Close to buying this '85 GTS QV

None of the points you raise as concerns would bother me. A lot of Ferraris tend to sit in a garage not accumulating miles. The low mileage cars devule as more miles are put on so that further keeps it off the road. That it has lived in multiple states means nothing. Mine started life in California, first sale in Virginia to a DC owner, then New York, to New Jersey and now in Illinois.

What I would do is make a very thorough inspection and test of everything on the car. Operate every control, knob, switch, light, everything. Do the heater controls go back and forth smoothly? Are all the lights (including bottom of handbrake and instruments) OK? Look at every rubber seal. Check for the owners manual pouch (all inserts?), both tool rolls, the light bulb plastic carrier. Make sure the car is run and brought to full temperature for a period of time so you can see how it runs and if the temps stabilize, the fans turn on.

Here's the deal. It is not a perfect car but you will be well advised to understand everything that isn't right before it becomes yours.

Jeff

 

cool car, go fo it. Life is short.

 

Few things to add.

Does it come with original books and warranty card?

How many owners has it really had ?

What was done on the last service, if it has been truly sitting for 3 yrs....we're any of the fuilds changed in that time span?

What is the price point on the car relative to the other cars you seen and compared , given condition and history ?

Will they allow you to do an independent ppi at a shop of your choice ? If yes, then spend the money and have the car inspected, and be their yourself to see underneath and when the wheels come off...check for under spray, leaky shocks or wet spots underneath ..... The car will reveal a lot for you....check all your switches, a/c, poor windows....all of it....spend some time with the car.

Then make an offer accordingly ..... Expect to have a small slush fund once you take ownership....it is a 30 yr old car....but if the base is solid, with steady Maintance you should or could have a wonderful long term car.

It does look nice from the pictures....love the blk / blk

 

Ok, if they are doing belts, make sure they do the bearings....yadda, yadda...and get the invoice for it if you are buying to have record....when was the last time a service was performed on this car, and what was included ?

Spark plugs, wires, rotor ,cap rad flushes....all a key .... How old are the tires on this car ? Gives you an idea of what you will need to spend once you negotiate this into your price.

You really won't go far on 12 yr oold hockey puck tires, and original wires ..... And water pump .... Hence why I suggest a small slush fund once you purchase.

Find out what you can about all this out of state ...and where it's been, it's important to know when you loo underneath to verify if it's been twisted ....does it have the original books and warranty card ?

 

All good advice above.

The big things in my book are engine condition (compression test being foremost), evidence of collision damage and rust.

If a "belt change" is included in the price, you might see if you can get a credit for it and take the car to Ferrari specialist for a full major service. If the car accumulated zero miles over three years, that's pretty rough on seals, bearings, etc.

And make absolutely sure that the rubber fuel lines (and brake lines) have been replaced. It is an old car, after all.

Good luck. Black is the best color for 308/328s. Love the deep spoiler (but drive carefully!), and also like that it appears not to have been "kustomized" with aftermarket crap -- looks pretty original from the photos.

 

Welcome to FChat and best wishes with your pursuit!

Your mention of the "deep spoiler" and "pretty original" caught my eye, is the spoiler original and/or a Euro part?

Just curious and ashamed that I don't know the answer...and I call myself a 4re Nut...geez!

 

What's the S/N? See if there's any info here: http://www.308qvregister.com/WebMainPages/308_gts_qv.htm

 

Beautiful car!

 

I agree with Bullfighter. It's the mechanical condition that's important. Since you are (apparently) a first time owner a PPI from a reliable shop is vital. Those who have owned one or more may get away without this. Thing is, even with your mechanical skills, you won't know what to look for. For example; are your control arm bushings spot welded? Is there play in the wheel bearings (if not, they may be too tight) Do the pedals have proper play? Steering rack OK? A lot of these things are easily fixable - we just hope you'll not walk into a major impending disaster horror story and, as Jon says it's all about the engine and bad things there can end up with a repair bill that exceeds the value of the car. I wouldn't worry about the car living in multiple states, auction, etc. I would worry about the maintenance history. Does the car come with good records? The reason these cars get away with being 25+ years old is loving care by the previous owners which should be well documented. I think my PPI cost about $500 thirteen years ago by Gary Bobileff and well worth it. By the looks in the photos it seems to be a very decent looking car. I don't mean to scare you here. Taking the plunge may be the best thing you'll ever do in your lifetime. Just make sure there's water in the pool before you dive in!

Best of luck!

 

gjv, very nice looking car. I too have a black 85 308. I purchased the fuse block from Birdman but didn't use it because the one that was installed by the previous owner was an original new one so I will sell you Birdman's if you want.

Sam

 

Welcome to the 85 club.

 

I know the feeling all too well. Saw my first when I was 13 in 81 and at that moment I was destined to own one. It was the only car I ever thought about and for the next 16 years I scraped and saved and searched and dreamed. Finally in 1997 I had her. I will never forget the drive home from Atlanta that first day. I was experiencing a very specific childhood dream, something few people probably ever really do on that level.

Nor will I ever forget pulling into my driveway two hours later and seeing the steam blowing out from behind me after the water pump failed...

 

Just judging by the photos you posted it looks like your planning on buying a really really nice c with the appropriate amount of wear for a 25 year old well loved ferrari The interior does not appear to be redyed. The paint on the fuel injection plenum appears orginal and not washed off by by a power washer and it doesn't have Cavalino decals plastered all over every where- all signs (at least in my mind) of long term ownership and care. I just looks to be a super nice car over all. My biggest concern would be recent (last 3 years regardless of mileage) T-Belt . By the way, don't let the petty little problems scare you off. On my 84 in bought new (50693) the A/C never really was of any use in temps higher than 70 from day1. Good luck with it. Enjoy

 

That is a beautiful car. Now send that intake plenum off to Mike Tuason for his special treatment!

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=361128

 

Congrats on joining the black 85 club as well!!! Is it nero or nero/met?? That is MY question!!! Looks to be straight nero from the photos.

Now, post up the serial for us (last 5 will do)!!! And post more photos!!!!




PDG
85 308 GTS QV (Metallic Black)

 

@GJV - I think thats the closest serial number I have found to my own car (58027).







PDG

 

Congratulations and welcome! Pretty car.

 

18 cars apart on the assembly line!

 

I take it you decided to buy it, congrats and enjoy! Good move having the major done. I know T-belts are a big issue on this forum, but I'm a t'belt phobe, because I've seen what happens when they let go. One other thing to look at is the thermostat switch for the fans, not a big deal but it did go bad on my '85 and you only notice it in traffic. Again, not a big deal. Otherwise, drive your car and enjoy it. If I can answer any questions for you my e-mail is [email protected]