Looking for an older GT4, Esprit, or NSX

Jordan, are you gonna replace the Mustang? Oh no!

 

Congrats Jordan - Good luck in your search!

 

Jordan I had a Lotus and the older ones are a nightmare in reapairs.
The GT4 sounds like your best bet in that price range, plus the whole family can go out together and everyone here can help you finding out info on repairs and parts. The lotus is very fast and fun, Byron will probably be able to give you more info on the NSX. The other option is to finance the vehicle, you can get used car financing at 5.89% on a 5 year with no money down.

 

Finance Jeffrey's or Senna's 355!

 

I’m posting this for a friend.

He has owned this '81 308 since '85 and has invested
~ $60K into it. He has finally decided to get out of
it since he dosen’t do any of the work himself and the
current shop it is at wants $20-30K to finish it.

This is the perfect car for the mechanic who knows
308’s and has the tools to reassemble it. The car has
the entire engine/power train installed with no
further work necessary(probably need new cam belts
again), basically it needs the listed missing parts
installed as well as the interior(which is
new/complete). Owner (at this point) wishes to sell
the entire car as a project car-and not to part out.

The owner lives in Minnesota and the car is at a
Ferrari specialist shop in Wisconsin. The car(at this
point) will remain at the shop untill sold. It will be
the buyers responsibility to obtain the car from the
shop.

He is looking for offers over $10K, he would
probably take the first $15. If interested contact
me(Bob) at [email protected] and I will forward
you his(Jim's) phone number for specifics. The
following is what I remember about the car:

GIVEN-

1981 308 Ferrari.49774 actual miles.Last started
5years ago.
*All new cambelts
*Air conditioner rebuilt
*Suspension; disassembled/cleaned, replated where
necessary,Koni shocks revalved-original,ball
joints/tie rod ends all new/ steering column
reconditioned.
*Interior; all new Broadcloth-headliners/back deck.All
new Conelly leather seats/trim panels etc.
*Paint; car stripped to metal repainted stock red.
*Wheels; all wheels repowder coated as stock & new
center hubs, new tires.

MISSING
* Both passenger & driver side windows & electric
motors
* Horn & horn compressor
* 4 wheel well skirts

 

Since you know where to go go for 308 GT4 info...

Espirit "Editions" - Production Runs, Availability, Reliability, Summaries
http://www.lotusespritworld.com/EBuying/which.html

Other useful resources

http://www.espritfactfile.com/
http://lotus.roadfly.org/lotus/forums/esprit/
http://www.lotusenthusiasts.org/Home.asp
http://www.travelhead.com/cars/lotus/

Long live the long-lived Esprit

 

I'm scared to think what a $15k NSX looks like, and imho, any pre-89.5 esprit is a waste of $$$...

If it were me, I'd be looking for an older 911 for that kind of money.

fwiw-

 

Definately go for the GT4!!!! (OK, I'm biased)


Though, honestly, I'm not sure what you'll be able to get for around $15k. For some info, I bought mine about 1.5 years ago for $18000. I then immediately put in another ~$6000 for the 30k service (belts and valves), installation of electronic ignition, Stebro exhaust, and a few other odds and ends. Since then I've put in a bunch more money, but on upgrades (stuff like wheels, new leather for the seats, ultimate pedals, assorted tools, etc.) But, prices have depreciated since, so maybe you will get lucky.

Anytime you want to chat about GT4's feel free to shoot me an e-mail and I will send you my phone #. Maybe we can schedule another GT4 drive...

In the meantime, I will be on the lookout. BTW, one other suggestion is to call around the various service/repairs shops and ask if they know of any customers that may be willing to sell their car. I did that when I was looking for my Alfa, and got a great one.

Dom

 

Not sure. Will be at the Meguiars-Ferrari detail event. Before hand, may go to crystal cove, or may meet at the coffeebean. Not sure what everyone wants to do?

Are you up for the detail event?

Dom

 

I paid 24k for my 90SE (first of the intercooled Esprit's) shipping included to Denver from San Diego. Car was mint with 39k miles and major service just completed. Tough to beat an NSX as a driver though. Quite a few more NSX's out there to choose from also. I was constantly torn between the two. Just couldn't find a clean white NSX in my budget. No regrets though... the Esprit's performance is truly amazing! Good luck in your hunt!

Craig

 

What, no Mondial 8 or 3.0 coupe? Jordan, I'm soooooo offended....

Okay, so what, a fully loaded 18 wheeler would beat you in 0-60 times, but they ain't no Ferrari

 

you can get a nice 3.2 coupe in the low 20's...come on, spring for one - no one in the Fchat group has a Mondial coupe. Already got a couple of GT4s!

 

Jordan

I can't help you with the rest of your search but for the NSX check out www.nsxprime.com . I have been on the board for a few years and it is a GREAT source for info and to find cars for sale in the sale section.

Expect to pay 28-32K for the early 91/92 models in good condition.

 

Hey Jordan,

as lafun pointed out, nsxprime is a good resource for your search for NSX. Let me know more details on what you're looking for (year, color, budget..), I would be happy to keep my eyes out for you. Also, I think you can't beat the reliability and relatively easier and more economical cost in maintaining and owning the NSX.

 

Jordan -

I honestly don't know that you'll have much luck finding an NSX you'd want for $25K. Well maintained, relatively un-molested 3.0L cars are still trading in the $30K range.

I can't speak from personal experience, as I've never owned an English car, but I'd be shocked if the NSX wasn't worlds better than the Lots from an ergonomic and reliability standpont.

 

Jordan -

www.f40.com has a green 308GT4, 40k miles, Tubi, $24,500

www.gullwingmotorcars.com has a red 308GT4, 33k miles, $17,500

 

Wow, I love the green color. Definately unusual (I think it would also look great in a boxer scheme). Definately should be worth checking into.

Don't know anything about the car at gullwing, but the low price scares me a little. I will probably be in Long island late june/early july, if it is still there, I can probably go out to check it out.

Dom

 

I love it too Dom...hell, I'm thinking of getting it !

Jordan, email me offline about a lead on an NSX (my former car)

 

There is a yellow one on Ebay in Arizona. Same interior color scheme as my car. Don't know anything about this car, but it never hurts to call.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2474680068&category=6212

Dom

 

From the photos, the car looks fairly well worn out. Bidding is at around $14,500, but it's ebay, so who knows how many of those bids are real. I would give these guys a call, maybe you can find out more.

I would also definately call the guys who have the green one. It's a long ways away, but it looks pretty nice from the photos.

Dom