Hi folks, New to the forum and UK based. Looking at treating myself over next 12 months to a 308. Have owned and run lots of classic cars over the past decades however a 308 would be the ultimate for me as I've always admired them! I'd like to keep the budget realistic with an entry level car. Would consider an ex US LHD if this is more cost effective but would like to seek your advice on options to source a car along with realistic values Will read through the forum however any advice would be much appreciated
Welcome Have a good read as there's a huge amount of prior knowledge here (albeit much is not really UK-centred) and then see what queries spring to mind If you can get a carb that should be a preference Do you plan to move now for this summer or is next spring is more likely ?
Thanks, appreciate the advice. I was aiming towards an injected car mainly as they appear to be at entry level in terms of budget. I'd like to acquire the best example I can but leave some funds for maintaining the car. Timescale wise I could pounce on something straight away however I'm currently working on my Triumph GT6 project which I would like to complete and move on to give me the garage and driveway space. That's a running and driving car that I just need to recommissionin and tidy up. I'm enjoying working on the GT6 but would like to keep my eye and knowledge on where I'm aiming. Likely to be next spring on that basis unless something really good turns up that's too good to refuse !!
I found this 83 QV here on FChat Ad, I don’t if it’s sold or not, doesn’t say it’s sold so maybe still available, also not sure if this is within your budget. Check this out: https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/1983-308-gtsi-qv-available-for-purchase.596152/
Thanks Mike, I'm looking in the region of something like the below https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C991187 This is pretty much where I'm at in terms of budget / spec etc It's not too far from home so may take a tentative look! Would be interesting to know what that car would cost purchased within the USA, add shipping etc and whether it's worth me sourcing direct from the USA or holding on for a car already within the UK
Given the current pound’s value vs the dollar I don’t think you could import a similar car in that condition for 45 GBP assuming you negotiate a few grand off. You’d have to buy it, transport to a port, ship it for less than $47k then pay 20% Vat and possibly 10% import duty to be less than 45 GBP. Not going to happen currently... the numbers don’t add up while you can find nice US cars over there at that price. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Good points! If you are keen to shop here in the States, you'd need to start with your final landed budget number, back out the various taxes and transport costs, so to arrive at an initial US purchase price. Once you can give us that number, we can then be in a better position to steer you towards this car or that. Like mine, for instance, which might then become available: https://s1152.photobucket.com/user/dave80gtsi/library/1980%20308%20GTSi?page=1 Thanks - DM
Keep an eye on this to get an idea of the current UK market for US cars - then subtract ten grand for the horrid bumpers and i to get an idea to the value of the car you linked https://www.historics.co.uk/buying/auctions/2019-05-18/cars/ref-44-1979-ferrari-308-gts/ Actually it may even be tempting to go look at it and/or buy There seems to have been an upturn in 308 values recently - at the Silverstone sale last May a couple of US 308 made 30/35 ish
Folks, Thanks so much for the great advice so far. In essence I'll concentrate on cars already imported into the UK and seek to have a look at the car I linked as a benchmark. I'll also keep an eye on auctions although purchase through a reputable dealer here in the uk would give me some additional peace of mind and comeback in the event of a serious issue arising shortly after purchase. I'm well versed in maintaining classic cars however don't have experience with Ferrari so would consider a prepurchase inspection also. I'll continue with research however grateful for any must have's or must not's advice to assist at this early stage!
Hi there, just a little update in that yesterday I went and viewed the car linked above. Just a couple of hours drive from home and well worth it. The car was registered in New York then later moved to CA. Not very much history at all other than a carfax print, one side printed summary from a previous owner describing condition and a receipt for belts and idlers service back in the US a couple of years back but very little mileage covered since. Car was imported in 2017 and I saw in the history a sheet suggesting advertised price of $40,000. In Itself the car was clean and tidy, no major body or interior defects. Tyres all old and would need changing before any road use, engine bay lived in rather that very clean. Radiator and hoses water tight but again would benefit from a refresh. To me one to these beauties should have some pretty serious history and maintenance carried out in its life. I got the impression that once pressed into use, that engine would probably want out of the car for a really good recommissioning. Really worthwhile viewing. I'm not ruling out sourcing direct from the USA (any tips in sites worth keeping an eye on would be appreciated) and also watching out for the auctions here in the UK.....
Most guys across the pond wish for a EU spec regarding bumpers and sans anti smog gear. Also if you are handy or 1/2 handy with DIY projects or semi projects , most of the spares are readily available in the U.K. So for me I would hunt down a carb modal . I bought mine ( 208 GT 4 ) last July are the Brooklands auction event .Suddenly fell for the Bertone style . It needed new suspension bushes and bit of fettling re the radio .Easy stuff really . It was an Italian import and had all the major mechanical stuff invoiced @ a well known west London official service centre . So it was and still is a good runner etc . Having said that I can see why a i in 308 terms are tempting price wise , but remember theses are 40 + year old classics now . Tbo shocking at first compared to 2019 cars in terms of refinement, but nether the less exciting drives . Performance cars they ain’t hence I was not fussed with a 2.0 L . I drive abroad a lot so the LHD for me in the U.K. is a none issue . Have you thought of looking in Italy for a 208 GTB or better a 208 Turbo ? - importing it back to the U.K. Buy a good runner with recent history.
Have you routinely driven a LH-drive (US) car in the UK? If you are not used to such a thing and UNLESS this will be a collector car as opposed to a regularly driven car, I suggest you buy an existing RH-drive car. I have a friend with several RH-drive cars in the US and he never drives them because of the "difficulty" in operating them in the opposite environment for which they were made. I have driven his RH cars on occasion - and I just can't see it from a practical point of view. Of course, if you are already comfortable with that opposite configuration and switching back and forth, then I guess it's not really an issue. IOW, if you routinely drive your RH UK car in Europe, I guess that sort of thing is "normal" for you!
Hadn't considered a 208 however will expand my searches and review what's available. To be honest the US bumpers don't bother me too much but I have seen some utube content where conversion is carried out to the slimmer euro / uk bumper assemblies. LHD is great for me in the uk, I used to run an '86 Trans Am as a daily driver and I regularly drive in mainland Europe so no issues there. My good lady also is not phased being on the "wrong side". I just felt having reviewed the market that I could achieve more for my budget by opting for a US derived GTSi (definitely want the open roof experience).
