Euro Model 328 GTB

I'm sorry to hear about Father.

That car has unique history, 76626 was the first 328 GTB with ABS standard.. so there is a special bit of Ferrari history in that car.

As for prices in that part of the world.. I don't know, but I think you should keep it.

Do you have any more photos you can share?

 

What part of Canada are you in?

 

You might get it appraised by a Ferrari specialist in your area. $30K is way low if the engine makes good compression. Really nice 328s start around $50K, and 21,000 miles is low mileage. If I had to estimate, ~$60K, assuming it's as nice in person as it looks.

I don't know that being the first one with ABS is going to affect the value much, but it's interesting to note.

 

There definitely is a premium for an ABS car, over the regular-brakes car. I don't know why exactly, but I've noticed the large gap between the two (regardless whether it's ads for cars in North America, or Europe).

In any case, it's harder to sell a Euro-spec car in North America. Where in Canada are you located? Here in Vancouver, B.C., that car could pose a problem when registering as the car needs to go through "aircare" pollution testing and if it doesn't have some sort-of pollution control system on it (cats at least) it won't pass and it can't be registered. The car would also need to pass a general vehicle inspection, again, before it could be registered and as I can see from your photos, it does not have side marker lights (front & rear) and it does not have the high-mounted, third centre brake light (required for cars built after Dec. 1987). These items are a legal requirement (brought about because of all of these ex-Japanese RHD cars coming into Canada) and they would have to be fitted. I had at one time considered buying the 208 version of this car and priced out these parts and all the lights would be around $600.

 

I'm very sorry for your loss - this is a very unfortunate way to inherit a Ferrari. I hope you get one of your own very soon; my condolences go out to you and your family.


On the flip side, it is really cool to see this car on the map. I imagine this car's significant place in the 328 bloodline yields some value. I suggest advertising the car in the Ferrari Market Letter. Many collectors subscribe to the FML and if you advertise this car as being the first GTB with ABS, its worth won't be ignored and you won't be low-balled. I don't suppose you can tell us the date of production on this car... if you could, that would be awesome.

 

To avoid any problems with the ad, I understand it was the first GTB with ABS as standard, as I posted earlier, prior to that it was an option.

Which I guess asks the question, what is recorded as the first ABS equipped car.

Any chance you can post a pic of the engine id number? (see page 8 of the owners manual for location).

If you end up selling the car.. take it out for a good 'farewell/one last drive' eh!

 

Please add my condolences on your loss.

I believe it would also be a good idea to join Ferrarichat as a silver subscriber. I am sure your father's car will generate interest here and there's a sizable portion of folks who have an infinite array of knowledge on anything Ferrari willing to discuss questions you may have. It's truly a wise investment for $15.00. You would then be allowed to post the GTB in FerrariAds and you'd have access to receive and send private messages regarding the vehicle. I may be interested in your car. If it has already been registered in Ontario, I tend to believe 95% of the problems getting the car registered in the Maritimes would be out of the way (barring the usual formalities).

 

You are wrong, it is likely the first car with updated suspension, highly unlikely it has ABS. ABS wasn't standard until 78XXX. Beforethat, it was optional on Euro cars. No US cars had it until 89 MY. Interesting side note: there are at least 2 cars in the US after 76626 with older style suspensions. Nothing is written in stone when it comes to Ferraris.

Dave

 

Put that down to the Bluemel book then.

Isn't that the ABS light on the dash?

Strino, can you tell us if the car has ABS?

So for the record, what are numbers for those later GTBs?

 

ABS equipped cars have an amber warning light marked "ANTI LOCK" in the instrument cluster. On US cars, it is second from the left between the fan and seat belt lights. Other markets could differ. Interesting side note I just discovered: ABS eqipped cars utilize the ABS hydraulics for the clutch. All others use a cable. US GTB#76632 has old style suspension. I don't have the GTS number handy but it was used years ago in Forza magazine's 328 price guide.

Dave

 

They don't appear on Euro cars; but when Euro cars are imported to the US and/or converted, a sticker is usually affixed to the car, detailing information - some of which is the date of production. My guess is that it would be in the door jamb, right near the data plate that contains the VIN.

 

Jon, 99% of the time i agree with you, this time though my friend you need new eye glasses....im not trying to offend, but that red rug and seat and door skin on the driver side is not going ot get 60K....nor does the 43K or 30,000 miles on the clock show...that interior shows like 100....even the driver side door skin. Maybe the car does have actual 43k, but the worn is more excessive. 30k maybe a tad low, bit 50-60 is lala land.

Im sorry to hear to about your dad Strino, hope you find a buyer...30s is low, but low 40s maybe the number...but then again, the pics are not a fair estimate....im giving a ballpark...the car would need to be checked out in person, and then you need to find the right buyer....do you have all the books, tool kit, service warrenty card ? radio warrenty ? do you have history from 88 ? how many owners can be traced, and when ws the last time it was serviced completed with bills ? these are all important, and will help push the price up.

Again, my condoloences to you and your loved ones....and im not trying to be critical of the car, just my 2.cents on what i have seen in 328s.

 

Man, the pics of that car are BEAUTIFUL, black with red carpets is a nice combo.

Just an FYI, while the car is a 328, its still rather "old" from just normal car standards. On the 308s, we have to worry about fuel lines breaking due to age. 328's are a bit better from the reliablity standpoint, but I'd be careful running it too much as you dont want a fuel line to crack with age and start a fire.

Woah.... there are those who would argue about that, especially considering its such a nice example .

Many times, the track cars are those that have been wrecked, rusted, or are generally in such disrepair that restoring them would be cost prohibitive. Cars like the one you have are ones that people love to restore/drive, regardless if its a euro or not.

Then again, you are quite right, money talks, so I guess who has the money can do what they want with it .

James in Denver

 

Check out this site for an explanation of your VIN number:
http://www.nwrfca.org/faq/vin.html


I just bought a 1989 GTS from Switzerland with 40K on it in excellent condition.
Paid around ~60K.
Hope it helps.

 

hey, i may be interested, depending on whether there's a certified ferrari mechanic who could do a pre-purchase inspection near you... and i could verify that the car can be registered and smog in CA. email me at [email protected] if you are willing to discuss further...

 

I am real sorry to hear about your loss.


My recommendation is to call John S at Gentry Lane in TO.

I think you will find him very fair and helpfull

 

Since some US folks are watching this thread, anyone care to make statements regarding its legality for US importation? My feeling is, unless this car has been Federalized, and can show EPA/DOT Paperwork, it is a CANADA-ONLY car and cannot legally be registered and titled in the USA.