Help me find a Berlinetta or GTS…..

There is no doubt that the very wealthy have more than maybe they should, but simply looking at the distribution across the population is also slanted as it doesn't consider age. You don't expect an 18 year old to have substantial wealth. However, if you are 65+ then one would hope you have accumulated sufficient wealth you sustain you for the remainder of your life without being a burden on society. One would hope that most baby boomers are in the top 5%. The top 10%, which starts at $500k in assets, accounts for 75% of the total wealth. But if you think you can retired with $500k in assets, good luck.

 

Congratulations and I will agree that you look to have acquired one of the best preserved original cars I have seen in some time. I do hope you drive it though... I just can't help but shake my head at the irony of a low mileage car with tens of thousands of dollars in maintenance.

As you say, it's all about the pleasure, and I assure you, as good as the car looks, it drives even better!

 

Not too long after selling my GTS a few years ago, I regretted the move and started watching 355's again. Within the last 6 months/year I was noticing that pricing (ask anyway) was heading up.

This put me into a slight panic mode, not because I care about the investment potential but because I decided I wanted one as a keeper. I've seen other relatively attainable cars double and triple in value, (older Italian cars as Jimmy mentioned). 512BB, 512m, Countach and others are just out of reach now.

Not to say that -will- happen with the 355 but if so I wanted to get in before that ship has sailed.

 

+1
Great post john

 

I agree with what everyone has said, it has just surprised me how some of these cars about 1 to 2 years ago have doubled or tripled(Countach, 512TR) are just a couple examples. Will it keep going....... My belief is always buy what you like, if it goes up in value great, if it doesn't you still having something that you enjoy. The stock market is hitting record highs so I am sure that is also a factor contributing to some of this. It is interesting in hearing different points of view. Thanks guys.

 

+1

for all the thoughts.

Robb

 

Also we have determined that about 2500 355s were sold in the NA market. I know this isn't the only market in the world but it is the one most discussed on this forum and in this thread.

I would venture to say that with totaled cars, parted out cars we may be around 2000 examples only in this market.

When you filter that down to desired body type, color and drivetrain you easily get into 3 digit numbers of units. Then how many of that filter come available when you are looking and things get pretty thin

This all works as long as there is liquidity all around. I do think we are in a worldwide asset bubble. But I'm not calling a top yet. But things never go up forever and these cars are no exception.

I know some on here have bought these cars with 100% financing which I think is just nuts but to each his own.

 

I didn't even think a bank would finance 100% on a car this old. Are you sure that's even possible?

 

Check penfed Eric. Yes it is.

 

Interesting comments about the car market and as it relates to 355s. I tend to agree about the changing market perception of the 355. Over time, the factors that make a car collectible are beauty, provenance, and rarity (or more appropriate - supply/demand relationship). Maintenance becomes less of an issue relative to the first three factors.

Speaking of which, I think the 355 has the first two covered: it is regarded as beautiful by a majority. It also has a certain level of provenance - 5 valve/cylinder engine which produces great sounds and race history i.e. Challenge series, GT series. Also, now that Luca is gone, I think his legacy will be increasingly looked upon favorably. Luca's era is highlighted by the introduction of the 355 and return to F1 success during the same period. The 355 also marks the end of the pop up headlights and flying buttress era.

The rarity factor may limit the F355 but the GTB model seems to be more scarce in the US. Admittedly, I'm bias towards the rarity and "specialness" of the Challenge race versions. I think the 355 Challenge represents the modern interpretation of dual use (race/street) cars that makes certain Enzo-era race cars very usable and valuable. And as far as race car maintenance goes, the 355 doesn't actually seem unreasonable to me relative to other race cars.

At any rate, I feel fortunate for having such a car - especially as I'm able to acquire one for less than what I sold my 328. Hands down, the 355 Challenge is so much more value and so much more in terms of driving experience than my 328 or even my Euro 308 QV. In an unlimited budget, the 355 Ch would be in company with other cars at over 50x its current value.

 

A couple of things. 1) The market in the US will not ultimately determine the value of the 355, GTB, GTS or spider. If the car achieves collector status the world market will set the prices. 2) The stock market only looks good if you reference it to the 2009 low with a 16% annual return. If you look at the last ten years the average rate of return is only 5.5%. From the 2007 peak it's only 3.4%. Between 1980 and 1990 the average return was about 13% and that spanned the 87 crash. The point being that the market has recovered nicely from the financial crash but longer term has a ways to go. Where will it go tomorrow? Who knows. But longer term I'm betting it is headed up. Let me put it another way. If it isn't we have more to worry about that what a 355 is worth.

 

+1

 

Penfed will do 100% of Nada value. I bought mine cash and then refinanced later to put that money to work.

 

In the UK market you can now buy a good F430 for less than a very good 355.
Fact.

 

There were at least 2.5 times as many 430 cars built and they are boring compared to the 355.

 

Correct.

Not the point I was making, though.
I think it is interesting that the only '90s+ V8 Ferrari which is now more expensive than a 355 is the 458.

Can you buy a 430 for less than a 355 in the U.S. market?

Genuine question. I don't know the answer.

 

Skip,
I bought my 6sp GTB from Darren,I think you'll be very happy.One of the best experiences ever.

 

No way. The average 430 is still near twice as much as an average 355.

 

he said in Europe.......different market
And I agree that 355's will sell for more money than a 430 before to long...they have surpassed the 360 already

 

Thank you Sir.

This is often a difficult concept for people on this website to understand, but I offer the following.

After about 30 seconds of research, both cars from one of the most reputable shops in Europe.
The 355 in a so called "less desireble" colour, and a "less desireable" configuration (F1 GTS), with the F430 in the "most desirable" configuration.
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Compare the asking price...
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Twice the price?

Either 355s are massively undervalued in your market (yes), or F430s are massively overvalued (probably not).

Now, why would 355s be so undervalued in your market?

About 10 minutes on this website should give you a good idea...

 

Steve now we can rest LOL