Which 355 to buy and why?

Buy what suits your taste. If they're all within budget, don't split hairs on justifying cost versus what you really want.

GTB is better than the GTS or Spider, as it has a clean, closed top roofline, may not squeak over bumps (from the roof, anyway).

The GTS is better than the GTB or Spider, as it closely maintains the GTB roofline aesthetic when color-matched, and can be removed for an open-air experience.

The Spider is better than the GTB or GTS, as it is a true top-down environment, with all the scenic and aural immersion that comes with that config.

superior/inferior is a relative thing with respect preferences.

 

Yes, the 1995 Berlinetta is better than everything else, because I have one. But that is just for me. I can tell you that in a Spider, with the top down, and you go into a tunnel with the pedal smashed, there is no better feeling.
Buy the one that speaks to you. Save $10K for incidentals after the purchase.

 

If you want a 355 buy what you like. They are all great experiences to drive.

 

If interested in a 355 GTB manual in Rosso Corsa/tan (recent service, climate controlled, drives wonderfully), I know one for sale. He's an fchatter, but doesn't post often, and doesn't want to advertise it just yet.

 

I remember when i was looking for mine, I was set on a GTS. Then, by chance, i drove a 95 spider and fell in love with it.
I only use the car in the summer, and the experience of driving with the top down while fully exposed to the elements and engine note just cant be beat.

If you plan on tracking it.... get a GTB. Its stiffer than the others
If you plan on using the car all year, I personally would get a GTS....
If its just going to be a summer / weekend toy. get a spider as you really cant beat a top down drive on a nice summer morning......

 

For me, Berlinetta or GTS has the roofline that the Spider lacks.

But if that's not a big deal to you, a Spider will give you the most sensory overload in the actual driving.

My F1 Berlinetta is for sale if you're not dead set on a manual.

 

Only $10k?

 

I think he means $11K.

 

not including routine service cost

 

Simple, buy whichever one you like the most at the price point you can afford. It is your car, buy what you like, not what someone else likes.

 

I would love to have a 355 GTB with a 430 Scuderia motor +6 speed manual!