My journey to my purchase of my first Ferrari….a 1989 328 GTB

Welcome to the club. I hope you have many happy miles. Thats a sweet looking car.

 

I am new to this post and considering a 1986 328GTS in Hong Kong as my first Ferrari. However, I don't know much about the differences between a GTB and a GTS. Can someone please educate me!

Also, here is a look at the car that I am considering...
http://www.expatmotors.com/Vehicle%20Details/Ferrari%20328GTS%20KT%202724%207-3-06.htm

I know its only pictures with limited info but any comments would be appreciated!

 

You might start a new thread - this one's really about Mark's new car.

The GTS is the targa (removable) top version of the 328; the GTB has a fixed metal roof. There are some differences in the interior console and lighting, and the 328 GTS has the grilles fully covering the rear quarter windows.

To oversimplify, the advantage of the GTB is more rigidity (less chassis flex), which is important on the track to get the most out of the suspension. The GTS is an open-top car, so you get to hear a little more of the engine and get some sun. The aesthetics are subjective. I slightly prefer the GTS because driving an open Ferrari is a slice of heaven (with all hell breaking loose behind you!), but either body style looks great.

The GTS is more common - approx 6000 made, versus 1000 or so GTBs. I suspect those numbers reflect the fact that most people bought a Ferrari for nice weekend weather use and also possibly the fame that U.S. television (Magnum PI show) brought to any red GTS. Open cars (including Porsches) tend be popular in the U.S. for the glamour factor, despite their mechanical disadvantages. GTB buyers may have been those who valued the extra handling precision or didn't like the way the black targa top interrupted the lines on the red and lighter colored cars.

The bottom line as always is to buy what you like and look at a few of them before you buy, so you know what a good 328 looks like.

 

Thanks Bullfighter!

SurferMark... Sorry to hijack your thread to talk about my interests!!

Nice to know another Fchatter that has lived in HK. Yeah, HK is quite nice but sometimes its hard to fully enjoy a F-car in such a small city with high congestion. Non-the-less we still have our morning drives.

So if you are moving back to HK, what are you going to do with the recently purchased 328? Please keep me in mind the next time you come by HK and do look me up.

Cheers,
Adrian

 

I have owned both and can tell you the GTB is a much nicer driving car and not just on a track where the advantage is actually quite limited. Most people (at least in the US) prefer an open car and thus compromise. However, very few people here have ever had a chance to drive a GTB. I think if they did, demand for the GTB's would be much greater.

Dave

 

Congratulations! That GTB is to die for! Enjoy your experience with it. I know you will!

 

Be sure to post plenty of pics when you get the car! I love the fact that it's a spoiler-delete car. Very special for a U.S. model as you mentioned.

 

If your dad is too busy. Just give me a call I would be willing to drive your car for you. Plus it would have a Big brother to to stay with.

LOL