Good car to learn on....

A carbureted 308 is perfect for the first-time, DIY Ferrari owner. Lots of them around, they're cheap and parts are avaliable.

If you can successfully fix a carb 308, you can have any other Ferrari after that, pre-328, or models built before the 308, including V-12 cars. All the same under the hood. Anything after the 348, you need special diagnostic equipment.

Horror stories? Do we have enough room here to list the potential poblems?

 

There is nothing mystical about Ferraris, they work just like other cars. I fully agree with Peter that a carbed 308 GTB or GT4 is a good place to start, if you eventually want to try restoring a vintage car. The 308 GT4 is no different mechanically from the GTB and good cars are lower cost than a GTB. Many think it is actually a better driving car, as well.

Carbed V12 2+2s are good candidates too, but parts are much more difficult to find ($).

If you aren't interested in the older cars, however, then a fuel injected car removes one source of headache, but also one source of learning.

 

I have a little bit of disagreement here. if I were going to start all over and have thoughts of restoring a Vintage Ferrari, I would start with an older inexpensive Fiat or Alfa. Something in the 1959 to 1965 range. This would give great experience in all things Italian from body to engine and all points in between. The ultimate would probably be rebuilding a Fiat Dino for hands on experience.

 

I think I'll have to agree on that!! It's much less expensive!!

 

I find my 330 2+2 non-intimidating to work on, in the sense that it is 40-year-old, non-computerized, non- Federalized technology. There are many repair, reconditioning and maintenance items that I have successfully handled and can continue to do myself. I also am very aware of the dividing line between personal capability and what needs to go to the pros.

When it does need to go to the pros, I take it only to the best, and have enough knowledge to discuss, comprehend and approve any job that is proposed before getting out the Visa. In that sense, I personally supervised the reconditioning of the 330, because it was a joint effort invoving a couple of first-tier shops, sweat equity, and the ability to make confident decisions regarding shop-done work. In retrospect, I could have saved 5 grand plus by deferring quite a few non-essentials and electing for a couple of less expensive major replacement parts. No regrets!

Didn't mean to rattle on--I guess I'm trying to illustrate that a person with some do-it-yourself automotive repair experience and mechanical ability can handle an early, carbed 308 or vintage 12 as long as they're fully aware of their personal limits and are willing to spend the money when pro work and parts are needed.

I haven't found parts availability to be a problem. They are out there, some at a very steep price, some surprisingly reasonable. It does take some phone and online time to chase down what you need.