So... I got this offer on a 348 GTS. How can I track info on it? | FerrariChat
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So... I got this offer on a 348 GTS. How can I track info on it?

Discussion in '348/355' started by DriveAfterDark, Mar 20, 2011.

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  1. DriveAfterDark

    DriveAfterDark F1 Veteran

    Jan 1, 2007
    9,148
    Norway
    #1 DriveAfterDark, Mar 20, 2011
    Here's the deal.

    1) Got a call from my father, who is currently in Middle-East. This man, who wants to purchase some of my fathers machines, comes in, and while discussing prices, my father tells him that my son loves cars. This gentleman says he has a 348 GTS from 1994 that he could put in the deal as a payment. My father sees the car, and tells me that it looks very clean, but mind you that he has NO mechanical experience whatsoever and that he always buys his cars from well known dealers.

    At this point, the price is so low that I'm 100% skeptical, so I'm asking for more information on this car. If it's stolen, I'm calling right now to call the deal off, and staying away. I don't want anything to do with it then.


    This is the information I got (I asked for VIN, but he won't see the car again until next week):
    Model year: 1994
    Origin (before it went to Middle-East): France
    Assembly number: 14978 (as I was told)
    Mileage: 17300 km./10.800 miles
    Color: Dark (dark grey or dark blue, not green or red)
    I also got two numbers both me and my father couldn't make up what was: F119AS5,2 and 97223

    All numbers are what I have at this moment.


    2) If this checks out to be an acceptable (and legit) deal, I will use it as a track car only. So my next question is; What price range does a major service cost and will that include timing belt + new water pump? How much for a clutch?
    I'm guessing it would need plenty of new seals, hoses etc. to get it running good. Being an relatively old non-V12 Ferrari, I'm prepared to say 'mama mia' on the replies :)
     
  2. captglen

    captglen Formula 3
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    #2 captglen, Mar 20, 2011
    The 97223 may be the last digits of serial number, I have a 95 Spider at it ends in 99699
    I would guess everything will need to be done. My guess would 10-15 grand depending on how in depth you get. Will he let you get the car checked out at a competent shop ?
    Please post pictures, and I have to ask, how good of deal is it ??
     
  3. greyboxer

    greyboxer F1 World Champ

    Dec 8, 2004
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    #3 greyboxer, Mar 20, 2011
    You could run the chassis number past Pozzi in France to see if they can help

    Also maybe the guy has papers he can show either bills or the handbook registration page
     
  4. bigwave92107

    bigwave92107 Karting

    Oct 6, 2009
    155
    #4 bigwave92107, Mar 20, 2011
    yeah, what grey said,

    just ask the guy some history and go from there.
     
  5. DriveAfterDark

    DriveAfterDark F1 Veteran

    Jan 1, 2007
    9,148
    Norway
    #5 DriveAfterDark, Mar 20, 2011
    Pozzi is a French Ferrari dealership? The thing is that this guy claims to have gotten the Ferrari in a deal from someone who fled the country in the beginning of the financial crisis... So he does have next to nothing in terms of paper work for it. I will ask my father to check in the glovebox etc. for papers.


    Okey, thanks for the reply. I will get pictures on e-mail in a day or three.

    Price point is just below 10K USD. This is why I'm skeptical, but still very interesting (even if it didn't run, the parts would be worth more). Getting it shipped here including freight and the local VAT of 25%, will be a total of 12500 USD.

    I will have to use a lot of time to investigate before I go ahead - first and foremost if the car is legal or stolen. If I don't get enough information, I'll take my laptop and book the next flight to check it out for myself and keep you guys updated on the findings.
     
  6. DriveAfterDark

    DriveAfterDark F1 Veteran

    Jan 1, 2007
    9,148
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    #6 DriveAfterDark, Mar 20, 2011
    Where is the VIN located on the car?
     
  7. blackcross

    blackcross Karting

    Jun 23, 2007
    100
    #7 blackcross, Mar 20, 2011
    Lots of places: on top of the steering column or in the door jam are the easist to locate. Make sure the numbers match. Chassis number is on one of the rear shock mounts.
     
  8. DriveAfterDark

    DriveAfterDark F1 Veteran

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    9,148
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    #8 DriveAfterDark, Mar 20, 2011
    Thanks! I will ask for the chassis number, and then perhaps call Ferrari of France to get more information on its history.
     
  9. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #9 AceMaster, Mar 20, 2011
    10,000 US??!!? That is a steal (no pun intended)
     
  10. striker27

    striker27 Karting

    Feb 22, 2008
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    canada
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    andy
    #10 striker27, Mar 20, 2011
    Not to sound like an ass... But I track my 348 regularly around 3 to 5000 miles a year. I would consider a major to be a yearly thing... Cost of it should be considered as part of expendables. I would want the vehicle to be in a condition where it can be used for the time period I am at the track and not have mechanical issues. The car will be abused a great deal more then most cars here. Personally I would use a salvage car. Things like engines and transmissions should be considered more of things that are expendable rather then a part that is to be cherished... I maintain two motors and three transmissions for this reason. I hate breakdowns!!!! I track my car at shannonville and mosport during the nicer months. Sometimes I get the car to the Us. Not often though the last year or so I had a customs issue with the trailer tools and cars about 2 years ago.. My car is not a concours type car. On this forum it would be a wreck! I have also come across a 355 salvage I have been toying with for the last 6 months. I must say that if you track the car nothing about condition will matter..... You will probably end up replacing everything!!!!!!!!!!!
     
  11. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #11 ernie, Mar 21, 2011
    Last edited: Mar 21, 2011
    The sure nut ways to find the vin is to open the engine cover. Looking in form the back of the car the vin is located on the right hand side, above the shock mounting area. It is stamped into the body. The other thing is to make sure it has a F119H block, and the taller intake plenum. You can locate the block number, under the back of the intake plenum, on the top of the block, down and to the right of the oil filter. The assembly number will be on the left hand side of the engine bay, above the shock mounting area.
     
  12. DriveAfterDark

    DriveAfterDark F1 Veteran

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    #12 DriveAfterDark, Mar 21, 2011
    I know, it's so cheap it would be stupid to not consider it. Even if the car didn't work, I could sell it as parts (doors, interior, shocks, lights, rims etc.) and still not lose anything on it. If I did do so, I would polish and park the remained ribbed chassis out in my yard. That's gangsta :D Hehe...

    You didn't sound like an ass... Actually appreciate your reply. You make valid points.

    Thanks!
     
  13. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #13 AceMaster, Mar 21, 2011
    On the contrary...this is valuable info to the OP
     
  14. DriveAfterDark

    DriveAfterDark F1 Veteran

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    #14 DriveAfterDark, Mar 22, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  15. greyboxer

    greyboxer F1 World Champ

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    #15 greyboxer, Mar 22, 2011
    Last edited: Mar 22, 2011
    If they are 355 challenge wheels they are practically worth more than the car

    Roof appears to be missing
     
  16. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #16 AceMaster, Mar 22, 2011
    For less than $10,000 US, go for it
     
  17. 355dreamer

    355dreamer F1 World Champ
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    #17 355dreamer, Mar 22, 2011
    I'll give you $1,500 for the wheels.
     
  18. DriveAfterDark

    DriveAfterDark F1 Veteran

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    #18 DriveAfterDark, Mar 22, 2011
    Last edited: Mar 22, 2011

    Can anyone confirm if they are 355 Challenge Wheels? Funny, because I thought they looked cheap, even though I've seen thousands of 355 Challenge pictures of the years...

    Edit: I'm going to ask for the roof. Writing down questions ATM.
     
  19. DriveAfterDark

    DriveAfterDark F1 Veteran

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    #19 DriveAfterDark, Mar 22, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017

    They really do look like the real thing. Any experts out there who can chime in regarding this? I have higher resolution pictures of the pictures I posted, if anyone want to look and confirm.

    Edit: The attached picture is of a F355 Challenge.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  20. TheOnlyest

    TheOnlyest Formula 3

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    #20 TheOnlyest, Mar 22, 2011
    A '94 GTS has to be rare! I always thought they only made Spiders that year?
    Those are definitely Challenge wheels, and judging by the condition and the tow hook being in place, I would have to assume it was raced by the owner. Either that, or the current owner should be f'n ashamed of himself!! Regardless, take it!
     
  21. DriveAfterDark

    DriveAfterDark F1 Veteran

    Jan 1, 2007
    9,148
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    #21 DriveAfterDark, Mar 22, 2011

    LOL, nice reply! :)

    Cool... Challenge wheels on my future Ferrari, exciting thought! Maybe it's a hint of putting the car on the track... :)
     
  22. DriveAfterDark

    DriveAfterDark F1 Veteran

    Jan 1, 2007
    9,148
    Norway
    #22 DriveAfterDark, Mar 22, 2011
    Btw., Wikipedia states:

    I don't usually rely on Wiki, but is this true? Is it really that special? I knew it was a facelifted car, but not that it was somewhat limited.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrari_348
     
  23. enginefxr

    enginefxr Formula 3

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    #23 enginefxr, Mar 22, 2011
    It's all there and not smashed to ****.
    I'd give 10k for it easy......
     
  24. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #24 ernie, Mar 22, 2011
    The numbers, don't forget to check the numbers.
     
  25. jqpd99

    jqpd99 Formula 3
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    #25 jqpd99, Mar 22, 2011
    I'd be all over that for 10k...
     
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