For someone who loves these cars, does anyone have some buyers advice? I own other models but have always wanted one of these and I think the time for the targa is now.
You will not find many F355 GTS for sale very often. About 1 or 2 every 8 weeks. So when you find a nice one. You will have to move quickly. They are a lot of fun and worth the search. Robb
I wanted a B, but ended up with a GTS. I don't take the top off much, but it's quite enjoyable when I do. Almost like having two cars in one. I will say that I have never tried to stuff that top behind the seats. My car also has the painted roof which from a distance makes the car look like the B. As far as purchasing, Rob is correct. There never seem to be many GTS's on the market.
When I was looking I would have been happy with a Berlinetta or a GTS. I ended up with a GTS and I'm more than happy. Truth is, even though I live in an area with some of the best weather in the world I don't take the top off as often as I should, but when I do it really is a different experience (in a good way). I'm 6'1", and storing the top behind the seat is no problem. I do have to sit a fraction closer than I do with the roof on (literally one click of the seat adjustment) - no big deal. The roof can easily be removed and stored by one person in a couple of minutes. Overall I think for me it's the best option. I think the Berlinetta looks the best, but the GTS is virtually indistinguishable if it's got the painted roof. I don't track the car seriously or drive like a nutter so don't notice any difference in performance either. It's a win / win as far as I'm concerned. Good luck!
I take mine off most of the time. It sounds 100% better that way plus the wind and sun; it's the complete experience.
Amen to all that has been correctly pointed out before. Also: the 355 F1 GTS/F355 GTS is the last targa ever made by Ferrari and the rarest version of the 355/F355. When I began searching for my 355, I wanted a GTS (and F1 - but that's another matter). Portugal is a small country and I managed to pull the trigger on the only GTS on sale. Since September, only ONE such car emerged, so indeed you need to move fast without cutting corners. I don't stow the roof behind the seats, I leave it in my garage (southern European weather in the Spring and Summer time is pretty predictable and reliable). It is indeed like having two cars. You also listen to the engine sing better and louder. With the roof on, over time and bumpy roads, it may begin to rattle a bit, which can easily be fixed with a good lubricant. Mine was built in May 1998 and is rattle free. Kind regards, Nuno.
Depending on transmission production was ~ 2048 6 speed ~ 577 F1. If you want the factory painted top its even rarer. I waited well over a year for mine. You will not be disappointed it is a special Ferrari of its time.
Red/Tan GTS 6sp was the only version I truly wanted. Took me 9 months to find the right one. Well worth looking for. I love this car. I leave the top off virtually all of the time, but DO store it behind the seats in case I should want it. All of the F355's are great cars if properly cared for. The GTS was the one that spoke to me. ------------------- J.R. Image Unavailable, Please Login
On another note, the GTS will leave you with less headroom. I am 6'1" and I have to lean way back in my Berlinetta to avoid brushing the headliner. Italian style, baby. The GTS has an extra structural bulkhead right over your head, to mount the targa top.
I do not think the gts has less headroom than a b? Can anyone confirm? Also, how much more headroom does gts and b have over a spider and can you move seats back further and redline the back further?
There's also a canvas fold up roof that fits on the rear parcel shelf. Good for up to 100 mph I think. This way the hard top can be left at home, the seat then pushed all the way back and you still have a roof in case of rain.
