What would you choose and why?

No tranny swaps. Search the 400 forums here, it's been covered many times.

 

The only way to know what's right for you is to drive them.

The GTB/GTS is a stunningly sexy car. The very earliest carb cars and the last QV cars are sufficiently quick on the road if not particularly powerful.

The 365/412s are V12s. For many that's enough said. They're direct descendants of the 365GTC/4 which many consider the last real Enzo era car.

I own a GT/4 so take my comments here with a grain of salt. Its the least mechanically complicated car and despite the 2+2 configuration is a visceral experience. They are also user friendly in terms of maintence.
Styling is subjective. In the Ferrari community its unique Bertone styling is polarizing. Either you love it or you don't. The general public however don't have that prejudice and react very positively.
The back seats are small and awkward to access but I've had people back there willingly. They are useable.
In the end its a matter of personal preference. Get out there and drive them. When you find the right one you'll know it.
Enjoy the hunt.

 

The mid-engine V8's are very different from the V12's, especially the 400. Definitely drive one 400 and either 308/GT4 to figure out which does it for you, because you will definitely prefer one or the other.

I have a V12 now, but I absolutely loved my Mondial 3.2 V8. The 308's will give you a much more visceral experience, but the 400's are great cruisers. Can't go wrong with either the 308 or GT4 as long as you find a good one. The GT4's have aged well IMO (and I've always liked them).

You might also want to consider the Mondial, which in the same price range. The Mondial 8 was a bit problematic and strangled by air pollution requirements, but the later models (QV, 3.2, and t) are GREAT cars. I would say that the Mondial 3.2 gives you 328 mechanicals at a 308 price, but that sells the Mondial short as it is a great car in its own right.

Belt services every 3-5 years are an added expense on the V8's.

 

308 GTS/GTB. Drive one and you'll know why.

 

Pretty nice video of a 365 GT4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1Vklh2R398&feature=youtu.be

 

50% more of everything is an added expense on V12s.

The badge on the hood is an added expense on both.

 

Why not a Mondial in the V8 realm or a Testarossa/512TR V12s?

Given your shortlist, I'd jump on a 308 (fiberglass + Weber carburetors = + value).

Kind regards,

Nuno.

 

You sound young. Good. I would suggest you choose one that retains its value and get to know it. That way, you can step up or aside to something more pleasing without losing money for your effort. This is not the time to look at the car as an investment. It is the time for feelings. Just MHO.

 

The general consensus is that it's cheaper to pay the premium on an original manual 400.

Unless you're thinking of fitting a modern Getrag twin clutch.
(Although with 412 Nm torque, it'd likely over-stress a 6DCT450, and a 7DCL750 might cost more than the car. )
(And you'd want one with Ferrari's tune. Mercedes detunes the 7DCL750 until it has annoying lag.)

 

am looking at a 400i myself;just love the look and the GT form; for me none better out there - and still don't know why

 

308 GTB/GTS - In automotive design terms it is the personification of perfection!

Put it this way, back in the day, the 308 GTS gave Christie Brinkley a run for her money as to which was the sexier, the girl or the car? - Now that really is saying something for the design of the Ferrari!

 

It's actually the simplicity of the design lines that make it so appealing. It's quite understated and elegant, with no fussy detail whatsoever.

As uniqueness - I'm afraid not!

the Bitter motor company ripped of the design completely for their re-bodied Opel/Vauxhalls:
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Ouch!

 

If I am looking to buy one in between 328gts and a Tesstarossa what should I pick first

Tnopud


Envoyé de mon iPad en utilisant Tapatalk

 

Who cares, I still drool over the 400/412 cars.
Last time I saw a Bitter it was broken in a yard, thinking these 400/412 will be going up in price soon

 

Pierre why don't you ask Claude (godabitibi) he can help you out, I would be partial to 12 cyl but then its just me.

 

The thing about Italian cars is that you have to budget more than the purchase price.
You also have to budget for the maintenance.


The cars you list are very different market segments.
You have a "sporty" family car (GT4), a grand tourer, and a mid-engine corner carver.

A V12 will cost more to maintain. And it will burn more fuel around town.

But if you'll mostly be driving it on freeways, then I could see going for the V12 GT.
If you drive mostly around town, you'll want to go a bit lighter and sprightlier.

The 3x8 seating position takes getting used to.
Due to the placement of the front wheels, the seating is angled slightly, with your feet more inboard than your butt.
There's not a lot of room to squirm around.

When I first bought my 328, I used to bang my knee on the dash all the time.
Then I shifted position to heel & toe, and everything just dropped into place.
The car just fit like a glove.

 

I would go with the V12.... The sound alone is worth the price of admission.... However, The best choice is ...." ALWAYS BUY WHAT YOU LIKE!!!!!" Buy and enjoy....

 

Wow... I hadn't made the connection till you posted that.

328 GTS, in my opinion, for looks, reliability, reasonable maintenance costs and top-off option.

But... buy what turns you on.