the Ferrari market watch thread

agreed, but you're being too kind. The reason 356's and e-types look so "tucked under" was purely a matter of cost. Porsche used a donor floorpan, Jag used donor suspension.

e.g. Porsche 550 Spyder, a bespoke (and expensive) race car has a much wider track than a 356.
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Gullwing?

 

300SL = nasty articulated diff from a Merc S class sedan.
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What's the reason for the spring in the middle? Seems like it'd be a bit useless if the springs at the wheel did the job properly....what's the reasoning for it?

 

**** that's ugly (technical engineering view)...

 

it allowed for softer springs at the wheels, for a better ride, but stiffer anti-roll.

In practice, this is a horrible rear end with snap oversteer. Anyone who's tried to drive a Merc SL in anger (they had this diff right up to the last 280SL Pagoda) soon learns it's too scary.

 

The Triumph Spitfire had a similar rubbish suspension as well.

 

You're always shattering the images of my automotive heroes.

 

I take Ian's point that the tucked under look due to narrow track reflects engineering shortcuts (i.e. suspension design pinched from other cars), but I for one think it looks fantastic - a very 1950s/early 60s look. I couldn't imagine a 356, E-Type or Gullwing looking any other way.

 

A gullwing could be especially lethal in most hands. You really had to be a gun driver and know when NOT to lift in order to maximise performance.

 

Good old swing axle, lots of cars of the period had them. Treturious if not controlled and the Gullwing was known to be dangerous. Yet others like ALPINE A110 had this setup and won the the initial world rally championship in 74.

 

1973, the rear engine gave a big traction advantage over the front engine/live axle cars it competed against. Great car though and well deserved win.

Then the Stratos came along in 74 with proper IRS and that was the end for the Alpine.

 

A pagoda for example is a very benign handling car with a low centre of gravity, wide track and lots of grip, for the time. Mercedes-Benz even went to the trouble of developing bespoke tyres to fit it (Phoenix).

All the Mercedes-Benz models up to the W114/115 used the swing axle, it was very highly developed and worked well. The countless rally and race victories are a fitting testimony to its development.

The only issue with a 230/250/280 SL is lots of homos drive them, like Ian......and me!
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Mercedes-benz called it a "Compensating spring). It was to control camber.

BTW, the Mercedes-Benz swing axle differed to other swing axle systems by having its pivot point below the differential which reduced the camber change component for a given compression over a standard swing axle system.

 

Yes, "for the time" being the operative word. As for race victories, the 300SLR won lots of things but used torsion bars with the swing axles, not the articulated diff setup.

Merc did well in rallies, especially the really tough ones, but that was more due to the strength and quality of engineering than nimble handling.

230-280SL's are lovely things to cruise in, but they're only good for a canter, not a gallop.

 

FIXED

 

Be that as it may, currently driving a S Class Benz with "airmatic", only 2 positives it does not grind the front parking thanks to lifting it, and you can fly over speed humps at 30kmh, but the ride is ****, a LEXUS would and does kill it, useless off road too, lost control in the state forest doing rally cross. "the best or nothing" LOL

 

Thought this mint 456 sold? Why is it back? https://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Ferrari-456-1997/OAG-AD-13758362/?Cr=1

 

Cheaper and cheaper

https://carsales.mobi/cars/details/_/SSE-AD-4552741

 

There's a lot of difference when someone actually WANTS to sell their car as to throwing a line in the water with some bait on the end.

I reckon it will go the same way the black left hooker went 10 days ago......quickly!

BTW,those number plates will not quite be the original ones but won't be all that far away,it's been in Qld a long time....our resident horse will have a more informed point of view.

On a slightly different note,when you hit up the museums cars for sale,none of the high end ,classic,Ferrari stuff on carsales comes up,as don't a number of other marques.???

 

Finally reality is starting to set in.

 

Not far from me, either, but no history/service/books mentioned, and no engine pics. UK car. Despite that, I think it will sell at that price.

 

Almost back to giving them away again.

 

Do you reckon it's worth a look?

 

Can't hurt to give him a call. I can have a look at it for you if it looks promising

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