Where is the best place to look for a 308

Vast.com is a good place to search.

The market is way down, but getting a nice car in your price range is going to take some luck. There are some great deals out there, but probably not a lot of rust free GTB's with good maintenance history for that little. If you are willing to go with a GTS, it will help. Not because they are less valuable, but because there will be more to pick from so you have a better chance of getting a good deal.

 

In that price range, you're probably looking at a 2v injected; esp if you want a good clean example.

 

Why nix the 80 -82's? they were and and are great cars! They're every bit as quick and fast. Power same, weight same, top speed same, A/C (oh well ) same. The only real difference is the music of multi carburetors. I've heard the weirdest mis-conceptions about Ferrari's. Put a Ferrari muffler on a Camaro, and it'll sound just like a Ferrari, 308GT4's are the same as Fiat - on and on. IMHO I'd say you should talk to those who own them to gage maintenance, reliability and practicality, and poll those owners who race to gage performance. At the Virginia City Hillclimb, the record for 3x8's is held by a 1980 308GTSi. A very close contender to that record is another 1980 308GTSi. Another fast 308 model that set the bar were 2 or 3 308 GT4's.

 

Www.ferrarimarketletter.com; www.ferrariads.com

 

Don't rush.

 

With your list and places you are looking... go for a Mondial ... it doesn't sound like you are ready for a 308 yet. Example, do you know the difference between an 82 and 83? Or a 77 and 78? Or the difference between an 18k and 24k car? Wait until you have 30k in cash and spend the time doing more research. You will find something and it won't be on CL or on your list.

 

I suggest that you get to know some people with 308s. You seem to be making a choice based on what you have read. Try driving and getting in and out of a GTB and a GTS. You would not notice a difference in performance. You will hear a sweet carb sound but FI is much easier to maintain. Your ablility to do your own mechanical work is also a BIG factor. If you cannot repair your own car keep saving! I'm just saying. Lost

 

Without trying to poopoo anybody's car, Actually you are mistaken.
The i-cars have different cams, more smog crap due to the tightening of the emissions control standards at the time, and much lower HP numbers.
While some reports show HP numbers of 214HP or 205HP, we have found it to be closer to 196HP for U.S. spec cars.
The first cam change for U.S spec cars was in 78 when the 308 changed from using the thermal reactor muffler to a cat system.

To the original poster... Sure you can score a 308 for $18-24K but by the time you make it right you are back up to where a nice car is already priced.

My 77 may be up for sale in the near future.
Close to 400LB lighter than a stock U.S. spec steel body GTB, fully adjustable suspension, Tubi competition muffler, HPC coated headers inside and outside, fresh belts and tensioners, and don't expect to get it for $18K-24K.

Good Luck with your search!

 

That price range will get you a car that needs some going through. There is a fabulous carb GTS on ebay with fresh paint, a rebuilt engine (by Norwood), and is just a nice nice car. An old cheap car will constantly leave you with stuff to do and longing for a car that needs nothing.

 

EVEN they are out there, but not many. I'd say that $25K+ will get you a decent example, compared to what I paid in 2006 for my 2V that needed/still needs work. But the really GOOD condition well documented 2Vs still seem to be hovering around $30K. The meltdown has been good for buyers that is for sure.

My Italian Mistress LOVES being "On Top." I am under her weekly still fixing things after 4 years. CVs next. If you cannot work on it yourself, you really need a small fortune on top of the purchase price to get it in running shape before you even turn it over. All the receipts in the world may not tell the car's REAL story.


I must concur with the comments of the size of your "stake." I believe you need to adjust either the size of the pot upward or some of your "requirements" "downward" or it will likely be a Loooooong hunt. If you enjoy the hunt, well that is Ok too.

 

I LIKE the 2V "I" models percisely why everybody else hates um. I am gunna slowly start shopping for another; maybe a GT4.



Why sell? You "Down-Grading" OUT of the 3X8 family to something newer, something less Ferrari like?

 

don't expect to drive it, cars in that price range are at the end of there life cycle.

 

couldn't have said it better! perfect

 

My 77 may be up for sale in the near future.
Close to 400LB lighter than a stock U.S. spec steel body GTB, fully adjustable suspension, Tubi competition muffler, HPC coated headers inside and outside, fresh belts and tensioners, and don't expect to get it for $18K-24K.


Dave, is your car a Eruo car? If not, what did you do to get so light??

Cordially,

Scott

 

A Euro spec steel car as he is describing weighs about 2900lbs while a bone stock equivalent US emissions/bumpers car (with huge thermoreactor muffler) weighs 3150lbs. Good difference, but not 400lbs. 99% of the US cars have the thermoreactor muffler deleted (that thing weighs about 125lbs) which shaves the difference to about 150lbs. Still noticeable!

 

No mine is a steel body U.S. car.
Every little thing adds up, from bumpers to springs & shocks, cross-drilled rotors, lighter weight carpet kit, radiator, and especially the old boat anchor muffler. Almost **** my pants removing it as I didn't realize how heavy it really was.

 

To the OP, you have to be quick!

There's been a fibregless car sell on eBay recently......old guy basically "dumped it" at that price....

There's always a few that "Pop up" but you have to be ready to strike, wire deposit immediately, and then GET ON THE PLANE and go get it..

If you need a lot of discussion, validation, hand holding or a PPI......

Well, someone ELSE will be driving that car......

Want one of mine???? Get some moeny into a suitcase, and drop on over!!!!!

 

Greg328 has a nice NON CAT 1977...

You'll need to replace the standard wheels and brakes, to make it original if you don't like the package as installed......

 

Forza Motorsport in CT has a nice looking '78 carbed GTS.

http://www.forzamotorsports.com/exotic-cars-for-sale.htm

I bought my '83 GTS from Forza in Dec. '07.

Owner Peter Sweeney is a very nice, upfront guy, I'd buy from him again.

 

And then judging from your previous posts you probably also realize that a nice 308 will fetch the same price as a 348.

I guess everybody has a different idea of what a "nice" 308 is.
In my book, a nice 308 has had every hose replaced, every suspension bushing replaced, rack bushings replaced, shocks replaced, interior leather replaced, carpet replaced, water pump replaced, fresh tune including all belts, tensioners, valve adjustment, carbs rebuilt and synced. All these items need to be done on a car of this age unless you are a waxer.
If you can get a car like that for $18K then you truly are the man!

 

I have to agree with you there. Cars this old are just tired and need everything gone through although I have seen some beautiful original interiors with nothing but a good leatherique job.

 

Yes if the car has been garaged most of the time the carpet fade will be minimal.
And original seats can be brought back. Most of the time original seats will be hard as a rock.

 

I agree with you also. A "nice clean 308" is a car that is set up and ready to go the moment you turn the key. 18-24k isn't going to buy a "nice clean 308". It's going to need some work. Having just recently gone through the shopping and purchase of a carb'd 308 that's what I found to be the case.