How many Ferrari owners have decided to gravitate toward new versus a vintage or classic?
First, it depends on your meaning of "classic". If you're talking about cars of the 12 cylinder cars of the 60's or something like an F40, that's a little different than a "classic" 308. I've owned a Dino for many years, 2 308's and recently an F430 spider. The cars of 70's and 80's when cars were completely different than what exists today. In some ways good, in some ways bad. You cannot really compare the two. It's as if they were made on different planets. But, today later in life, I actually like safety stuff, AC that works, engines that don't drop oil, and reliability while still getting that emotional thrill out of driving a Ferrari. That trill comes from both the driving experience and the ambience (smell, sounds, seat in the pants feeling, the reaction of others, etc). So, yes, aside from a true classic of the 60's that you would typically not drive everyday and be proud to own it and show it off occasionally, I enjoy the modern car more. It gives me that terrific sensation everytime I drive it down the street anyday of the year.
I made that decision in general. I owned a 328, looked at 360s a few years ago, and decided that for a weekend/leisure car I could indulge in something vintage. I didn't feel like the newer cars were "keepers" -- too much plastic, too much technology, etc. It all starts to feel the same after awhile. I appreciate the sat nav, climate control and enhanced safety features, but the vintage cars are gorgeous. In terms of a classic one I'd want to drive around, the 328 feels kind of like the ideal balance between classic style and simplicity and reliability. I know some guys drive Daytonas frequently, but I wouldn't quite trust the car for that -- so I went Porsche this time around. FWIW, I can see the appeal of the 458, but the value isn't there. And between a 599 and Daytona, the latter is serious keeper, IMHO, and will retain value long after the last 599 has been recycled.
Bullfighter: I absolutely guarantee you that existing Ferrari owners said the same thing in 1978 when the 308 came out. No 12 cylinder motor Mass production Lots of plastic Judging the value of car has little to do with the car itself and more to do with the period of time you are standing in.
I kinda agree with both of you. Once I posted it's more fun driving the 308 than the 430 and somebody laughed at me. After that, there were lots of replies agreeing with me once I explained what it is really appealing in the old cars is the fact there are no electronics like in the modern ones and I still like the interaction with the clutch, brakes with no abs, gas with no traction control... On the other hand, the new f-cars are so perfect compared to the old ones that makes you wonder what the hell they were thinking when they built those cars in the 70's and 80's... It's true. They provide us completely different feelings, like it was mentioned, they are from different worlds, or times... I guess it depends a lot on what exactly you are looking for. But I have to confess I am trapped between the those two worlds (I guess it's middle age crisis ) and if I were you, and if you can, I would get a 458 with less expensive options and, with the rest of the money, a 308 GTSi QV... If I could pick only one car, man.... I would be in a deep existential crisis....
And perhaps its also true (the new 7 year warranty) that management has come to understand that, when people are spending all that they do, they want something that runs reliably, without dropping oil, etc. and the angst of when there may be an unexpected and expensive repair. In other words, still capture the visceral enjoyment that you owners receive but without the worries that are also expressed so often here.
Ferrari has a long term plan. 1) Get owners to put more mileage on their cars. The less they seem like toys and the more they seem like real cars, the bigger their market becomes. There is a limit as to how many want to spend $300K for a car and then drive it 500 miles a year. If people believe that's all it will do, then they will buy Porsche or McLaren or Lambo or some other sports car that they don't worry about as much. 2) Get owners to bring their cars in for dealer service. Not only does this give the dealers more work (and profit) but it also insures a larger pool of cars for their guaranteed resale program. These cars sell faster and at a premium over non guaranteed cars. The engineering and quality control of the cars is working on number 1. The dealer issue is being addressed in number 2 with the new 7 year program.
A classic is an investment. Likely to be a garage queen. A new car is a depreciating asset that is meant to be driven and enjoyed. Living 3.5 hours from service makes owning a high maintenance car not very appealing. I am just not into dealing with oil leaks, valve adjustments, etc. Life is good. Life is better driving a Ferrari.
I've bought a progressively older Ferrari with each installment - 550 Maranello, 365BB, 330GTC. I love the classics and the vintage ones are even better, but hard to afford. I drive all of them, the 330 did almost 10k miles in a year. Wonderful cruiser. At the moment, though, I really crave a 458 but it would have to be a new one. I think it is drop-dead gorgeous, but particularly I would enjoy the whole process of specc'ing it to my liking and then picking it up at the factory. You've got to do that once in your life if you have the opportunity. Onno
Ive got a 348. It was a dream as a child. Had it for 6 years now and about to buy a Scuderia. But no way I could sell my 348. Its just something different with childhood memories. Its a Ferrari and you have to follow your heart in whats best for you. - sounds like for a girlfriend that line.....
i got my 365BB back yesterday after 6 months in the bodyshop-what a thrill,what a car,what an engine! would love a 458 to go with it though...
Totally agree, when the 308 was introduced, I remember reading debates along the lines of; "Not 12 cylinders and not front engine, thus not a true Ferrari".
I did the opposite of most, I bought a 360, then I went out and bought a 328 (owning both at the same time). As BD pointed out, they are really different cars and I enjoy them both equally, but for different reasons. I suggest trying various vintages throughout your life (uh, just cars and wine). I'm selling my 328, and probably my 360, then shop for either a 246 or a 458. Decisions, decisions.
