So... I got this offer on a 348 GTS. How can I track info on it?

Here's the deal.

1) Got a call from my father, who is currently in Middle-East. This man, who wants to purchase some of my fathers machines, comes in, and while discussing prices, my father tells him that my son loves cars. This gentleman says he has a 348 GTS from 1994 that he could put in the deal as a payment. My father sees the car, and tells me that it looks very clean, but mind you that he has NO mechanical experience whatsoever and that he always buys his cars from well known dealers.

At this point, the price is so low that I'm 100% skeptical, so I'm asking for more information on this car. If it's stolen, I'm calling right now to call the deal off, and staying away. I don't want anything to do with it then.


This is the information I got (I asked for VIN, but he won't see the car again until next week):
Model year: 1994
Origin (before it went to Middle-East): France
Assembly number: 14978 (as I was told)
Mileage: 17300 km./10.800 miles
Color: Dark (dark grey or dark blue, not green or red)
I also got two numbers both me and my father couldn't make up what was: F119AS5,2 and 97223

All numbers are what I have at this moment.


2) If this checks out to be an acceptable (and legit) deal, I will use it as a track car only. So my next question is; What price range does a major service cost and will that include timing belt + new water pump? How much for a clutch?
I'm guessing it would need plenty of new seals, hoses etc. to get it running good. Being an relatively old non-V12 Ferrari, I'm prepared to say 'mama mia' on the replies

 

The 97223 may be the last digits of serial number, I have a 95 Spider at it ends in 99699
I would guess everything will need to be done. My guess would 10-15 grand depending on how in depth you get. Will he let you get the car checked out at a competent shop ?
Please post pictures, and I have to ask, how good of deal is it ??

 

You could run the chassis number past Pozzi in France to see if they can help

Also maybe the guy has papers he can show either bills or the handbook registration page

 

yeah, what grey said,

just ask the guy some history and go from there.

 

Pozzi is a French Ferrari dealership? The thing is that this guy claims to have gotten the Ferrari in a deal from someone who fled the country in the beginning of the financial crisis... So he does have next to nothing in terms of paper work for it. I will ask my father to check in the glovebox etc. for papers.

Okey, thanks for the reply. I will get pictures on e-mail in a day or three.

Price point is just below 10K USD. This is why I'm skeptical, but still very interesting (even if it didn't run, the parts would be worth more). Getting it shipped here including freight and the local VAT of 25%, will be a total of 12500 USD.

I will have to use a lot of time to investigate before I go ahead - first and foremost if the car is legal or stolen. If I don't get enough information, I'll take my laptop and book the next flight to check it out for myself and keep you guys updated on the findings.

 

Where is the VIN located on the car?

 

Lots of places: on top of the steering column or in the door jam are the easist to locate. Make sure the numbers match. Chassis number is on one of the rear shock mounts.

 

Thanks! I will ask for the chassis number, and then perhaps call Ferrari of France to get more information on its history.

 

10,000 US??!!? That is a steal (no pun intended)

 

Not to sound like an ass... But I track my 348 regularly around 3 to 5000 miles a year. I would consider a major to be a yearly thing... Cost of it should be considered as part of expendables. I would want the vehicle to be in a condition where it can be used for the time period I am at the track and not have mechanical issues. The car will be abused a great deal more then most cars here. Personally I would use a salvage car. Things like engines and transmissions should be considered more of things that are expendable rather then a part that is to be cherished... I maintain two motors and three transmissions for this reason. I hate breakdowns!!!! I track my car at shannonville and mosport during the nicer months. Sometimes I get the car to the Us. Not often though the last year or so I had a customs issue with the trailer tools and cars about 2 years ago.. My car is not a concours type car. On this forum it would be a wreck! I have also come across a 355 salvage I have been toying with for the last 6 months. I must say that if you track the car nothing about condition will matter..... You will probably end up replacing everything!!!!!!!!!!!

 

The sure nut ways to find the vin is to open the engine cover. Looking in form the back of the car the vin is located on the right hand side, above the shock mounting area. It is stamped into the body. The other thing is to make sure it has a F119H block, and the taller intake plenum. You can locate the block number, under the back of the intake plenum, on the top of the block, down and to the right of the oil filter. The assembly number will be on the left hand side of the engine bay, above the shock mounting area.

 

I know, it's so cheap it would be stupid to not consider it. Even if the car didn't work, I could sell it as parts (doors, interior, shocks, lights, rims etc.) and still not lose anything on it. If I did do so, I would polish and park the remained ribbed chassis out in my yard. That's gangsta Hehe...

You didn't sound like an ass... Actually appreciate your reply. You make valid points.

Thanks!

 

On the contrary...this is valuable info to the OP

 

Finally received pictures. Looks to be in a shabby shape, but still under 10.000 $ so I'm still considering it. As stated, even the parts are probably worth more.

Come on, give the harsh verdict, I can handle it
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

If they are 355 challenge wheels they are practically worth more than the car

Roof appears to be missing

 

For less than $10,000 US, go for it

 

I'll give you $1,500 for the wheels.

 

Can anyone confirm if they are 355 Challenge Wheels? Funny, because I thought they looked cheap, even though I've seen thousands of 355 Challenge pictures of the years...

Edit: I'm going to ask for the roof. Writing down questions ATM.

 

They really do look like the real thing. Any experts out there who can chime in regarding this? I have higher resolution pictures of the pictures I posted, if anyone want to look and confirm.

Edit: The attached picture is of a F355 Challenge.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

A '94 GTS has to be rare! I always thought they only made Spiders that year?
Those are definitely Challenge wheels, and judging by the condition and the tow hook being in place, I would have to assume it was raced by the owner. Either that, or the current owner should be f'n ashamed of himself!! Regardless, take it!

 

LOL, nice reply!

Cool... Challenge wheels on my future Ferrari, exciting thought! Maybe it's a hint of putting the car on the track...

 

Btw., Wikipedia states:

I don't usually rely on Wiki, but is this true? Is it really that special? I knew it was a facelifted car, but not that it was somewhat limited.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrari_348

 

It's all there and not smashed to ****.
I'd give 10k for it easy......

 

The numbers, don't forget to check the numbers.

 

I'd be all over that for 10k...