How about this... In 10-15 years, the 355 will be worth more than the previous or the following model (348, 360)
I hope not! Well at least until i buy mine, lol. With a Berlinetta 355 F1 being my dream car (500 or so produced) I would love to buy one before they climb astronomically in value.
So far the only collectible "baby Ferrari" has been the Dino. All the other ones in my opinion ..... there are too many around to become "very special" in our lifetime.
I would agree, as time marches on, the prices will go up. Will they be as desirable as Daytonas or Dinos, I doubt it. But as for a nice clean sports car, I definately think they will appreciate. Look at early Porsche 911s, early Datsun Z cars, Toyota 2000GT etc...
That is an awfully big assumption --- I would change the "when" to an "if", and even then, I would say it's an extremely long shot. IMHO, the 308 has just as much chance (perhaps more) of becoming collectible as the 355, as it was just as innovative and significant for its time. And, it hasn't yet become collectible although it is now hitting that typical 30+ years of age. Also, I wouldn't necessarily bet the 355 spider would be more valuable than the Berlinetta version. Historically, with models that HAVE become collectible, the more valuable variants were the ones which were built in fewer numbers. And 355 spiders were built about 10 to 1 over the Berlinettas.
I think that's the best indicator. In terms of production numbers, who knows how that will play out. Look at how many Jaguar XKE (E-Types) were made. Over 38,000 series 1. They certainly are considered a collectible car. So in another 25 years, they may be collectible.
I still think the 355 spider is one of the best looking cars of all time. I loved it from the moment I saw my first one. The 360 and especially the 430 had to grow on me. Both of them are still better looking than the 430 IMO and I own a 430! I agree that there were probably too many built to become a collector's item. It will be a while if that happens.
I have always found it a strange phenomena, that when ever there are 355s for sale at inflated prices. Its always current 355 owners that talk down or slate the prices being asked for? Its like we are our own worst enemy. Surly this is not and will not ever help the cause. I say that if there are 355s with big price tags and they sell, thats got to be a good thing. Some one had to be the first to sell there Dino at over £100,000, and i am sure the Dino community never got together to slate the seller. But instead supported and cheered the £100,000 sale. They knew they had something very special and it had little to do with how many were produced.
I agree with you to a point, but there seems to be either buyers that are in the market or 348/360 owners that really try to beat the price down and discredit any sale that is not dirt cheap as not real. F355s with the major issues addressed properly as stated above must be worth more than those that have been neglected. They will always point to a sale in the high $30s and low $40s as market, but dismiss a legitimate sale either from a dealer or private party in the high $60s as not real. I really don't have a dog in this fight, as I plan on keeping mine for a long time, the last 4 years with it have been fantastic and the newer ones other than the 458 really do not do much for me.
given the fact that before the bottom fell out of the economy 348's had been rising in value for about 3 years...
these cars are used cars for now and for years to come. i think we've still got 20 years before we can seriously discuss the collector value of a 355. that's a really loooong time. best thing an owner can do now is enjoy the car as is, maintain it, and wait a couple decades.
The Serie Fiorano is the only F355 that I would consider to be a future collectible (and I'm using that term loosely). IMO, the GTS is the most desirable F355 variant.
It seems a common opinion, even of the Porsche crowd that the 355 is regarded similarly to the 993. A 996 is arguably a "better" car but lacks the timeless looks of the 993. So maybe not collectible in the sense that they will all end up in a bubble, but desirable because of the way it looks and drives.
I agree with you, hopefully we will benefit from the same outcome. If you look at 993 Turbo vs. 996 Turbo the value difference is significant. I think the driving experience is more engaging as well; just like the 993 vs. 996 analogy. I prefer the last of the classic Ferrari 3X8 shape to the newer 360/430 shape and I think it will age more gracefully (pop-up headlights and all) as the new 458 is really dating the design of the 360/430. Time will tell, but it will be fun driving the F355 in the meantime!
