looks like you've spent quite some time in Europe to get those beautiful pics.... | ||
| David P. Smith (Dave330gtc)
New member Username: Dave330gtc Post Number: 2 Registered: 3-2002 |
Rob, Thanks for your comments. The car is great to own. The sounds and smells are worth half the price. It is an easy car to maintain. Very simple design. Mechanical parts are readily available but not inexpensive. It is a 35 year old car and has a vintage feel compared to the new models but to me there is something special about the old V-12 cars. I would urge anyone looking for an older car to consider one of these. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 1208 Registered: 12-2000 |
Beautiful car you have David. What's it really like owning one? Sounds, maintenance, headaches, joys? | ||
| David P. Smith (Dave330gtc)
New member Username: Dave330gtc Post Number: 1 Registered: 3-2002 |
I have to put my vote in for the 330 GTC. It definitely is a sweet, well balanced car to drive. It has the characteristics of the older, classic models but also is a very comfortable and dependable car. | ||
| Edward G. Salla (350hpmondial)
New member Username: 350hpmondial Post Number: 34 Registered: 2-2002 |
When in doubt, go with the 330 America. And wear your doc martins. Three words are used to discribe that car Retro, Retro,,,,, & Retro. Fins used to rule. | ||
| Richelson (Richelson)
Member Username: Richelson Post Number: 582 Registered: 12-2001 |
Does anyone have some more photos of the 250 models? | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 1203 Registered: 12-2000 |
So with the 8 models we've identified, here's my list not worrying about price, because they all fit within the range, when in doubt I went with the older classic... 1) 1956-57 250 GT Boano Coupe - 240hp (69 made) $55-130k 2) 1957-58 250 GT Ellena Coupe - 240hp (50 made) $48-120k 3) 1968-70 330 GTC - 300hp (600 made) $85-150k 4) 1958-60 250 GT Pininfarina Coupe - 240hp (353 made) $40-100k 5) 1963 330 America - 300hp (50 made) $35-50k 6) 1960-63 250 GTE 2+2 - 240hp (954 made) $28-50k 7) 1964-67 330 GT 2+2 - 300hp (1080 made) $30-40k 8) 1968-71 365 GT 2+2 - 320hp (801 Made) $35-60k | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 1202 Registered: 12-2000 |
I've decided to add the 365 GT 2+2, because it's still part of the orginal classic influence. I think that's the latest model car part of that generation though. The 365 GTC is too expensive with it starting at $95k. 1968-71 365 GT 2+2 - 320hp (801 Made) $35-60k  | ||
| Stephen Patterson (Srpatterson)
Junior Member Username: Srpatterson Post Number: 54 Registered: 11-2001 |
Rob, I would have to vote for the 330GTC. Of course, I love most first generation (pre Daytona) Ferraris. The 330GTC is a great combination of V12, 5 speed gearbox, disc brakes, and usually under $100k. Not to bust your bubble, but a Boano at Cavallino last month was over $200k. Of course, it was restored to trailer queen level. Remember, as I told a good friend at dinner a few months back, "There is one perfect Ferrari for everyone." What is yours? | ||
| Don Vollum (Donv)
New member Username: Donv Post Number: 4 Registered: 1-2002 |
I've had my 365GT 2+2 for about eight years now, and I really haven't had any major maintenance or parts problems. The single biggest parts problem I've had was this year, when I had a door handle break inside the door. I was out of commision on that one for about three weeks. We considered having a machine shop make one, but ended up finding one just before going to that extreme. Generally, it's been my experience that if you get the car sorted out properly (expect some teething problems when you first get it), and you drive it regularly, the V12 cars are very reliable. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 1190 Registered: 12-2000 |
1963 330 America - 300hp (50 made) $35-50k  1968-70 330 GTC - 300hp (600 made) $85-150k  | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 350 Registered: 9-2001 |
martin Where have you been? Are you moving? | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 1566 Registered: 5-2001 |
In the FCA market letter they had a 250GTE last year that the guy was selling for asking I believe it was $ 30K. It was an all original car which he owned since 1970. The paint was bad, the interior needed work but the car was running. I continuesly kick my a*s for not buying this classic beauty. | ||
| Tenney (Tenney)
Junior Member Username: Tenney Post Number: 89 Registered: 2-2001 |
In this group, I like the 330 GTC. A little more coin and a 365 GTC might also be worth a look. It's more rare and has more motor (although loses 330's attractive fender detail). Series 1 330 2+2's look a little odd w/four headlights, IMO, and so would lean toward the Series 2 in Rob's initial post. Another car worthy of consideration in this category would be a 330 America, which is basically a 250 GTE w/a bigger motor. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Junior Member Username: Whart Post Number: 137 Registered: 12-2001 |
On expertise, particularly for the diy'er, there is a guy outside of pittsburgh named mike curley. When i knew him in the 70's,he had more than a handful of old ferraris that he did alot of the stuff on himself, back when the cars weren't worth that much. I have stayed in touch with him over the years, and he would be a good source for information on the old cars. | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 349 Registered: 9-2001 |
hey, all ferrari's are expensive. that is the price we pay. This site is great for seeing what you are getting into. http://www.tomyang.com/cars/ferrari.html?http://www.tomyang.com/cars/ferrari.htm | ||
| Willis Huang (Willis360)
Member Username: Willis360 Post Number: 559 Registered: 8-2001 |
We really need someone with older Ferraris, especially those mentioned in the first post, to address maintenance, repair costs, and other issues. I think it would benefit everyone on FerrariChat who's interested. | ||
| Willis Huang (Willis360)
Member Username: Willis360 Post Number: 558 Registered: 8-2001 |
The initial purchase prices seems attractive on these old classics. But the most important matter is maintenance cost and parts availability. You could easily spend more than your acquisition cost in repairs alone. Be prepared to spend copious amount of money for worst case scenario. | ||
| Ken (Allyn)
Junior Member Username: Allyn Post Number: 222 Registered: 10-2001 |
Correct me if I'm wrong, but those old V 12's are expensive to work on and some parts are hard to find; not to mention the other systems. Wouldn't you be hard pressed to find any of the above cars at the bottom of the price range that didn't need extensive and expensive work? Of course, if you are up to the task of doing your own work you's save a bundle. I'm one of the lovers of the old classics for sure and I would love any of those old 12's myself but I think a 308 would be a lot cheaper to live with. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 1188 Registered: 12-2000 |
I almost put the 330 GTC on there, but thought it was just barely out of price range with the low ends at $70k. However, considering the next jumps are greater (like to the Lusso), the 330 GTC should probably be considered. A great car too! | ||
| Tyler (Bahiaau)
Junior Member Username: Bahiaau Post Number: 153 Registered: 12-2001 |
I was wondering about that as well, what is parts availability like for the 250's? | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Junior Member Username: Whart Post Number: 136 Registered: 12-2001 |
What are you prepared to trade-off, in respect to driveability; of all the cars you mention, surely the earlier Boano is the most "classic" and closest in heritage to the cars that now fetch kilo-bucks. The 2+2 cars are not in that league (i think the 250 2+2 is way funkier than the later 330, but would assume the later cars are a better drive). I also loved the 330GTC, but as far as appreciation goes, i'd invest in the Boano, if it can be gotten at a good price, is relatively straight, and you can handle the labor. Parts are a different question. | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 348 Registered: 9-2001 |
I am thinking about a 330 GT or GTC. I think they are a bargin - well as far a ferraris go. Now I just need to convince my wife | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 57 Registered: 3-2002 |
Rob, you can add a 330 GTC to your list. You are going to be looking at the middle to bottom end of the price range at $70,000, but 330GTC's have retreated a little bit in the last few months. | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 1187 Registered: 12-2000 |
I have a good first Ferrari in the 328 GTS. It's reliable, inexpensive to maintain, good daily driver, fun, quick, handles great, and still has a modern feel and look to it, but has a classic edge too. My next two Ferraris will probably be a dedicated race/track Ferrari and then a classic V12. Here's my initial analysis to get the conversation started. I would appreciate everyone's opinions, experiences, and so forth. I'm defining affordable as $70,000 at the top end for a nice example. That eliminates anything before 1956 and the post 1968 cars like the 365 are classics, but not in the sense of the 250 and 330. The five cars I found to meet these basic requirements are... 1956-57 250 GT Boano Coupe - 240hp (69 made) $55-130k  1957-58 250 GT Ellena Coupe - 240hp (50 made) $48-120k  1958-60 250 GT Pininfarina Coupe - 240hp (353 made) $40-100k  1960-63 250 GTE 2+2 - 240hp (954 made) $28-50k  1964-67 330 GT 2+2 - 300hp (1080 made) $30-40k  |