Not many 3x8 for sale

I agree. I've been on the hunt for a clean gtb (in any color but white), and the current offerings online (in the US at least) seem to be limited to pretty rough early models with very high asks.

 

GTB’s are kind of the holy grail of the US 308 market. My first Ferrari was an 84 GTB and if I remember correctly there were only 14 imported into the US in 84. I Think the most imported for any single year was something like 23? (referring to the Quattrovalvole model)

 

I think the 308/328 have reached the point where they're no longer the "entry" car -- the 360 is. The 3x8s are with people who want that car, not the badge. This means that ownership tenure is longer, with less turnover, and thus less for sale.

Also, selling a Ferrari is a pain in the butt in the best of times, and these aren't the best of times to allow strangers near.

 

I do have to remember that, which is why I have since broadened my search to consider just about any gtb that isn't bianco.

 

You probably already know this but Ferrari didn’t start rust proof coating (Galvanizing?) on 308 body panels until 1983 so watch closely for rust issues on earlier models. Search is half the fun!

 

What's interesting is that I believe your car was 49461 which was a 1984 but was the 2nd GTB built for that model year and didn't have the rust proofing. It started during the following month of production.

 

+1

The hormone-fueled 15 year olds who watched Magnum p.i. have now just reached the age of maximum purchasing power.

I think it is true; the current owners probably have dreamed and planned for a long time. They did not buy their 308s on a whim like some initial owners may have done. Current owners bought a “keeper” car.

 

Wow, had no idea. Thanks for mentioning that!

 

R&T's first US QV test car in the Aug 83 isue was a B. Had a deep front airdam option too. I have always wondered what happened to that car because it wouldn't be too terribly difficult to identify. I mean it had to be one of the VERY first QV GTB's over here considering the test had to be done and written probably 3 months before the issue was published. I got mine at the Charleston, WV airport in late July that year when I was coming home from visiting my grandparents. So the test was in April 83? It would take about a month to get the car here from the factory after it was completed so assume Mar 83 manufacture date. Maybe (early) April at the latest.

How many red tan 1983 US QV GTB's with a deep front airdam built in Mar or earlier are there? That kinda narrows the field a bit doesn't it? I wouldn't be surprised if it is in the garage of someone reading this now who may not know it.

 

January 84

 

So a December 83 and earlier 308 is suspect. Jan on is safe. Certainly by Feb.

So shop Feb 84 and later....

 

Yep. If I remember right, 49461 was December 1983 car and rustproofing wasn't actually done until Jan 1984 as Dr Tommy mentioned.

 

If anyone sees a project 308 for sale (no engine needed, GTB preferred), let me know.

 

It started in October or November 1983 for the 512BB, and in January 1984 for the 308s. No date or first chassis number given.
If the car's date of production is end January 1984 or February 1984, you're good.
(didn't saw Dr Tommy's post before posting myself, but we are in agreement; should someone want more precise information about the "Zincrox" process, please refer to the 288GTO presentation brochure, the process is described in detail here)

Rgds

 

My 308 is a Jan build #50045. VIN plate has Jan 84 on it

According to the factory the completion date was Jan 30th so hopefully mine got the protection.

 

Its pretty easy to tell if you have Zink protection. at the front of the car - each wheel well section clean off the portion that the top or bottom wishbones are connected to the chassis. you should come to a green/gray color under the paint. use a scrubby, and some grease remover... I found that out when I was cleaning the car up on jack stands after I hit the carcass of a deer on a PA highway..... I just had years of gunk accumulated there along with some deer guts.....also you can check for the same color at the rear bulkhead cross member just before the front headers - by the fuel filter. or under the front where the access panel is for the proportioning valve - usually, that does not get too much gunk build up... but you can see the undercoating. the cars were dipped and baked. you may see some streaks as well.

 

Really great information, all. I have been away in air-cooled land for some time and have just returned to the site. @sherpa23, you gave me some sage advice back in the early 2000s(!) regarding cycling and it's nice to see you are still here.

 

This GTB is on sale now:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1988-ferrari-328-gtb-2/



Sent from my iPad using FerrariChat

 

Location in video sure is familiar. Car with accoutrements presents well.
I expect the new owner will be very satisfied.

 

Agree, the 360 is now the poor man's Ferrari... well that and the ever struggling Mondial's

 

The seller of that car claims that a "major service" (as opposed to a belt service) on a 328 is so simple that it requires only 3 to 4 hours of labor and about $250 in parts and the cost of both parts and labor is about $1,000. He claims he knows many competent shops that will do a 328 major for that price. And when challenged on that assertion he doubled down on his claim. What a joke!

 

How about the 355's?

 

I have a saying about the 355, when asked why I didn't buy one: "I could afford to buy a 355. I wasn't sure I could afford to own one."

Also applies to the 458, now that I think about it...

 

The worst is the 348.

Similar maintenance costs to a 355 (engine out for belts, etc) but you get a much, much less desirable car for all the effort.