Not All Shields Fit The Same

This reminds me of the thread in the 3x8 section years ago where people endlessly debated the significance of the color vs the line on the '3x8', and the 'GTS' emblems on the back of the cars. ("Well clearly the black emblem with the white stripe was only applied between April 1978 and November 1982, but only to red or gold cars, while the gold with white was reserved for special orders in prugna, and a few black cars...")

I would say there are two factors at play here. First, different body shapes will require a different curve on the shield, meaning a different product run from the supplier.

Second, Ferrari is well known to switch suppliers for certain parts in order to get a lower cost, just like almost any other manufacturer.

So combine the two - design of the part needs to change, company looks for competitive bids - and the result is the parts look different, because they are different.

I say relax, pop open a nice Chianti and forget about it. That's what Luigi did at the factory...

 

Is that before or after lunch?

 

As an aside, were certain colors more/less likely to receive factory shields?
As I view the 360 market, it seems red cars for example, are the most common color with factory shields, while silver seems the least. Purely anecdotal of course.

 

Interesting observation. I wonder if there are stats available to see what the distribution looks like.

I would imagine though, that since both color and shields were options, any buyers that would spec a car in red "because it's a Ferrari, of course I want it in red" would also reply "of course I want the shields!" Whereas someone looking for something a bit more low key might say "you know, I think Grigio is a nice restrained color for this car. And let's skip the shields while we're at it."

 

You seem to be confusing Ferrari with Aston Martin!

 

The 355 never did have factory shields. I am willing to bet the shields applied with tape are not factory but YOSHI shields. This is why it is important to respect Intellectual Property Rights.

 

Further research indicates you are correct and they became an option on the 1998 models. This of course doesn't mean that someone other than the factory couldn't have installed recessed shields although this would be expensive. I still tend to think those affixed with tape are aftermarket. I also too a quick look in the 355 parts book and didn't see fender shields listed. As an aside only race cars should have them anyway and those should be painted or a sticker.

 

The factory shields have threaded mounting studs AND double sided conformable tape.

Quality aftermarket shields also use double sided conformable tape and may/may not have threaded studs (depends on Ferrari model and shield maker).