Here’s What It Has Cost Me To Run A Classic Ferrari For Three And A Half Years

Great article! (I believe the writer is a member here)
https://www.theautopian.com/heres-what-it-has-cost-me-to-run-a-classic-ferrari-for-three-and-a-half-years/

 

I thought it was a good article, well written, and it detailed most of the common faults/costs we find with our cars, although I've spent less for 10-year ownership than he spent for three, LOL. But as he says in the article you got to buy the right car to begin with, which is what I did, I took me 3 years to find the right one and she's been a fantastic Hot-Blooded Italian girlfriend!
I also spent 5 years reading everything that I could about our cars on this forum before I made the purchase. But no one really wants to read anymore so there's that!
Alden

 

He had me at: "sitting quite happily on uncongested European motorways at 80 mph" Oh, how I miss the days of uncongested freeways and being able to drive 80mph happily. We call that "California Dreaming" now. LOL

 

My first Ferrari was several years newer than that - an F430 - but I spent a LOT more than that in the first year.

I'd say he got off cheap!

Kevin

 

Thanks for reading! I do occasionally post here, but to be honest I haven’t really had cause to since I’ve got most of the niggles sorted. Anyway, glad you all enjoyed it, but sadly the car will be going up for sale soon once it’s ready (I need to wash it and get the door frames repainted).

 

Your car was featured on a Jay M video, wasn't it?
Alden

 

"Although the Ferrari is now over forty and doesn’t legally require an annual MOT test I figured it’s always prudent to get one done anyway."

 

Yes it was. Very nice guy. I drove his 550 as part of the collaboration.

 

And a great line!....................'Older Ferraris are not underbuilt cars constructed from week-old pasta sauce and communion wafers.'.

 

I think he got off ... light.

 

only way to drive a ferrari cheaply is not to drive it.

 

I wouldn't even call that "cheap"...

Kevin

 

Yes it was.

 

@JayEmm

 

Interesting article. I have a 308 GT4 so although this car is newer with injection instead of carbs it is not significantly different The original Ferrari oil spec was AGIP synthetic so don't understand why he can't use a modern synthetic. I use Shell . But it's not a massive price difference. He overpaid for his battery. I just bought a new one for £90. The last, same make lasted 5 years so pretty much par for the course.

Storage is a large cost, and I understand that as it is a major cost for me as I don't have room at home, but that would be the same for whatever classic he owns.

Capri 2.8L. I doubt it will cost him much less!

 

BTW I've spent a lot more than Adrian has on my car, but then that is over 11 years and 36K miles. But the car is now in better condition than it has been for probably nearly 40 years

 

I deliberately bought the best spec battery that would fit. There were cheaper ones available but for the sake of twenty or so quid it wasn’t worth bothering.

i’m sure i read on here that you can’t put synthetic in these engines. Again, another thing it’s not really worth skimping on.

The Capri won’t need to go to specialist for servicing and the parts will be a bit cheaper. That’s the saving. Plus i know those cars from a misspent youth.

 

Adrian - don't believe everything you read on here! Ferrari specced synthetic from new and that is what my trusted guys at QV, who have looked after my car for nearly 20 years, and many others, use.

Anyway enjoy your Capri 2.8. I know a couple of oeners local to me here in Berkshire. Great car. Where are you based? would be good to catch up if you are anywhere near

 

I’m in Kenilworth, in between Coventry and Leamington Spa.