Another imminent 308 buyer

Hey everyone,

I just wanted to introduce myself. I live in Ontario, Canada and am very much looking forward to making a 308 GTS or GTSI purchase. I'm looking for a driver level car that I can put some work into refining. I have already restored a 71 MGB from a rusted hulk (as most are!) changed the motor, welded the sills and floors. It's not perfect, but compared to the way it was it's a charmer. Gave the keys to my dad for his birthday. Now it's time for my dream car.

I've wanted one of these since I was little and saw Cannonball Run. I believe it is the most beautiful car ever designed. I had a chance to buy one about 10 years ago, but the same week the company I was working for folded. Now I'm back and ready to go.

My budget (I know it's low!) is about 40-45k CDN, favourite colour is red.

I'd love a quattrovalvole but would still be overjoyed with a 2v. I know a carb car would be too much to ask for.

I anyone would like to sell or have any leads for me please, please let me know.

I've learned lot's from this forum as a lurker, now looking forward to giving back.

I've attached a shot of my Dad's car below.

All the very best,

Jordan
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Where in Ontario do you live? There are a few 308 owners here from Ontario on Fchat. We have frequent get togethers also

 

I'm in Ottawa. I've seen a bunch of 308's at the annual Ferrari event here, but I've never had the chance to hang out with the owners.

 

I love MG's

I have a 74 MGB - given to me by the original owner. I have all the paperwork going back to the first Registration card from California 12/7/74.

I had a 79 Midget in high school too

Welcome to FChat!

 

Thank you!

I really do love the MGB. The way the engine is set back a little gives it a really nice balance. Gearbox feels nice and solid too. Now I can't wait to go H gate!

 

Hi, welcome to Fchat. I think your budget is realistic. You may have to search a bit before you find the right one but I think it's possible.

Good luck!

 

As you can see you're just a bit too late.

1980 Ferrari 308 GTS - Usagé à vendre à Laval - LesPac.com Automobiles Laval

 

I don't know if you've seen those but if the 328 can be negotiated a bit it could be a good buy.

1980 Ferrari 308 GTS Autre | autos et camions | Laval / Rive-Nord | Kijiji

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/city-of-toronto/ferrari-328-gts/1054977628

 

Keep looking, as often as possible, and my advice is do not be intimidated by so-called "high mileage" cars. More important is the overall condition. The very late 308's and the 328's had much better rust protection, so if you can find one in the west/southwest of the USA as I did so much the better. I think that a buy-in of $50K or maybe a tad bit less is still possible. Poorly kept upholstery will also scare off buyers, depending, which may be to your advantage. Also remember that faded original paint isn't hard to compound & buff out! Make sure you inspect & test drive a car before handing over the cash, no matter where it is. Good luck!

Cheers,
Rich

 

Great advice, that's just what I'm looking for. I'll keep everyone posted on my findings.

 

I know! darn... They had it up for a while even after it was sold. I know it's sold now as they have the sold/vendu on it.

 

I just contacted both of them, thank you so much! I'll be near Toronto soon so I could go look at the 328.

Whatever I buy I'll do the belts/water pump straight away, then lines and hoses.

 

Can anyone Explain this?

Is the rear bumper removable on the 328? is that accident damage or did someone not install all the hardware.
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Keep looking. I found mine on Craigslist. You can do national searches using something like search tempest.

Get a good PPI to check it out for you.

 

Wow, never used Search Tempest before. Handy!

 

P.M. sent

 

Very common for 328 bumper covers to sag, although an accident could do the same thing. Would check it closely.

 

I'm still on the hunt, but have found a possible project car. It's a 79 GTS with a 5 digit VIN, the owner has no service history (just a few hoses etc) or ownership history except a vague story. The paint is a respray that has been poorly executed but not showing any rust or filler. Engine starts fine and holds idle nicely. The engine compartment is very dusty and unkempt. It's not plated, so couldn't test drive. Interior is pretty shagged out. Is it worth 50k CDN in this market? I'm looking for a driver car, but something that would sell for what I paid for it if I needed too.

 

That sounds like a lot for that car IMHO but prices have been moving up. My expectation is a lot of time and some money would need to be put into it. You could likely find a GTSi in much better condition. On the other hand, if you really want a carb'd car then you can make a more reasonable offer.

 

Engine and interior
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thanks for the reply...I'm still looking. I'm not married to the idea of a carb car, so a gtsi would be great. Not much here in Canada available for that price either way, and the exchange rate is terrible. Add shipping to that and it really gets up there. I'll see if he is open to a more reasonable offer for sure, but I have the feeling he won't move.

 

exterior view
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I'd keep looking. There's clearly no pride of ownership. What's it take to clean up the engine bay before a buyer shows up? If he can't be bothered to do that or keep records you can bet almost no maintainance has been done. This car from the limited description could easily eat more than 10k to make it drivable, and you still have a car with bad paint and no history. Tires, belts rollers etc. hose leaks / oil leaks. It doesn't take much to spend real money. There are better examples out there for the money. Just my thoughts.

Note : this advice is coming from a guy with zero self restraint. I bought the first 308 I saw.

 

No way that car is worth 50K canadian.

All they want is to steal your money.

That car is about $20K at best.

 

It gave me a pretty bad feeling when I was looking at it.

I keep looking for more examples in my price range, but I just can't seem to find any. Not being super picky, just a good solid driver. This will be obviously my first Ferrari, so I expect a few missteps, but not a total disaster. Really glad this forum exists.