OK brothers... I'm looking at a 355 GTS. It needs a little rehabbing. But if I get it, I have to give up my 348 I have sought the counsel of one F-chatter in particular - 8SNAKE - who has given me some great insight. 1. WHEN I BOIL IT ALL DOWN, THE ONLY THING I DON'T LIKE ABOUT MY 348 IS THE TAILLIGHT TREATMENT. 2. I AM WONDERING IF THE 355GTS MIGHT ACTUALLY BE A DECENT "INVESTMENT" CAR DUE TO ITS RARITY. So...here are my 3 choices: 1. Keep the 348 and the current taillight treatment. 2. Keep the 348 and do a correct challenge grill similar to Albert328 did, at the tune of $3500. 3. Buy the 355GTS, rehab it, and enjoy it. Here, again, is my 348: Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Keyword is dont like tail light arrangement. Get the 355..........(especially the GTS) The only reason I bought a spider is that we have 6 nice days in Ohio, and i wanted to enjoy them fully You will be a happy camper................I am!!
I'd say go for the 355. It would be a good to read your thoughts on the comparison. I think the 355 GTS will hold its value better than the GTB, but the spiders are currently the most underpriced of the 355 line. The one that just sold on Fleabay for $50k was a steal! BT
if you don't like the 348 lights, get the 355. Even alberts conversion which is the best I've seen is not as pulled together visually as the 355s since it is missing the lip spoiler on the deck lid and rear fenders which makes a big difference visually. Its funny I used to think the same about my 348 (everything great but the lights) but now I really like the lights as well...
I just recently bought a 355 spider, still have my 348 spider as well. I will comment the 348 is a hell of a lot easier to work on! No OBDII to contend with, no Ferrari Immobilizer etc. Regarding "investment" quality unless bad is in the sentence I don't see it. People keep insisting the GTS is rare. Ferrari produced 2577 GTS 355's. If that qualifies as rare and investment grade I should make a killing selling my 348 spider. Only a bit over 1000 produced! Cannot comment on driving differences, long winter finally coming to a close here in MA. Can't go wrong with either from my perspective! Nice 348!
I would probably keep the 348 if the 355 needs work. This can get very expensive and if you are looking for the "investment" position on the car then it needs to be factory spec. or close to spec. (my opinion) If you make the move to a 355 GTS, buy one that is fresh and original, it will cost you less in the long run. Good luck!
Get a 355GTS ............. you get more than just better tail lights............ 80 more HP 6 speed GB underbody aerodynamics better front spoiler clearance cheaper front fog lights... overall better looks 'factory' 355 wheels..... free susbscription to hair gel quarterly and that famous F1 sound !!!!! Its really a no brainer ............. !!!
Guys...I'm keeping my 348. But don't be surprised to see me sporting an Albert328 challenge grill soon and don't start hazing me for doing it.
348 or 355... That's a nice problem to have, isn't it? According to the raw numbers, there are a lot of 355GTS's out there (apologies again to the extraneous-apostrophe-ites ). Over the last 6 months or so, it seems around 90% are Spiders, 8-9% are Berlinettas, and perhaps 1-2% are GTS's. People want to keep their GTS's, so I feel they are the ones to have from a resale standpoint, IMO. It's certain you'll have more (probably a LOT more) in your GTS + Rehab than what you'll get for your 348. Will you get the increased investment back for the GTS when the time comes to sell?... you haven't provided enough info for people to comment on that. Will you be happy with the increased complexity of the GTS, power steering, etc?... only you can make that decision. If your only concern is really the rear lights of the 348, I'd say keep it and change the lights!
BTW, I want to thank 8SNAKE for going out of his way to go by and look at the car. It's in Springfield MO. If someone is looking for a 355GTS, SNAKE has looked it over. I personally think it would be a great buy for someone. SNAKE, i think that there's an old saying that the only good snake is a dead snake, but you're a GOOD snake! THANKS AGAIN!
Here's the Albert328GTS grill. It's a modified 355 challenge grill and looks superb IMO. Image Unavailable, Please Login
i love that look im in ---- how and where did he get that done? I would be very interested in any information on the install.
I've been talking to Albert via email. He had a body shop in SOCAL fit a 355 challenge to his car. But it ain't cheap! I think Albert told me $3500 total, including all parts.
You're quite welcome, and the pleasure was all mine. As Husker mentioned, I have personally seen this car. If anyone has questions, I will answer them to the best of my ability.
I like yourself dont care for the rear lights on my 348. Everything else about the car is wonderful. My car is an SS so the argument made by many that the tail light treatment complements the side strakes is a non issue because there arent any on this model. I think the round tail lights look better on the car. I have searched but there is one mfg. of a round tail light treatment and like that car this one is around 2K. With all of us on this site why cant we come up with our own idea on this issue. Any ideas guys........
Very cool mate! Your 348 is gorgeous!! I wouldnt consider selling it, just to have the 355 rear tail lights. Fit them to this 348 and you are laughing.