355 GTS vs GTB...Targa Questions

If you think you might like to drive with the roof off ignore the dealer and buy the GTS

Painted roof looks especially good on non-red 355 but allegedly scratches easily behind the seats and so needs more careful locating & protecting

It is better to have a removeable roof and not use it than have a fixed roof that you want to take off

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=171101

 

I am on my second 355 GTS F1 and wouldnt have it any other way. Almost never ever drive with the roof on anyway... Might squeak when it is on, but as you were told, use silcon or something and it will be just fine. The GTS is the best of both world!

 

I am a NUT when it comes to squeaks. Squeaky tops are an easy fix. Silcone (I use silicone grease) on the seals, and specifically on the latch interface where it clamps in the front. No squeaks, even going 45 degrees out of my driveway.

There is more chassis flex in the open cars, cannot get around that. Other than that... I wouldn't trade my GTS for a 360 spider (really).

 

Oh, here is how it looks with the top on, doing what the spider man can't
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roof on = engine bay noise
roof off = exhaust music
No brainer for me.

Also, head room can be an issue with the GTB and Targa on.

 

EFA - see OP para 2

 

Mine was painted at the factory. Not sure why the factory ever produced the black ones. I mean, what was with that????

 

When the sun shines you really appreciate the GTS and you'll probably drive it in good weather most of times. Also got the factory painted roof. And open it is an unique beauty and you also hear the engine noise
Only on long trips I put the roof on. Not much squeeking here. On short trips I simply leave the roof at home (no scratching). I really wanted the GTS. And no it doesn't leak. Drove it in 3 hr. pooring rain once.
Anyway there both great cars.

 

Agreed.

With a targa top, you probably don't want it painted. First, the contrasting top looks exotic -- everything from Corvettes to Daewoos has color-coded everything these days.

Second, as Greyboxer suggests, a painted removable top is probably going to be a headache with regard to chips and scratches.

Third, every time you repaint the top to deal with those nicks and chips, it won't match the rest of your car anyway.

Finally, if you're not into the '80s/'90s targa look, buy a dark car. A black 355 GTS is about the best looking Ferrari V8 after the black 328 GTS.

 

I painted the top to match the body color on my 348 and love it. I been told many times that it looks much better painted.

But to each his own I guess.

 

As far as you guys worrying about it scratching or chipping, take the top some where and have a clear bra installed on the whole thing. Problem solved.



And a 355GTS is my dream 355, a black 355 GTS with factory leather wrapped roll bar, I would have a hard time taking a 430 over that!

 

I could not agree anymore hence why I chose an nsx-t vs coupe.

Id like to add a question to the pool...for experienced owners of both only

how would you compare the suspension and chassis on both (not on paper but by feel or sound)?

Many people Ive read about complained saying you give a lot of the strength up which is a given considering it's an open cockpit

 

Where does the roof go?

Is it not secured and safe against scraches?

 

Add an F1 transmission and you've got my car. See it at http://www.ferrari355registry.com/Ferrari_View.asp?pVIN=112378

Back to the original poster's questions, I prefer the flat black non-painted targe top - if you have it, show it off. Why disguise it as a Berlinetta? And no paint to scratch. GTS's are so much rarer than Berlinetta's, so show it off. It's all a matter of taste, like art or food. Just my preference.

As far as squeaks and rattles, yes, they're their, and are a bit of annoyance. But a very small price to pay for a trackable convertible. And I'm sure some silicone or something else properly applied would take care of that.

The top stows vertically behind the seats. It's an easy, 1 person task. And much easier compared to my 85 308 GTS QV, as there are levers on both sides of the passenger seat, so it can be tipped forward from the driver's side. The 308 required walking around to the passenger side to tip the seat forward.
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I looked at a GTS and came very close to buying it until I could see water spots. They do tend to leak after you wash the car or if it rains. I actually only saw one GTS so I can't say that is the case with all of them but I have heard that can be a problem. I don't like water spots in my cars or houses!

 

The Acuras are nice, but the Ferrari engine in an open car is one of motoring's best moments. And the 355 is one of the better sounding ones.

I treat my (328) GTS like a convertible, meaning that I clean the top with a wet cloth, not a hose. I would guess any targa would leak if you doused it vigorously.

No water spots or damage after 22 years. However, the car has only seen rain once or twice in that time, and if it was daily-driven in a wet climate I would be more concerned.

 

No leaks here. It does squeak, but a little silicone makes it acceptable.

I wanted the painted roof when I was looking for my car, but it came with the standard black, plastic roof. The way you have to handle it and the way it stores behind the seats, I really don't mind that it isn't painted anymore. If you forget the little tarp that secures the roof against the back wall, the top of the roof slaps against the back of your seat every time you brake. It is also easy to scratch if it's painted.

I like the idea of the 3M film for painted roofs. That's a great solution. I might have to buy a painted top now from Ricambi.

The targa top is the perfect compromise and it's very enjoyable to drive with the top off. You won't regret it if you get a GTS.

 

It honestly took me a while to chase it down, but the rubber feet where the front clips hit the underside of the windscreen suuround is 90% of the squeaking, or more. A dab of silicone, and you can hear a pin drop.

No leaks here. You do have to watch the seals and keep them happy for long term fun.

Pics from above (old stripe). You can barely see the seems on the painted ones:
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I say get what you like. Mine is a fun car for the wife and I. I have always been partial to the Targa style. Seems like the best of both worlds to me. I occasionally hear a few squeaks but nothing that drives me nuts. Only been caught in the rain twice, no leaks. With the top off the engine sounds great and you get to enjoy the sunshine. Mine is LeMans Blue Metallic and the top is painted to match. With the top on you have to be right on top of it to tell its a targa roof. No regrets.

 

My first Fcar was a 328 gts and then I got a 355 gts...I think its the best of both world, wish they would make a 430 gts, that would be a beautiful car
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I would go for a GTS, no doubt ...

 

OK, here are some closer shots of the top. I had to move around to get the reflections right so you can see it. I am telling you, with the painted top, it just disappears. You are only seeing it because you are looking for it.

And here is a shot of the thing I have found to be the squeaky bit.
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