355 Spider vs GTS vs GTB

In the word of a Counselor "asked and answered"

 

and we're off....

 

2 examples from the same era that disprove your assertion:

1 - 993 Porsche 911s. Cabrios go for far less than coupes.
2 - e36 BMW M3s. Convertibles go for less than coupes or even sedans.

 

At some point values of spiders (in great condition) will likely normalize with the current difference with it's brother and sister the Berlinetta and GTS. So buyers could realize big upside buying now and selling later at a hopefully higher price. They are gorgeous cars.

Do a search on the F355 Spider top (topics) here through google.

Many spider owners love their cars and do not run into problems with the top operation. If the car is well maintained, issues with the top or other quirks with the model are reduced.

That being said, many reputable mechanics will tell you that fixing a broken top can be a pain primarily because of the seat potentiometers. The top operation requires certain steps and conditions to be correctly set up for easy and proper operation. Some owners convert their top operation to manual like the earlier 348 to head off any potential gremlins.

I'd be interested in the right spider but currently love our other 3 cars. So just do some research and take your time in finding the right car for you.

I'm not sure that the F355 spider is the only car where the coupe can be worth more. I see this also happening with certain Porsche's, aston martin's, BMW's and other Ferrari's among a few.

Robb

 

I can think of a few reasons....

Reliability & maintenance costs of electric roof (although you can do a manual conversion)
Heavier/slower, but not by much (290kph vs 295kph)
Body rigidity (scuttle shake)
I suppose convertibles aren't as secure as other types (from a theft point of view)

The rest is probably just down to personal taste in styling (and, as Jeremy Clarkson once commented... on how good looking you are). I keep my top up for obvious reasons

(EDIT Robb beat me to it)

 

Any video links to a converted F355 spider to manual operation or showing the steps on a manual 348 top?

Could be eye opening to those that have less experience with the drop tops.

Robb

 

Spider tops aren't really all that unreliable. The major issue seems to be the seat potentiometers which, in the scheme of things are that expensive. Body rigidity is supposed to be better than the GTS, though I have no personal experience with the GTS. Also, GTBs being more expensive than spiders is really a more recent phenomena. And again, as Robb pointed out the prices will probably equalize over time. But lets not fool ourselves. A spider in top notch condition with low miles isn't particularly cheap and lots of GTBs around at high dollar prices have been sitting for some time. Lastly, the last time I checked mobile.de spider prices were not all that different than the GTB, GTS will all three from the mid 60k to 100k euro, a few even higher.

 

Because berlinetta is safer?

http://images.ridemonkey.com/index.php?size=full&src=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FWpGYy.gif

 

No issues with my top, but I really cannot see the point in it being powered. It'd be so much quicker, lighter and generally better if you could just throw it back like in my old Spitfire.

 

That's great Jim!

Spider tops work just fine. Change the elastics. Seat pots are repairable if needed. Beyond that, it is no different than a lot of other issues with these cars (headers, vales guides, steering racks, etc.) Yjey are all part of owning this model.

Would you like to see the video of a properly operating spider top?

 

They don't have to be "that" unreliable in order to make the owner's life a living hell.
Same with F1 trannys.

 

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There are lots of things on these cars more problematic than spider tops and F1 trannys: headers, valve guides on earlier cars, cats, CV boots, steering racks/boots, leaking shocks. And while some may have an issue with a spider top, others will have issues with the cracking at the B pillar/ fender junction welds the on the GTB. What does it cost to have that fixed? There are positives and negatives with all these cars.

Really, what's the point? They are old cars. They will have issues. Apparently Europeans seem to get it. That's why prices there reflect condition more than model.

[edit] When I said spider tops are all that unreliable it should be interpreted as, "Not all spiders have top problems".

 

'63 Corvette coupe is worth more than convertible. As for the F355 the Spider is awesome!!

 

I should have broadened my description of maintenance... e.g. The previous owner of my car said the canvas tore in 3 places when his car was put on a hoist. The repairs were visible, but the purchase price of the car was adjusted for this. At some point I'll be up for a replacement (of the canvas/window). I bought an aftermarket roof on eBay for $999, but my local Ferrari convertible roof fitters won't touch those things. I can't make any sense of pricing for genuine replacements... $2,500 to $9,000 for a new canvas.... or $23,000 up to U$39,000 for a completely new roof?

Ferrari F355 M2.7 (1995) Parts : Table 115 - TOP -VALID FOR SPIDER-

Take care of those roofs

 

Ah, just a little hurt pride. If it was a B there would be a nice crease in the roof. Car probably totaled. Spider, just drive on.

 

^^ Not sure, looks KO'd to me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYuz3dyuh3I

 

again!

 

I still prefer the small rear window of the 355 Spider .... it looks more stealthy .. .... as was mentioned, it is sort of a 355 phenomena that the 355 Spider is lower priced at this time, especially since they were made in fewer numbers .. ...... however when compared to an Audi R8 Spyder .... the Spyder looks far more 'exotic' IMO .... and probably commands more dough too ..... but that said ...... the 355 Berlinetta does have a more racy appearance ....

 

Robb
I'm the one that made the video how to convert your 355 top to manual.I will see if i can find it and re/post it on Fchat.

 

I think its just a question of time for the spiders to catch up. Its almost always aligned with production numbers. But I may be wrong.