Santa brought a 355!!!!

Edit - I was using the username Ferrariless...Thanks admin Rob for graciously changing it for me!

As the title says, I'm the proud new owner of a yellow '99 355F1 GTB. It was delivered yesterday, just in time for Xmas!

First off, thanks to Robbie (285Ferrari), Gothspeed and others for answering many questions I had leading up to the purchase. Before deciding this was the one I read many threads here over the past few months (actually used the search function!).

So here's the summary: it's fairly high mileage, 37k. Perfect for me, already depreciated for mileage so I can drive it! Has the sticky interior which I'll fix this winter. Also needs a clutch, SD2 says 106% worn. Another winter DIY. Came with a solid stack of maintenance records, last major was 3 yrs and 11k miles ago. I'm planning on waiting 1 more year for the belt change, still not sure if I'll tackle this myself. Had the full PPI done which the seller covered; compression was excellent as was leakdown. For options I have the challenge grill, Euro clear turn signals, and the real fender badges inset into the metal fenders (nice!!). Side bolsters are nice, especially considering the mileage.

Here's some additional random thoughts for guys going through the purchase process now: I was looking at older 355's to keep cost down. But the more I looked, the more 'issues' I found with misc. things not working, etc. And that valve guide issue was always in the back of my mind. Then I found this '99 for about $8k more than I was looking at for a '95 - deal in my book! I do work in the auto industry and have seen how many lessons learned get implemented in later models, details which aren't known outside of the manufacturers walls. So again considering that as well, this was my ideal car.

I never saw this car in person before buying; saw many pics, had the PPI done, and a trusted coworker saw it for me while there on business. And I never drove the F1 tranny before either, John from exotic car transport was gracious enough to give me a lesson in the parking lot! So far, I love it. I drive a 6-spd every day (and autox it too). The F1 is totally different, and am totally glad I have it.

This is my dream car, and my plan is to enjoy it. For 20 yrs dreamed of having a Ferrari in my garage, now I can't believe it's there! I'm one of those who says don't wait to pay cash - if it's your dream AND you can swing it financially, don't wait - finance it and enjoy it as soon as possible.
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Thanks guys; it's almost the same as Robbies, but won't be making a run yet for 'Cleanest 355'. Come springtime watchout!

DaveM - I'm up in Bristol, next to ESPN. Shoot me a PM if you're ever up this way.

Other plans for the winter include:

Wheel spacers for the wider stance look. Are the spacers on Ebay good enough?

New gas springs - engine cover doesn't stay up when cold.

If the weather stays nice I'll get some family portrait pics of my 3 toys together, the 355, a '69 Firebird conv. and the STi daily driver.

 

Yes, that's the one I have now from Orlando. Can't wait for some good New England weather now to enjoy it!