Convertible depreciate/appreciate? | FerrariChat

Convertible depreciate/appreciate?

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by ndnguyen, Feb 3, 2006.

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  1. ndnguyen

    ndnguyen Karting

    Jul 27, 2005
    166
    Hello,

    I'm sorry if this's been discussed before. Does an aftermarket convertible conversion of a Testarossa depreciate or appreciate its value? What do you suggest a fair value for this car? 1991 silver 8K miles Testarossa convertible (Straman). Does anyone happen to know of another one (any color) forsale somewhere? Many thanks.

    Nguyen
     
  2. BT

    BT F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Mar 21, 2005
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    Bill Tracy
    It generally reduces the value. It may be on par with non-chopped TR's if you like it and would want to do it anyway. It does not increase the value if that is what the seller is telling you. I have seen 87 chopped TR's in the range of $55-60k.
    :)
    BT
     
  3. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

    Nov 1, 2003
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    #3 WILLIAM H, Feb 4, 2006
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I own both a 93 512TR coupe & a 95 512M chopped by Straman

    I love both cars

    Value depends on how 1 defines it. In strictly $ then there may be a drop

    But to me the real actual value of a Ferrari is in the enjoyment & pleasure you get from driving it

    In this regard the Straman TR is Extremely valuable becus its so much more fun than a regular TR

    Buy it, You wont be sorry :)

    Helll if you dont buy it tell me where it is :)
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  4. Ken

    Ken F1 World Champ

    Oct 19, 2001
    16,078
    Arlington Heights IL
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    Kenneth
    If a car is fully depriciated it may or may not hurt or help the value. Once a used car has hit rock bottom a well done chop job will attract different buyers who 'may' pay a bit more. But the conversion better be done right and I don't mean just cosmetics or you have a problem!

    If the body is now whippy, you will develop so many related problems it's not funny. This will reduce the value to a parts car since it's basically dangerous to be driving it at speed. While I love the look of the car above, I would want a real expert to inspect and drive it before I bought it. This means added cost to me, and so a seller of such a car would need to find a customer who thinks the 'wow' factor outweighs the practical considerations. They are out there however. So you'll get less from a sophisticated Ferrari (car) guy, maybe a touch more from the unwashed masses.

    Ken
     
  5. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

    Nov 1, 2003
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    if its a real Straman job it will be safe.

    my 95 512M Straman is much more rigid than my factory 93 convertible Corvette AND my 84 Ferrari 308 GTS QV
     
  6. Shark01

    Shark01 F1 Veteran

    Jun 25, 2005
    6,479
    Pour me some bath water then, because I would be F'in ALL over that for the price of a 348 Spider.
     
  7. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

    Nov 1, 2003
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    I'm it :) I was just completing my TR collection though so I'm in a class of very few people

    I think most the non Ferrari people, may have a dim clue of what a Testarossa is from the good old Miami Vice days.

    Young kids born in the 90s, unless they are car guys, probably have zero clue regarding what a TR is
     
  8. ndnguyen

    ndnguyen Karting

    Jul 27, 2005
    166
    Hello William H,

    How does a person tell if the conversion was done by Straman? Thanks.

    - Nguyen
     
  9. tifosi

    tifosi F1 Veteran
    Lifetime Rossa

    Sep 5, 2001
    5,382
    texas
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    Tom D
    as with any cut job there should be supporting paperwork
     
  10. Lip Service

    Lip Service Formula Junior

    Dec 16, 2005
    443
    Yes, when buying a car with an aftermarket convertible, it's very important to know how it was built. The chassis must be braced before the roof is removed to prevent frame warpage. Afterwards the chassis must be appropriately reinforced at the pressure points which will have great stress without the roof. If the conversion is done properly there shouldn't be any chassis flex when driving it.

    It's important to know what to look for when both examining and driving it. Most people wouldn't just hack up a Ferrari and do a half assed job. The most surefire, but insanely impractical way wold be to pull the panels.

    It'd also be a good idea to get it put up on the lift and see if there is an X-frame reinforcement, although there are other ways of getting a solid chassis without the X-Frame.

    For those familiar with Straman, do you know if they use an X-Frame?
     
  11. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

    Nov 1, 2003
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    Mines going to the shop this week I'll take a look underneath & tell you what I see

    It will be really interesting to see my 512TR & 512M from below to spot the differences
     

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