Ferrari 328 GTB questions

The price guides I've seen all put the GTB a few thousand less than the GTS, but in practice they close and the condition of the car so much more important, it doesn't seem to make much difference.

I prefer the GTB myself on looks, but then I don't quite fit the GTS with the top on and the B has a bit more headroom.

FML has the B at $37k and the S at $45k this month. There's a clean black/black 328GTB for sale here in town for $55k CDA so could be close.

 

GTS versions always were more popular to the buying audience compared to the Berlinetta, this is also the case with the 308 and 348 series. To my knowledge that is the only reason for the difference in price. I prefer the GTB over the GTS like you do, because it looks better and the chassis is a bit stiffer than a GTS. Also: the only made 1,344 328 GTB´s compared to somewhat over 6,800 328 GTS models.

 

i wanted , still want , and would rather have, a Euro 308 / 328 GTB. i dont like the GTS , but my car will do for now!!!

 

Dr. Bleed,
As an owner of one of the coveted 328 GTB's I can offer a few points. First, despite published price guides, they actually sell for the same as GTS's. I have been tracking prices for 7 years. The FML's numbers are particularly wierd, because I have only seen a few ever offered in their stated range and they were high mileage beaters.

Second, as a former owner of a GTS, I can tell you the GTB's are just plain nicer driving cars. The 308/328 series are not particularly stiff cars to begin with, so the B is noticeably stiffer. Some people think this is only a benefit on tracks, but I can tell you the difference is immediately apparent in street use. Think better looks and nicer driving.

Third, unless you are lucky, you may have to look a long time for one and be willing to travel. My research suggests about 125 were sold in the US. In the 3 years I have had mine, I have received many unsolicited inquiries about selling from those who are looking to buy.

Hope this helps.

Dave

 

I agree, the B is the way to go.

I own a couple of them so you might think me biased, but I'm not.

If nothing more, the profiles are much sleeker that an S (especially when the top is off).

 

I searched for a long time (years and years) to located a 1984-85 308QV GTB. Unfortunately, I could not locate one that was worth buying (I have since located one - a best of show at several Ferrari event). As a result, I purchased a 308QV GTS and I am happy I did. While the GTB looks much better, handles better, and may be the better of the two, you just cannot beat driving a GTS with the top off on a beautiful day.

 

I think 38k is the starting price for any descent 328 with less than 50k miles. I agree with the others that the GTB is a better looking car. I drove a 1987 red/tan GTB with 15k miles last week and it was outstanding! I was some what disappointed with the cramped interior and crappy AC. But when you look at the car you just go nuts! It is such a beautiful car. Unfoutunately, the owner wanted $54k which was out of my budget. I suppose a car like this, with low miles and the right color could command a premium. I still think $50k is too much when I know its possible to get something for $40k.

 

328 GTB is no more cramped than a GTS. Only minor differences, such as with the console/map lights. Big/tall people will find the cabin area tighter than on modern cars; I myself have no problems.

GTB fans are fans for all the right reasons. Cleaner lines (if that's possible on a 328), less body flex, etc.

I myself enjoy my car much more with the top down on a cool day; the sounds are totally different, the experience totally difference, than with the top on.

The 328 GTBs really are riiculously rare relative to the GTSs, especially in the US as has been pointed out. I think there is a higher market-wide demand for the GTS cars; that said, I can imagine a GTB fetching a premium for the GTB fanatic who finally finds the right car... In my investigation I found the GTB/GTS distinction to have minimal impact on realistic acquistion prices for these cars, with Private Party vs. Dealer, 30k service done vs. not, color combination, and mileage to be far more significant factors in price than GTB/GTS.

--Mike

 

Of course, you can get a GTS and then do what Mike Charness did over in Alabama: he had his roof painted and replaced the rear window louvers with GTB types. Thus he has a GTS where he can still take the top off, but with it on, it looks strikingly like a GTB. I'm thinking of doing the same on mine eventually.

Check the "South Central" forum and you might find some photos of Mike's 328.

 

Yeah, that black roof always looks a bit wrong to me. I prefer the way mine looks when the top is off! I don't mind the window louvers much and, unlike Mike, I'll probably leave mine on.

The main advantage of the GTS is simple: I can give rides to anyone, regardless of their height, provided the weather cooperates. And even though I'm 5'9", I find it easier to get into the car with the roof off. If it gets a bit warmish, I turn on the A/C, which helps at least a bit. It even that's not enough, the roof is easy to put back on.

 

5'9" is just about perfect for these cars. It helps if you're arms are a bit longer than normal. There are spacers available for the steering wheel to bring it closer. Ergonomically they seem very odd, but a few miles in everything just kinda fits. They're snug cars, you really wear them as opposed to more modern sportscars.

Where are you located? It seems to me that you should try to hook up with the local Ferrari enthusiasts and at least try to get a ride in a 328.

 

Interior size is the same for both cars and they are a tight fit for my 6'1 inch frame. The pedals are also very close together and off set towards the right. The driving position is very different from your average car.The car is not as user friendly or comfortable as my Porsche 944. Getting in and out is also a bit of a struggle. That said.....its still a great ride and you cant beat the 328's reliability and low maintenance bills (for a Ferrari).I know that 348's are roomier and have better AC's but the up keep is significantly higher. You really need to drive them to see what you like.