Shall I buy this one? please help a newbie

Left picture is RB 312. Right picture is seller's vehicle. You guys may be right. Seller's car has more of a candy apple in it.
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That car is gorgeous.

GTS and a manual. Do your homework on it and if it measures up buy it.

 

Yep, definitely bubbly.
Every one I have looked at so far has this problem.
I am a newbie, when sellers refer to "stickies" does that include "bubbling" as well?

 

The used crank might spook unless explained. My guess is someone tried to enjoy the car before oil temp was accomplished. I would have the car PPI'd by a reputable source. Love the color and spec.

Good luck with purchase.

 

Thanks for all the replies;
yes, it checks out fine , but the crank is troubling me. I am going in today to talk some more.

 

It's metallic for sure....

 

I mentioned that briefly......a valet or someone taking it too high too soon.......all good now though...

 

Looks like you might have found a good one. Miles are right, Symbolic is well-known/respected, maintenance records seem intact and chronological - no suspicious "gaps" - 1998 car means less valve guide risk but I agree with earlier posts that that "issue" was way over-inflated and only affected a small batch of pre-97 cars.

I just paid more that that for a one-owner/one dealer/one mechanic 1995 Giallo GTS. The Rosso Barchetta color drops the price a bit as compared with Rosso Corsa or Giallo Modena but that is a matter of personal choice (I think it's beautiful FWIW).

I say you have done your research and thought it through - that's the tactical part.

Now if you wake up in the middle of the night dreaming about it, are already planning what waxes, cleaners, polishes your are going to use, your palms get sweaty thinking about holding the keys and you are going to buy a new wallet because you can't imagine putting a Ferrari registration in your old one AND you can afford to not only purchase and properly insure the car BUT also have a "Ferrari Fund" so if/when something does break you don't freak and so you aren't afraid to drive the car due to maintenance costs then buy it!!

Remember, you can sleep in your Ferrari but you can't drive your house

 

Killer car. I have a black GTS and love your color. I would be fighting you for it had I not bought mine already. Seems like a great car.

 

This is true, well done!

 

I spoke to the guy who did the 12k service work in San Diego.

He went into great detail why the crank was replaced and it had to do with some seal issues.

You might want to contact him. Ask the seller for the records to get his phone.

Good luck.

 

Buy it!

 

In my opinion, the 355 GTS is one of the most desirable Ferraris of all time. Drivable, gorgeous lines, can easily be changed from a coupe to a targa within minutes. Maybe a few mechanical issues but compared to the 348s or the 360 F1 problems, the 355 is easily maintained.

 

I am with you, that's a question that needs an answer...

 

All: After 48 hours of intense research and picking brains, here is the deal:
1. The car is Rosso Firoano.
2. CNC motors are professional and did not skip a beat.
3. Damian at Fusion Motor Sport is worth his weight in gold and knowledge! he is super cool and had no issues answering my 6million questions. I feel I had a crash course in 355's over the past 24 hours. His inspection was comprehensive and meticulous.
4. Engine compression ranged between 185 and 195psi.
5. Leak down: 3-5%.
6. Every thing else is in order. Some bubbling with AC panel.
6. Damian was impressed with the car, which was enough for me.
She now lives in my garage.

THANKS !!!

 

We need more pictures! It's certainly a beautiful example of a 355! Congratulations!

 

Congrats! I must say that is a beautiful GTS. I love my rigid Berlinetta but a GTS is so pretty and the open air cruising must be incredible.

Rob

 

Pics or it never happened.

 

Good job on your research and congratulations on your purchase. Welcome to the Brotherhood! We look forward to seeing you and the car at an event soon.

 

Thanks for your kind words and warm reception.
Some pics attached. I am not great with a camera, and so the pics still do not do justice to the color of that beauty. See this link for a more accurate color rendering:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rimoli/galleries/72157623660850232/

cheers
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That is a stunning color!! Congrats!

 

Thanks!

 

How rare was that color? And how does the 355 Berlinetta feel vs the GTS?

 

She's sweeeet.

Now take that stupid top off and let the windows down before you ever show that thing on here again!! GTS is mean't to be driven with the top off and just look wrong otherwise.

Let us know how it drives.

Congrats!

 

You did very, very well on that buy. Congrats, from one GTS owner to another!