We alll know the desireability of a '76/'77 carbed GTB, but if one doesn't come along, whats the next best choice? 78-79 Carb? or jump to an '83-'85 QV? Opinions, and why?
Hans, Probably harder to find a Euro 77 or earlier GT4 in the U.S. than it is to find a 77GTB in the U.S. I guess you go with a 78-79GTB or GTS. Jim
After an early carb GTB, QV or 328 is probably best. If you like a more classic feel, the QV retains most of that while offering the best performance of all the 308s. If you don't mind more refinement, and can live with black plastic switch gear and orange letter gauges, the 328 is the better car. More power still, and much more civilized. I specifically chose a Euro QV because I really prefer the classic 308 shape and interior, and euro QV gives most (if not all) of the performance of a US 328.
FChat & John- Mr Feeney/ JF308 has already owned a GT4 and a Mondial (I now own his GT4). The real question, John, is what are you looking for in your next Ferrari? What makes you happy? Why did you sell the GT4 and the Mondial? What did they lack that you desire? Make a list of those answers and it may point to what type of Ferrari to buy next... Only you know if you like GTBs and GTSs or 328s or a 400i or a Daytona Coupe. Is it the howl of 12 cylinders, the swoop of a GTB Cpillar, the practicality of fuel injection here in the mountains, the raw power of a TR, classic or modern? Jonathan Denver, CO gt4 15302
My first thought would be a QV, but if I thought rationally about it and had the same budget in mind I'd do a 400i or maybe stretch for a 456. It'd be nice to have a V12 along with a bit more comfort & the ease of entry & egress with my aching less flexible body. just my .02
Funny, said by someone owning a "plastic" 308.. ( oke, I agree, I'm just jealous and just kidding you.) But, owning two 308's and one 328 the 328 never came to me as being plasic inside.
Jonathan, You are so right. My problem is that I cannot personally afford (currently) the type of Ferrari which I aspire to: either 355B or 360 Modena. My previous cars were great for what they were. GT4 was, as Hans said, raw and nimble. Mondial t cab was really nice, but unappreciated, and then there was the need for the engine out major ($). I guess that is what is keeping me from going 355. $$ 360's are still a bit too expensive, but coming down. SO, for now, its buy the best 308 or other fun car in the interim. PS. Was good to see you, and GT4 #15302 at the last Coffee / Cars. I hope to be at the next one, too....4/3 if the weather holds out. John
John, 355s are starting to get pretty inexpensive. I've seen good driver 355 spyders for less than $50K. Recently there was a 355 sypder locally for $40,000 obo, with full service history, no accidents, good color combo, etc. That's perhaps $10K more than a nice 308/328. 348s are even less than 355s. Both (348/355) are great cars, much more modern than a 308/328 and they're a lot of car for the money. Personally, I'll stick with my 308 and mondial - I actually like the quirkiness and funky clunkiness of these older models. Not better or worse, just different!
i would be very afraid of a 40k or 50k 355...that car can get you upside like a heart attack....not sure that is the right price point for a car that they say is serviced. Its not like a 308,gt4,328 in anyway shape or form....and if John thinks he cant get into one...odds are he is probably right.. most times its not the purchase price...its the backend to make a car liek that work.... i know some who bought a 50k 355 in 2009....he got another service bill for 40k after 90 days into the car...something with the f1 pump had to be replaced...with that said i think these 355s/360 might hit your numbers just because the service on these ultimately might be even more rediculous than the TR ... time will tell.
hey John, i just got an all original, red/tan '77 B...soft leather, nice carpets, checked laquer and all. it's a fantastic cosmetic foundation for the mechanical work that we've just begun. we'll be going through everything on the mechanical side of the equation. it could easily be ready for summer...give me a shout to discuss it. brett, 705-435-1990
