Yes - like the copperfire Lotus Turbo that sold in 2020, just missed out by a day. Actually, it was for sale for a few months and by the time I decided to pull the trigger, the seller informed me it was sold. TBH, I oscillate between buying an Esprit Turbo S3 (in JPS or Copperfire) or getting a GTB - the Esprit is effectively a bit less than half the price. Objectively, there are somethings a Lotus does better than the Ferrari, but subjectively, that Ferrari badge, that Ferrari interior, that Ferrari engine, that beautiful Ferrari styling and that Ferrari build quality (Oh my god, did I say that - but compared to a Lotus, the Ferrari 308 is much better built) give a real edge.
I thought about it and it would have been "cheap" but I really don't know the first thing about bringing a car in especially with the new asbestos rules
Bit rich aunty making comment re on going maintance/service from what we get told on GGs/GADs its poorly maintained ...Just saying.
At GBP 30,000, that car would've been under the luxury car tax so yeah, the real issue is asbestos (probably not so much an issue on an 84 car I would.ve thought but I'd defer that to Ian) and cost of freight. I use a figure of $12K for freight but it be should less now. But a Mondial looks gorgeous in prugna. A Mondial in blue Chiaro or Prugna or even Nero looks really good. I remember Rob's blue chiaro Mondial and it looked absolutely gorgeous on the road.
It also depends on the make of car /period! A Rolls-Royce/Bentley up till around 1976, an OZ delivered car is a far better car than the car sold new in the UK or for that matter any other country . E-types ex UK cars were always massive rust issues , just the way they were built , same with 70s BMWs . I've owned 7 high end quality Rolls-Royce /Bentley motorcars all sold local and all far better cars than an ex UK car to own and enjoy ..
I've no idea why you're so reserved in your comments,usually you're quite forthcoming.....lift your game sunshine!
I have NEVER said that! Quite the opposite - when I rang the dealer (as first stop in the search) I outlined my non-negotiables (GTS carbed) and the salesman replied “and I suppose you want a red one” to which I replied “I don’t care if it’s pink with purple spots as long as it’s a carb’d GTS” Since when do *I* change my story on anything...
Horse offered me a QV in the nineties and a trade on my Esprit Turbo S3 HCi (a very generous trade). All the things you mentioned went through my mind, but the Esprit could blow the Ferrari's doors off, so I declined - a decision I later regretted. BTW, the same car came up 15 years later, and I bought it. Still have it.
I love the G - Esprit and I had some amazing rides in a HCi Turbo too. A very very under rated car. I really understand your thought process. If you ask my top 5 fav cars, they're Ferrari's - and in no particular order, Daytona, 246, 308, BB and 250 Cali - after that come things like Esprit S3 Turbo, Maserati Khamsin, Countach LP 400 etc. Life is short - if you can, get what you really want.
I'll be shopping for a few things when the market settles a bit. And I will call on the resources of this site to sniff out a few deals.
Well, I can see a noticeable softening in UK prices. Actually, I promised myself after Motorclassica this weekend I will stop looking at car auctions, car sale websites, ebay etc for 9-12 months and see where the market is at that time. I wonder if there will be a big difference? I can see a big difference in house prices already.
I like the 328 coupes , I think the right ex UK car would be a great touring car for events like GG/GAD..
its hard to know what to buy: I'm wanting to move on a couple of Rolls-Royces , but buy what - long distance drives a 992 /or 996/997 (GT3) too stiff , just don't know what ?
