Most of the people that I know looking for 308/328s are not first time Ferrari buyers. They want to get them as an addition to their stable. They currently own modern ferraris. That also eliminates the number of buyers.
I didn't say first time Ferrari buyers, I said they are in their 30s and 40s. There are many out there that only want classic Ferraris and have no interest in the modern machines. The 308 is the entry level to the classic Ferrari market and the market is fairly deep.
Steve, You were going to buy a car that's been hit, full of flaws, and in much rougher shape for $95K. I think that I'm still priced way too low. At least the money went to a home that needed it. That's all that counts. Marlon
If we're just going by demographics it will still be another decade before the bubble reaches its peak. The 308 was at the height of popular culture in the first half of the 1980's. Kids that were between 5 and 15 then are the future buyers, which puts us about 10 years out from the years when that group of people reach their peak earning potential, have kids out of the house, and have money to spend on that car they always wanted. This may be a bubble now, but I think that if it pops it will form again in a decade. To me muscle cars are the biggest parallel. The 308, Testarossa, and Countach were the dream cars of my generation, so I think we've got a ways to go.
I heard fairly the same about 246s and Porsche 911 2.7 RS around 20 years ago when I went shopping for my 308 GTB. I'm now 52 years old and would never consider dumping my 308 for a newer car. I just don't like the newer Ferraris, because I think, it will get a big problem keeping them on the road, when myriads of their computer chips are no more available. Indeed I would dump it for an even older front- engined V12,,which was built, when I was just born. The 308 cars are currently entering the classic car market and are no more just cheap sportscars. Best Regards Martin
I have to disagree with what you just did. Your cred took a hit with that post. Sorry. The 308 I was ready to buy was one of 29 US GTBs in '85. And I wasn't paying $95k. Completely different animal. I'm sure most will agree with me here. "I don't believe in reincarnation, I'm only going to live once. I paid for the car so I might as well use it".
I was referring to this post. "I don't believe in reincarnation, I'm only going to live once. I paid for the car so I might as well use it".
I'm sorry but NO. Not exceptionnal at all, but as it should. This is how a real full ground up resto should be done and other cars have been done like this before. For the actual market the price IS unrealistic. I HOPE it will sell for that kind of money. I own a 77 GTB and this will give me a huge margin for resto and profit if the market is there.
In the nicest way I can possibly say this and with the utmost of respect for everyones opinion on this chat, I think you are dead wrong on almost every statement you have made here. 1. I do not think the 308s are in a bubble at all. They are fantastic cars which you can argue are undervalued for everything that they offer compared with many cars out there. 2. Those 30s and 40s guys and gals are exactly who are buying these cars and 3. I think as the joy of having a real, stick shift experience, in a real Ferrari is only growing, in a world where many cars are so good they are boring and/or sound like vacuum cleaners. (Not to mention a world where a new Ferrari is a huge multiple of the cost of a 308). I actually think the buying pool will continue to grow.
Yup. Roma is dead on. Bought my 308 at 35 IIRC specifically because I had a modern car and wanted a different experience and a car w needs, carbs, 5speed, gas smell, etc.
Mods can we merge this thread in the "308 bubble thread" ? It's already been posted and talked about in a few threads
Plus, looking at a demographics curve, it's the guys in their 30's and early 40's who are driving the market for "tomorrow's" collectible cars like 308s and Testarossas. We're very early on in the curve, and as time goes by we'll see demand continue to grow. Then, in 20 or so years as that age group's buying demands slow, the 308's will be a true classic Ferrari and retain it's values long term. If this is a bubble, it's at the point of inhaling to begin inflation. These cars have nowhere to go but up in value over the next decade.
Plus the era of the V8 for Ferrari is officially gone. You can get a screaming V6 with twin turbos that spool so fast that they will burn right out the hood.....LOL. These are real driver's cars and if you want the real deal you need to pay up.
Sorry Billy but you have this all backwards. The buying pool is getting bigger and bigger every year! As all of us 40 year olds start to accumulate wealth, what do you think we dream about buying? It isn't one of 16,000 360's. It is the hand built, limited number, Enzo era Ferrari. M.
In a world where 100 MPH will get you a night in jail, the experience of driving counts more than ever. I think the more engaging car will be the more valuable one. Frankly, one of the most fun drives I had was in a Triumph TR3, and I don't think I crossed 50 MPH in it. There's a lot to be said for a purely analog ride.
I agree. I have a 1970 Fiat 500 (Cinquecento) that can barely reach 50 mph with the 19 fire breathing horsepower it has. But I love driving that car almost as much as I like driving my F430. "I don't believe in reincarnation, I'm only going to live once. I paid for the car so I might as well use it".
