Navy carpet in Red 1982 308 GTSi?

I keep looking for the right 308 that will fit my budget, is mechanically sound and without changes requiring a lot of trouble to undo. Today I checked out a really well maintained red 1982 308 GTSi driver with the only issues being the wheels changed to 16" and missing the tool kit (besides some minor body blemishes from being enjoyed). Lots of paperwork and major service just done. The one thing that stood out is that the black interior seemed to have dark navy floor carpeting instead of black. I know the black seat leather was redone, but I can't get over the carpet. Was there ever a navy floor carpet, or is it possible that the black carpeting fades to navy over time? Can't see why someone would have replaced with navy. Appreciate any feedback. Strongly considering to make an offer on this one. Thanks

 

Could just be fading; you don't know how bad the rest of the interior was before being redone. Black is an easy re-dye color, and lots of used carpet pieces show up on eBay, as well as tool kits. As for the wheels, many (myself included) feel that 16" wheels offer better road performance, and you shouldn't get docked concours points - should you ever wish to enter - because 16" wheels always were a factory option during the 14" wheel era. Are they FACTORY 16" wheels, with raised Ferrari letting cast into them? Because then they could be worth several thousand dollars to others looking to upgrade, and you easily could sell them for less than the cost of a 14" set. Repro 16" wheels run about $1500 new for a set, but OEM can be as much as a few thousand per wheel depending on condition.

ALSO, since you're new here (welcome, by the way) and may not have heard it a thousand times from others yet, GET A PROFESSIONAL PPI (Pre-Purchase Inspection) from a local authorized dealer or well-reputed independent master mechanic. They run from $500-900 these days, and well worth the money to have someone go over it thoroughly. Once properly sorted, these cars can run pretty bulletproof. A doozy needs $40 fasteners and $15k motor rebuilds. No matter how much you trust your seller, get an outside inspection after you've agreed on a price.

 

black carpet can definitely fade to a color more resembling navy. It would/should be pretty easy to determine if that is what happened. Areas of the carpet less exposed would still be black or more black than others and obvious areas (like under the seats) should still be pretty solid black. Maybe someone replaced the carpet at one point and navy was close enough to black for them.

 

What he said^

If you're talking about ALL interior carpeting and not just the floor mats, then the least-exposed area is a little flap next to the rubber dead pedal beside the clutch, which tucks behind another piece of carpeting. Bring a flashlight down there with you and have a look. Bit of a tight fit under the steering wheel

 

- The 16" wheels are actually a plus.

- Don't stress about the toolkit. Other that "it's an original toolkit!!!!" ... they aren't better tools than, say, Craftsman. You wouldn't use them even if you had them. You'd put them in a vault, and just lovingly stare at them, holding a glass of scotch.

- Don't overpay for an 82' - Be sure you've compared to lots of 83-85. There are a few out there that aren't priced at obscene levels.

 

Standard fitment on the 2v injected models and some QV's was the 390 metric rim with Michelin TRX tyres , 16" rims were optional in most markets and are the more desirable today ( lots of discussion on this topic on FC). I have reproductions on my GTSi and am very happy with them.
Having said that,the 2v are very undervalued and a well looked after example will provide you with lots of smile factor!
Go for it!
Nick.

 

There was indeed a "Blu 84" color for the carpets (see enclosed link, at the bottom of the page). However, as said by others, black can fade to dark blue over time.

Rgds

308-328.com

 

telling something useful without seeing the car even in pictures, is impossible. Usually red with blue carpets means the car wasn't red and has changed color. If the 16" are correct rims (even the Superformance repro) are a plus. The tool kit is not a problem and one day you can find it. The problem could be the body: check it with a professional painter. If you post some pistures, we can try to help a bit more.

The best tip I can give you is this: buy the best car you can find, forget about price: a full (concourse level) restore can cost much more than the buying price (my 308 was 50 k for the purchase and 85k for the restore)

ciao

 

Absolutely nothing wrong with a well sorted 82. Probably my favorite car I've owned. Have owned 82/84/85 in GTB-GTS.
Continually hear about this obscene pricing and the people who purchase these "screaming deals" are ALWAYS the ones *****ing in moaning about a laundry list of issues and cost of repairs. THERE ARE NO CHEAP FERRARIS. Ask yourself if you want to work on it or drive it.

 

The 80-82 2Vi series are and will always be my favorite automobiles. Nothing will ever pass them as number one on my list. Ever.

 

Black usually does not fade to blue
It usually fades to a lighter shade of black

 

Nothing at all wrong with a nice 82, of course. But given 2 equally nice cars, I'd not pay more for an 82 than an 84. Just as I wouldn't pay more for a GT4 than a 360. Shop around and be sure you're getting the most for your money, that's all I meant. OP didn't mention his budget, so that's why I'm speaking in generalizations.

Nope, but some (of all models and years) are priced at levels that are certainly overestimating their market value. If they weren't, they wouldn't be sitting unsold for the past 12-18 months.

But in case I wasn't clear - don't try and save $15K buying a neglected 308, of ANY year, unless you're ready to spend some time in the garage. It's never going to be a bargain. OP says the car is nicely maintained, so that's already a great start.

 

And I would argue, "you get what you pay for." 77 carb to 85 QV maintenance costs are going to be virtually the same throughout the years. It's all about maintenance records and condition. Most owners that maintain proper service and offer their car for sale price it accordingly and " shocker" The price is what the price is as they know how much they have in their vehicle and could care less if it sits on the market for months or fits a perspective buyers financial situation. This ain't no Honda.

 

the lowest priced cars, if sold by dealers that know what they are selling, MUST BE AVOIDED.

ciao

 

Thanks for the advice. This isn't a blue carpet like the reference link shows (great resource - thanks), and probably a fading (the more pictures I see, the more I am sure of it, but will confirm with a flashlight near the left foot rest carpeting). I understand that the 16" wheels are a plus, but the tool set seems very pricey to pick-up ($2-4k for a complete set on ebay?). The owners are lovely local "car couple" that have owned and maintained for 25 years, at 3 of the local Ferrari service shops, with lots of paperwork. The fair price reflects it being a driver with more miles on it and not a concours car, which I'm happy with because I can't afford the latter. Now just trying to decide if I can live without the tan interior that I prefer.

 

If what you really want is a driver, because these are an absolute blast to drive, then the 16" wheels will give you a better ride, and also don't worry about the tool kit and jack bag. The tools are relatively poor quality, and you wouldn't use them to work on this car. Their only use is for concours points, and the 2-4k price is for both tool and jack rolls. As for the interior, there frequently are tan leather sets for injected cars available on eBay, and you always can change out the interior to your taste later. Finding one in good mechanical repair, with known service history, at a reasonable price from a seller you trust is like finding a unicorn.

 

^

Excellent, sound, common sense advice.

 

my euro GTs is black with crema leather. the carpets are navy, but those pics show a much lighter blue than what is in my car. for almost a year after I bought the car, I thought my carpets were black. It must be that they used a flash in those pics in the link.

 

+1. Tool kit should be a non-factor. The value of the car should reflect whether it has it and you'd never use them as actual tools. I have repro 16s and they are great.

 

Alas - my hesitation cost me the car. Purchased by another . Sigh ��

 

How much is an original tool roll worth with all tools?
How much is an original yellow jack kit worth?

 

Sorry to hear that. Unfortunately that tends to be the rule more than the exception when you find one that ticks both the mechanical condition and pricing boxes. Look at the bright side: You're more informed now about what qualities you seek, and what items you can live without; also, these cars are desirable but not "rare" in the sense of being impossible to find.

I came close like you and lost FOUR by the time I'd arranged a local PPI for them. Finally found the one I couldn't live without after two years looking. I'd recommend spending some time in the interim - while finding another prospect - reading the threads on this forum and the tutorials on birdman308.com to bolster your technical understanding of the car's ins and outs. Could help you to evaluate and act quickly on future prospects, and you'll meet some very informed and helpful members in this community.

Remember, things happen for a reason. Be patient, and you'll find the right one.