Which Vintage Ferrari is the best driver?

Would love to own a Vintage Ferrari not just for the likelihood of appreciation and it's uniqueness and beauty, but also because if its noise and the fun feeling of driving it. For those of you that have driven more than the one you own or at least have asked others, what have you heard to be one of the best driving Vintage Fcars. Speed excitement and fun in the twisties. It's possible to research specs and prices, but not so easy to research driving experiences.

Any suggestions? My budget is preferably not more than $300,000, but for that special car I can perhaps convince the wife for no guilt trips up to $500,000.

By the way, any good review websites out there where they test drive Vintage Ferraris?

 

Wow...this will certainly be a fantastic journey for you, with the road likely being as eventful as the destination...
i can't wait to hear how this unfolds for you, what a fortuitous position to be in, i'm thrilled for you, please keep us posted, good hunting !

only a very short time ago, a very good customer of mine parted with his stunning 365 GTC...i wish i had been able to connect the two of you.

 

330 or 365 GTC/GTS

 

+1000

 

330 GTC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

The problem is that most people who are not deep into vintage cars, will want to compare them to modern cars for comfort and driving experience. No vintage Ferrari can compare to the comfort of a 1980 Toyota. Its a whole different thing.

 

LOL...hilarious, brilliant...my first good laugh of the day, thanks.

 

I have to disagree with this. I think a 330 or 365 of any variant would compare very favorably to a 1980 Toyota. Now a 2010 Toyota... that might be a problem.

 

Another vote for the 330GTC although Julio says it's so good it's boring, hehe.

Seriously, I haven't driven many types of vintage Ferraris. In fact, only 2. But the 330GTC is a wonderful driving machine if I compare it to later Ferraris. And it's a very pretty car in my opinion. Never mind the lack of experience, below half a mil options for a vintage Ferrari are limited anyway. Apart from the 2+2s, you basically have the the Daytona coupe and it's sister the GTC/4, the Dino, the 330GTC and 365GTC (the same but bigger engine in the 365), and up from that the 250 Lusso and 275GTS. For both these last ones you're going to struggle to get a really good one for your budget.

One way of rounding the wife's possible complaints is to buy a restoration project Lusso and turning it into a concours winner but that will take some time. On the other hand you can probably show a small to reasonable profit on it which you could proudly show to her.

The Lusso is closely related to the GTO and SWB it is in that sense a bargain. It is also one of the most stunning cars I can think of. You could do worse. One thing to remember, though, is that the risk is large that your car is ruined by "specialists" during the restoration process - you need some experience to be able to guide people so that you get the car you want. So if you go that route, don't rush it and try and befriend some owners.

So I would say: $300k - best GTC available or best Daytona available with change to spare for both. $500k - Lusso restoration project or a GTC/Daytona + Dino on the side!

My, I really like that last option!


Onno

 

I would rather DRIVE an exact copy 250 GTO than a GTC and it will be in your price range. A properly set up 330 version is also wonderful to drive. A 250SWB could also be bought but if I had another I would fit a GTO 5 speed box as it's revving it's nuts off in fast long distance touring. TDF replica nice too. California spyder rep could be good...
You may of course disapprove of replicas, but if not you get a hell of a drive. Exact copy is essential.
Of course don't destroy a donor car to get one built yourself. Those days are well past.

If you need an original car I too like the GTC, but think about a PF coupe with drum brakes for the 50's experience. It's a taste well worth acquiring.

This is just an opinion about driving qualities as the original poster enquired, so I hope the replica haters can resist hijacking this thread. We all know all the arguments now...

 

was told by an owner of a 330 gtc and a dino that the 330 drove like a truck. when it came time to sell one, the 330 was gone. so i guess it's all relative. for me, the daytona is the ultimate driver. big v12, truly an involved drivers car.
ed

 

$500k ? I would get a Daytona and a 365 GT4/BB. If the wife doesnt approve, then just a Daytona....and a Boxer that you park somewhere else

 

One way of rounding the wife's possible complaints is to buy a restoration project Lusso and turning it into a concours winner but that will take some time. On the other hand you can probably show a small to reasonable profit on it which you could proudly show to her.




Onno[/QUOTE]

Pantywaist is the first word that comes up here.
Groucho Marx says it all :
"Women should be obscene and not heard."
Man you're are talking about YOURE hobby !

C.

 

It is usually cheaper to buy a restored car than get into a project.

 

Go for a GTS, whatever you do.

I'm definitely not in your league...my first Ferrari was a 330 2+2 and I now have a 308GTS, but can lend a word on commonalities.

There's a huge "fun factor" that comes with an open 2-seater. The 330's authentic vintage qualities and stronger power made it a great ride, but driving the the 308 without the t-top evens them up quite well.

Having an open 2-seat vintage 12 is dream come true land...you're very fortunate, and I hope you find the right car.

 

+1

 

+10000- I wouldn't recommend a project if you don't really know what you are doing and what it will cost- this is the case for a vintage VW beetle (I have one of those ), a vintage ferrari or anything in between those two extremes.

 

there is a great dino, restored to very hi standards for sale in the dino section. omjohn is the name i believe. definitely prettier than a plain jane 330(no disrepect intended).
ed

 

'omgjon'.

 

The OP didn't ask about replicas - he mentioned uniqueness and potential upside. In his price range, he should get a Ferrari.

For $300K, I probably couldn't keep my hands off a Daytona coupe. DK Engineering has a black one for sale that is keeping me awake at nights. I've heard they drive like a truck. I already have a '50s car, so Glassman's post about not comparing it to a modern Toyota resonates with me. You just have to adjust your expectations (and your braking distances...)

The Dino 246 is probably better on the easy/fun to drive criterion. I would argue it's vintage, being born in the '60s. Also $200K buys a great one.

 

does a nice 275 gts fall into the 500k$ range?
ed

 

but surely he was joking...right ?

 

Yes but they are not as nice to drive as a 330 GTC/GTS.

 

Edward,

Car enthusiasts and others always ask me to bring out the Dino. And I am more than happy to oblige. They will walk right past my GTC to drool over the 246. But 9 times out of 10 I grab the keys to the 330 for a drive around town, spirited cruise or pick up a pizza. That car fits like a glove in the comfort and fun department. Yes it does not have the sexy curves of the Dino......but I know of no other vintage more fun and versatile to drive than the GTC.

 

It makes me so happy to hear that, as it has always been 1 of my 2 constant, lifelong desires...and maybe, just maybe, there is a project 330 GTC joining my ranks...
as for guys walking right past it, that's absolutely perfect as far as i'm concerned...
because anybody that could walk right past a GTC, is probably someone whom with i wouldn't have a lot to talk about anyway...it would likely be no loss for either of us.