altering the appearance

It depends on the modifications, but in general, no, it would not be sacrilege.

For example, there have been a number of Ferrari models that have been converted from a hardtop coupe to a convertible (Daytona, Testarossa, 550, etc.).

And aftermarket exhaust systems and wheels are pretty common too.

What kind of mods are you thinking of?
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Also, every Ferrari is considered a work of art by some.
And, since day one, they have been itemized using the Serial Number part of the VIN code (the last 7 digits).

Each Ferrari, since the beginning in 1947, has a unique 7-digit Serial Number.
This is not a Serial Number within a Model, this is a Serial Number across all models and across all years of Ferrari production.

The latest 2013 cars are near the 195,000 mark in Serial Numbers being assigned.
That means, since 1947, there have been fewer than 195,000 Ferraris ever made.

So, when you own a Ferrari, you own that specific "Number".
People track these Serial Numbers in various databases, websites, and registries.

So, if you really muck up a specific Ferrari with drastic modifications, you'll be connected to that Serial Number for all time.

Some people have made the point that, in a way, we don't actually "own" these Ferrari cars. We are merely the "custodians" of them during our lifetime and, because their beauty is so enduring, they will be maintained and cherished long after we're dead.
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It's your car. You can do whatever you want with it.

Some have modified their cars significantly from twin turbos added to neon pink hello kitty paint schemes to one-off leather interiors and stereo systems. It's completely fine to do this.

The only rub is that when it comes time to sell it, if you ever sell it... you'll have to find someone who appreciates your tastes as much as you do. For the "ricer" crowd, there are many out there that will appreciate it. In general for the Ferrari market originality is a virtue and is valued over modification, no matter how tasteful. For my model, the only "accepted" modification is a tubi or other muffler and/or maybe rims. Seats, colors, body work, all diminish the value of the car. This means if you extensively modify a Ferrari, you can either spend alot of time to find a buyer with your tastes or discount the selling price considerably. If you never sell no big deal.

In general it seems I've encountered two responses: "Cool" from the minority of FCar owners and "They ruined a perfectly good car" from the majority it seems.

It's your car, do what makes you happy IMHO.

 

from your popup headlights comment, I assume you are talking about 3x8's so I don't know if my comments are that important but as i was going to say it before I read your last post I will continue.

The newer Ferrari's are heavily designed in the wind tunnel for down force and every curve/crease in the body serves a purpose. I think modifying those would ruin that and i assume you don't have access to a wind tunnel So by making it "yours" and making it look better, you actually should be hurting performance (as well as resale). For the older 3x8s I don't think that is as true since they did not generate downforce, but I for one see nothing wrong with heavily modifying a 360 (NOT MINE) to your tastes but I see something wrong with modifying the older cars, they survived this long and there are so few of them around.

Hey, its your car, do what you want ! I will still talk to you and wave as we drive by.

 

Extensively modifying an Enzo era car would probably have people on Fchat coming after you with torches and pitchforks, but for a 308 it's less of an issue (partially because parts are readily available to reverse it if need be). It's your car, so do what will make you happy. If I am interpreting your post above correctly, modifying a 308 to have fixed headlights and less angled front end will probably draw some ire here, but it's your car. If you pull it off and it's aesthetically pleasing, you will probably also get a lot of respect.

 

My car seems to be missing a few digits!!!!!!!

 

If you had written this post 10 years ago, you could have written "... taking a 246 ..."

Not sacrilege to ruin a Ferrari, but financially speaking it's just more work and money for someone to put right later.

Then buy a 360. A 360 and 308 with 15K miles are probably going to be about the same price anyway. There are probably more than twice as many of them around, and the styling blends in with other modern Ferraris/cars.

 

Modifying an Fcar depends on the owner.

If you buy it for investment, obviously modifications will affect resale. If you don't care about resale, or what afficinados think, or the warranty (on a newer car), then go for it! Whatever makes you happy....

I made only minor changes: shift knob, dead pedal, audio system and wheels. I saved all the parts, so these items can easily be returned to original spec.

When the Ferrari designers made major changes to the Mondial 3.2 for the next gen "T", the wheels didn't change. I installed 355 wheels which cosmetically look more correct than the older style and are better matched to the increased horsepower of the new engine. Also, most people think the 355 wheels look great.

 

Unless it has some historical significance rip it apart and what you want

One day I hope to build a custom body around a 360 or 430

 

Why not start with a Mondial instead of a 3x8? If you're going REALLY custom, then the starting point won't matter, and a Mondial can be much cheaper than an equivalent 3x8 for the initial acquisition cost.

 

I hear Jim gets nothing but grief about the Enzo he ruined to make this car....
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I should have quoted "Enzo era" to make it clearer -- I was referring to 60's and earlier Ferraris (before Fiat was involved), not the Enzo. Jim's P4/5 is gorgeous -- an excellent example of mods done right earning/deserving respect. Not easy to do successfully, however, especially if you don't happen to be Pininfarina .