Hi all Here's a question for all the more learned 3x8 fans out there - if you had a 1989 328 GTS in mint condition and a 1976 308 GTB (fibreglass) in rough cosmetic, but mechanically solid condition, and were considering making space in your garage, which car would you keep and why??? Factors that come to mind are likely appreciation, servicing costs, reliability, etc, etc.... Comments?? Thanks Ken
The glass 308 will appreciate more than a 328. But it will cost more to make it look nice as cosmetics are not cheap.
Easy - the glass 308 is now a card-carrying limited production, rare, collectible classic car, so just on that point alone it makes it the obvious choice. If it was an early steel carb car vs. a 328, then you'd have more of the do-you-like-apples-more-than-oranges question, as some prefer the rawness of the earlier carb cars, while the 328's are more modern and user-friendly. But a glass 308?? That's a keeper! When you decide to have it painted, find a paint shop that does Corvettes; contact your local (?) Corvette mechanic / sales shop - they'll refer you. My experience is that fiberglass (I'm also a Lotus owner) is cheaper to get done than steel, assuming you find a shop that works with it often. The factory used a TON of body filler on the steel 308s, and is a tricky car to paint properly. I believe the glass body is more uniform than than the steel panels and will be easier to paint.
Depends on if you plan to drive, show or store. The 328 is the better performing car. The 308 likely will be worth more when all is said and done 20 years from now, but the 328 won't be far behind -- given general trends towards the "value of power." The downside of fiberglass (coming from a guy who has owned seven Corvettes,) is that even if you restore it properly, it will get stress cracks if you continue to drive it hard (or if you have a big engine (like a 427, like my departed '69 Corvette Convertible,) or a particularly flexible chassis, like a Lotus Elan.) They are your cars, so whatever you choose will be the right decision!
Thanks for all your comments - the cars are quite different and I will in all likelihood hang onto both. There is a Daytona out there that is VERY tempting however I doubt if it will give me as much fun as my two 3x8's. Kind regards Ken
