I have begun my search for a 355 GTS. However, it seems that over 90% of the 355 models that are currently for sale (Autotrader, E-bay, Cars.com, etc.) are 355 Spyders. I really prefer the look of the GTS or Berlinetta. Can anyone provide me with some insight as to why most 355 for sale are Spyders ? Thanks
Because people who own GTBs or GTS's keep them. Actually, they made more GTBs than spiders, but I agree with you, there always seems to be more spiders on the market.
I've owned a Berlinetta and currently own a spider, the Berlinetta is slightly better looking IMO although the spider is still a gorgeous car. The seats in the Berlinetta are nicer IMO but the spider is much more of a sense of occasion to drive, it feels special every time. I love the idea of a GTS, best of both worlds but down here they are very rare and mostly red which is not for me. I would shop for the best car you can find, GTS, Spider or Berlinetta, keep your options open and that will allow you to select from a larger range of cars therefore allowing you to purchase the best example available.
I've really been enjoying my GTS. Only had the top on once in the last 3 months. I think the rear window and buttresses are one of the best looking parts of the car which is why I didn't consider a spider. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I'd go for the GTB for sure. I'm not an open top guy at all. Don't go with the spider just because there are more out there for sale. Be patient, keep looking and get what YOU want.
I must say, your car is gorgeous. If I was looking for one, I'd look at your car for sure. Good luck with it! Sorry Don't mean to hijack the thread!
GTS is best of both: look of the GTB, open air of the spider (without the troubles from the top). Everytime I think I want to move up to a CS, I pop the top on the GTS... and all is forgotten.
I agree. the lines on a GTB are the best of any Ferrari. However, open top driving is something else! That's why I bought an extra top for my GTS and painted it white! It looks like a GTB, but has the benefits of a GTS when I want. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Love that white GTS! Admittedly I'm biased but defintely think GTS is the way to go. Harder to find but worth the search. Ferrari & Pininfarina did a phenonemal job maintaining the lines of the GTB with the Spider but the GTS does an even better job and has none of the mechanical gremlins associated with the top. At the end of the day, you really can't go wrong with any of the 3...they all ooze "timeless beauty".
i love open top cars. i have two targas and several convertibles in the past. i was thinking of the same question...spider or gts. based on my experience with targas, i think the spiders are the way to go. i have not met a targa top that is simple to unhook and store. convertibles, on the other hand, are unlatch and drop. easy to put up/take down is great when i make frequent stops and don't want to leave the car open. not so with targas.
I'm slightly partial but I appreciate the nuances of both. Such as those great seats and buttresses but nothing beets that top down and the engine screaming at 8,000 rpms. Not to mention just top down cruising. I love the red stitching also by the way. Beautiful car!
In the past I too have found Targa tops to be a hassle..., my preference is either Coupe or Convertible to be the way to go for open top motoring plus you can take in all the sights/smells and sounds right behind your head! Even though Berlinetta production far out paced Spider's, the reason there's more available for sale is that many Spider owner's believe variety is the spice of life and change cars regularly whereas Berlinetta owner's prefer to be stuck in a rut You can have the best of both world's now as a company has started making a very handsome looking hard top, (there is a thread on it here somewhere). Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I dunno about everyone else but it takes me about a minute (maybe 2 max) to deal with the GTS top. I actually enjoy the ritual and prefer this to pushing a button (and praying all the electronics actually work). I also think it's pretty damn nifty how the top fits like a glove behind the seats.
Yeah doesn't take long at all. I always put the cover on it as well but it is still quick to go on or off.
When I am just going for a drive and the weather is good, top stays home. If travelling, I put the top on for the trip, and it is an easy job to store it behind the seats. I agree: about two minutes to take it off and store it behind the seats. About 20 seconds to pop it and lean againts the garage wall.
The GTS (and Berlinetta) is a beautiful design, but for me too, nothing beats the complete openness of a spider. The sound and just the feeling of an open car can't be beat. But then, every person is different, so luckily, everyone can get what they want, a coupe, spider or GTS. Drive them, decide, buy one, and ENJOY!
I own a 1998 355 GTS. I had a Spider and the top had a ton of problems and ruined the lines of the car with the top up IMHO. The soft top failed twice while trying to open and three times trying to close. Lucky I live in the desert.
yes it's a ritual. maybe i'm easily amused, but i love watching the top go up/down automatically. it's like a canopy that opens to a wide open world of possibility...
