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355 or 360 and Best Color Options?

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by Jhand, Jul 7, 2008.

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  1. Jhand

    Jhand Rookie

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    #1 Jhand, Jul 7, 2008
    I have been looking at 355s and 360 Spiders lately and considering taking the plunge. In searching ads, etc. one thing that seems odd is how many more 360s are currently available than 355s, especially since I believe the annual production for both was similar, and I understand that the 360 was originally in such demand that it often sold for over sticker price. I did read that of the 290 or so 360s currently available on Autotrader, etc., that some are repeats and some have been sold, but that doesn’t explain the big difference in number of cars.
    There also seems to be a wide array of asking prices for cars presumably of similar condition and mileage, 355s with asking prices from $60k to $100k and 360s from $115k-$180k for 2001-2003 models with relatively low miles. In the last two weeks, the only cars that had sold on Ebay were a couple of 355s in the mid-$50s and a 360 coupe that sold for $89k and a 2003 360 Spider that sold for $111k. 95% of the auctions end with “reserve not yet met.” Is this typical for the Ferrari market or is this a more recent phenomenon? It seems like a lot of trouble to post all of these ads with reserve prices well above the bid prices for these cars.

    Also the limited data I can find suggests that the 355 may have more maintenance issues than the 360, especially the convertible top. I wanted to hear from owners of each to get a sense of how high maintenance each of these cars may be. I fully expect expensive maintenance intervals, but how much is typical, and how often do they require repair beyond the service intervals? If maintenance is constant and time consuming, this might not be the ideal time to increase my engine count.

    Finally, I have read that certain color combos in good condition hold value better than others. Obviously red is classic Ferrari color and presumably always in demand, but what about the others? My sense that demand from least to most is yellow, green, silver, dark blue, light blue, black, but I would also like to hear from some of the dealers and experienced buyers and seller on this point.
    Also, if any of you have experience with the dealer or other maintenance shops for Ferraris in and around Atlanta, that would be helpful as well. Thanks.
     
  2. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #2 Bullfighter, Jul 7, 2008
    Many more 360s were made than 355s - maybe even twice as many.

    You might poke around the 348/355 section on FChat, but the short answer is that the 355 has more potential issues, especially with the complicated power top mechanism. I would be tempted to find a GTS instead, but I'm also a targa guy and enjoy that configuration most. Eugenio's Ferrari Service website is a good resource to see how the common maintenance on these cars is priced.

    eBay is a garbage pit with some good cars mixed in. I wouldn't rely on it for pricing. Jim Lyons (SportsCarCompany.com) in San Diego is probably the largest wholesaler of these newer used Ferraris, so you might check out his asking prices. He will be lower than what you'll find at authorized Ferrari dealers. Other places I like are Motorcars Int'l in Springfield MO, and Sport Auto in Summerfield, NC. Marshall Goldman in Cleveland prices things high, but he also buys only better cars, in my experience (I used to live in Cleveland.)

    As far as color, yes - red and black are safest for resale. But - my opinion here - it depends on how much attention you want/can stand. I think a 355 wears yellow better than any car since the Daytona, and there seem to be a lot of blue ones that always end up looking great. If you like the off colors, they sometimes sell for a few grand less, and then when you go to sell it you'll usually get a few grand less. I would say some colors are more "off" than others, so if a dark green metallic or white one comes on the market, and you like it, just know that it will take longer to sell.

    Aesthetically, I'm not as keen on the 360. It's a very large car, though, so if I had one it would be in titanium or something less shouty - otherwise it feels like acres of bright paint, which just isn't to my taste. But, you should buy what works for you.
     
  3. toggie

    toggie F1 World Champ
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    #3 toggie, Jul 7, 2008
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    Color-wise, I like non-red Ferraris.
    If I were to get a red one, I'd go for a coupe with a black interior. Black interior is probably not optimal for a spider (seats will get very hot in the sun).

    To me, some of the best non-red color combos for a spider are: black/tan, tdf/tan, tdf/gray, pozzi blue/tan, rubino/tan, rubino/crema, silverstone/tan, silverstone/red, bianco/tan, bianco/red.

    IMHO, a tdf blue/tan 355 spider is stunning.
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  4. RossoCorsaItaly

    RossoCorsaItaly F1 Rookie
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    #4 RossoCorsaItaly, Jul 7, 2008
    I prefer the F355 over the 360.

    I got Red, but wish I had gotten yellow. I don't like the more humble colors, but that's just me. I guess it depends on how much attention you want.

    eBay is often used as a way to advertise cars, very few people actually bid or click buy it now, most use it as a lead to buy a car. I know this as I sell cars on eBay.
     
  5. BlazinBWF

    BlazinBWF Karting

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    #5 BlazinBWF, Jul 7, 2008
    I really liked the darker red I had on my 355...I forget the name of it but it is the "original Ferrari red."
     
  6. anunakki

    anunakki Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #6 anunakki, Jul 7, 2008
    For 355s I like yellow and the darker red ( cant remember the name)
     
  7. toggie

    toggie F1 World Champ
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    #7 toggie, Jul 7, 2008
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    I think you mean "Rosso Barchetta" for the "original Ferrari red" color, which is a medium-dark red color.
    The darker red most people see is Rosso Rubino (ruby red).

    Here are 3 pics of the darker red colors:
    - 1st pic = Ferrari 360 Spider in Rosso Barchetta
    - 2nd pic = Ferrari 612 in Rubino Micalizzato
    - 3rd pic = Ferrari 456 in Rosso Fiorano
    - 4th pic = Ferrari 355 in Rosso Barchetta (in bright sunlight)
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  8. Robb

    Robb Moderator
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    #8 Robb, Jul 7, 2008
    I think Titanium and Argento look great on those two. Especially shows off the colors of the calipers. Blue also looks great on both.

    I saw a light bronzish 360 spider in houston and it was incredible. Kind like a golden silver. Not sure on the official color of that one. I wouldn't have thought I would go for that color but I couldn't get it out of my head after seeing it.

    Robb
     
  9. toggie

    toggie F1 World Champ
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    #9 toggie, Jul 7, 2008
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    The golden silver color was probably Grigio Ingrid.
    Here is a 360 Spider in that color.
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  10. Jhand

    Jhand Rookie

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    #10 Jhand, Jul 8, 2008
    Thanks to everyone for the prompt replies thus far. I didn't realize the subtle distinctions in Ferrari reds. I have tried to pay attention to color codes, but not everyone uses the actual color names or codes. The red color explanation was very helpful and a good post for other red enthusiasts. The dark blue with tan 355 was beautiful and each response sheds some light on the topic. It makes sense that Ebay is more of a lead generator than a true market, but I have friends that have purchased some real collectors through Ebay so I considered it in my initial searches.
     
  11. Jhand

    Jhand Rookie

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    #11 Jhand, Jul 8, 2008
    Also, I have never seen the bronze metallic or perhaps "champaign" 360, but it's also an unusual yet very attractive color combo. I think I have looked at over 200 ads and not seen that color thus far.
     
  12. BlazinBWF

    BlazinBWF Karting

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    #12 BlazinBWF, Jul 8, 2008
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    Here is a bad picture of my Rosso Barchetta 355...which I think is a great color...much richer than what ever the regular Ferrari red is these days.
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  13. 285ferrari

    285ferrari Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #13 285ferrari, Jul 8, 2008
    Around 7K more 360's produced than 355's

    You would be amazed at how many owners do not know the actual color name of their own cars.
     
  14. lotustt

    lotustt Formula 3

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    #14 lotustt, Jul 8, 2008
  15. 285ferrari

    285ferrari Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #15 285ferrari, Jul 8, 2008
  16. Ulf

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    #16 Ulf, Jul 8, 2008
    at least................... from what I have seen recently.
     
  17. Jhand

    Jhand Rookie

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    #17 Jhand, Jul 8, 2008
    For an older coupe that sounds really high based on the prices I have seen for newer spiders, (selling price, not asking). a 97 spider in good condition traded for mid 50s on ebay. I read another post on this forum where a dealer tracks sales and ask vs. sales price and he indicates that sales prices are 5% on average lower than asking. I am curious to see if this gap doesn't widen in the coming weeks and months.
     
  18. technom3

    technom3 F1 World Champ
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    #18 technom3, Jul 11, 2008

    Im sorry but I have to beg to differ. show me a glutten of 97 spyders that are in good condition not needing much of anything that are selling for mid 50s and I will show you a line of people waiting to purchase them.

    Even if you saw one... thats one car, not a trend, and definetly not the market. i buy and sell cars for a living and I have "stolen" some cars, but just because I stole one car doesn't mean its market price.

    I apologize if this is coming across to strong.
     
  19. MBZZR

    MBZZR Karting

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    #19 MBZZR, Jul 11, 2008
    i was just glancing at the dupont registry and 355 start at 60k, the condition may have to be examined in more detail however...but they look alright.
     
  20. Jhand

    Jhand Rookie

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    #20 Jhand, Jul 11, 2008
    Asking prices and sale prices are obviously different from sales prices. sellers can ask whatever they want. From what I can tell, there aren't a lot of people lining up to buy at any price right now, but the only evidence I can find of actual sales are closed Ebay auctions where the car actually sold.

    Here is a 97 where you can "buy it now" for $52k. Higher mileage than most, but in good condition with no stories.
    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___1997-Ferrari-F355-Spider-6-Speed-53k-miles-Blue-Tan-355_W0QQitemZ280243140632QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20TrucksQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item280243140632&_trksid=p3756.m14.l1318

    Of the completed listings that ended in a sale of a 355 in the last two weeks on Ebay, 2 out of 3 sold in the 50s. one sold in the low 70s. I don't have any better facts or access to better info.
     
  21. SDChris

    SDChris Formula 3

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    #21 SDChris, Jul 11, 2008
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  22. Infinity_Racer

    Infinity_Racer Karting

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    #22 Infinity_Racer, Jul 12, 2008
    took my color....Grgio Titano....
     

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