Better Investment: 365 GTC/4 or 512 Boxer BBi?

Drive both and choose the one you like. They are VERY different cars.

Investment? Heh...

Your only returns are wonderful noises, smells, and smiles.

 

I would go for the Boxer... I never really cared for the 365 GTC/4.

 

Any owner will let a serious buyer sit in and (probably) drive their car in a controlled environment. Get plugged in locally, meet some people and you will be surprised at how many are out there being driven every day.

Stop looking at numbers. Concentrate on the fun-factor. I'd bet that anyone with a 430 isn't worrying too hard about "loss."

 

I would say the Boxer, because it directly influenced Ferrari's design for years later. The GTC/4 is a good looking car, but not as iconic in the classical sense as the Boxer. Despite it being rarer, the GTC/4 will always be overshadowed by the Daytona, I believe...

 

Boxer for a variety of reasons.

First, car type. The Boxer is the quintessential non-vintage Ferrari, two seater, engine in the back, a sports car. The 365 GTC/4 is a 2+2 which always have and likely always will be seen as second class cars by the market. It doesn't mean the 2+2 aren't great cars, it's just the market sees them as something less than the sports car models.

Second is looks. The looks of the 365 GTC/4 are kind of controversial whereas I know of no one who thinks the Boxer is unattractive. It's one of the best looking Ferrari sports cars ever created.

Those two reasons alone will put upward pressure on Boxer values (or at least maintain the value as miles are added) while the 365 GTC/4 will have to overcome those things into perpetuity.

-F

 

Both of these cars are currently undervalued and due for appreciation - not depreciation.

Boxer is the more iconic car and definitely the perfomer of the 2. But, it is viewed as being the first car of the Fiat era, and it has been stuck with that identification and can't seem to lose the stigma. Alos, there were no US legal Boxers - so there are potential smog problems. Beware.

The C/4 is defintely an Enzo era car. But it is saddled with a reputation for veing difficult to work on (lay down carbs)) and for being not beautiful. Personally I think it is a good looking car - ESPECIALLY IN A DARK COLOR THAT REDUCES THE IMPACT OF THE CLOWN LIP BUMPER - asnd has an interior to die for.

You pay your $ and take your chances. I think both will appreciate over the next 7 years. I think the C/4 will appreciate more. I think the Boser will be more fun.

 

512, hands down IMHO. It's a prettier car and more emblematic of the wedge era.

 

C/4 by a long shot - but I am biased ;>)

The Boxer is a great car with a lot of raw speed, modern styling and better handling, but for a more traditional feel and great mechanical and tailpipe noises it is the C/4 hands down.Though they made 500 (or 505) C/4's there are probably only 350 or so around today so it is getting rarer by the minute. However, neither in this day and age seems an "investment" canidate, so get the one that appeals to you the most and focus on the FUN quotient!


Cheers,

Sam

 

I owned both in the 80's, both were cars I had aspired to own for a long time.

I like a car that is highly "usable", take it shopping, run errands, go to the beach etc. As such I much prefered the C/4, I even took mine skiing! I am not into having a garage queen.

A BB512 is a magnificent motorcar, sitting in the seat I always felt like I was in a 7 liter Cam-Am car (I know I am dating myself with that statement), and I think they look great.
As a "Sunday morning" car they are great....but I never used mine much.

If you are concerned about spares back-up, body parts etc go with BB. I was always afraid of the C/4 getting crunched, and that was 25 years ago.

Build quality was/is superior on the Pininfarina constructed C/4.

If I was going to purchase a BB it would definitely be injected, mine was a very late carb car and though I am no stranger to the products from Bologna it was always a challenge.

Both cars are unvalued, however people have been saying that for 30+ years for C/4's and 25 years for BB's.

 

To the OP: really a great question.

Personally, I do not like these "should I buy car A or car B based on resale". But, the two you have chosen are really interesting and they have different appeals. That's what makes it a good question.

Personally, I like boxers. I fear maintenance costs will eat up an gained investment though.

Why would I choose the Boxer? Mid engine with classic good looks. It was the Miura fighter, which ain't a half bad enemy to play against. I think more people in the long run would want the exotic mid engine over the more traditional front engine. It is also more "recognizable" as a "Ferrari" and that always helps to gain more fans.

I would like to own a Boxer someday.

 

Apples and oranges - i would go c4 - the 12 up front is epic.

 

Its a horse a piece. Both will become more valuable. Don't let anyone here fool you, both these cars are headed for major upswing.

 

I would buy a GTC4 over a an 80's Boxer...but the 365BB is a different story.

 

Bingo. Totally agreed. Boxer.

I was at this near identical crossroad about 4 years ago. Friend of mine has (and loves) his GTC/4. But the emotional appeal, uniqueness, and semi crazy 'exoticness' of the Boxer won me over.

If future price/resale is a factor - which I completely understand - seems the "big boy" version of the Dino and 3x8 can only ascend. Personally, I feel Boxers will turn on as they offer numerous charms at a very unique point in Ferrari history.

 

Both cars have Fiat influence . Just check out the door handles on the C4.
Racing pedigree. BB-512 with later factory involvement.
C4 none.

My feeling, is 512bb, because I really enjoy mine. Drive both
By the best you can afford. Neither is inexpensive to maintain. C4 valve adjustments?
20% extra for after purchase updates.

 

Boxer

http://www.classicdriver.com/uk/magazine/3200.asp?id=12809

 

Ditto. Just two completely different cars.
I've had a C/4 for 10 years. My second choice was a 512BBi...... therefore I have watched prices go up and down since taking an interest in these two cars.
Drive them both and make your decision. In the past decade, the two seem to have had parallel ups and downs in price.
There's no substitute for the C/4 feel..... sounds fantastic, runs very strong, handles well, and is relatively easy to drive. The look is subjective, of course. I view the car as spectacular.

 

+1 to all the above.

You must drive them and dicide based on that. I would go so far as to say that alone. Because that is your reward in life. Not any meager monetary difference in appreciation. And I do feel it will be appreciation over ten years.

The clear winner however, in answer to your question is...



Boxer.

Hands down.


Pure Ferrari.

 

I own a Boxer, and it's a great car. From an investment point of view, however, the C/4 is going to be the winner, IMO. There were only 500 C/4s made, versus roughly 2,300 Boxers of all varieties.

Plus, the C/4 is viewed as a vintage car, while the Boxer is not, so much.

However, the values of the two have tracked fairly closely over a long time, so who knows?

From a driving point of view, they are totally different. Apples to oranges.

 

Its not rarity that makes cars valuable. Case in point: 246 Dino's.

It's the demand vs supply that makes them valuable.

If it were just supply, a good Yugo would be worth $1 million.

 

I would take the Boxer, although as others have said I think you'll lose money on either if you factor in maintenance, so calling one a "better investment" is dicey.

The 2+2 body styles have always been second best, IMHO, and in old cars aesthetics and rarity are especially important.

 

Get what you prefer. I'd take the Boxer. It's one of my favorite cars, ever. It's absolutely beautiful. 365GTC/4 2+2 is a great car nevertheless.

 

A Dino on steroids?