355gts

Yep, stores in the car right behind the seats. It requires a little flip around once removed, and rests against the rear wall with the pegs securing into two holes on the floor. I'll go snap a pic in a second for you.

 

Here ya go, took a few...
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How much wind "sealing" and weather protection does it provide? Comparisons in those areas vs. 308/328/348? Were there ongoing improvements that ewere effective? I ask because I love my 355 Spyder but also the idea of a Berlinetta is often more practical..is the GTS truly a nice compromise option offering the pluses of the coupe with just a little blue sky when you want?...or is it leaky, noisy and a poor compromise offering only a little blue sky. Jack of all & master of none I guess I'm asking?

Thanks...nice topic..

Chris

 

In our experience with this car, the top seals nearly perfectly. Along the front seal with the windshield frame and the rear, the seal is 100% perfect, never a water leak or excessive noise or whistling along the seals. The seal with the side windows is pretty good as well--though while washing however a few drops might sneak their way through and run down the windows on the inside, though no drenching or any such excessive leaking. And, note, this is while washing with a hose spraying directly onto the window.

I have no experience in a Berlinetta or Spider, but as far as noise in comparison to the Spider, I can't imagine it being any louder than a ragtop and I think it does a decent job muting out exterior noise, though it's not quite quiet either.

I have noticed a few squeaks among the rubber seals with the top on when taking it out at first, but this goes away once driving and they "settle" on eachother. I don't find it annoying at all, and IMO a tiny compromise for the open top benefits of the GTS and the aesthetics of the C-pillars/"buttresses" and open-top look.

 

Mine seals perfectly, not a drop of water or a hint of wind leaking through. I'm pretty dilligent about treating the rubber with gummi phledge (BMW product) and it keeps the seals in great shape.

There is some squeeky before the car warms up, but then it largely goes away.

Not shown in the pics here, there is also a vinyl cover that goes over the top when stored behind the seats. Besides keeping the top clean, it prevents the top from banging into the back seat when you are driving. If you look at a GTS for a purchase, look for that cover to be included or negotiate accordingly.

 

Nice carbon roof. The small rubber pads on the latch were squeeking on my car and a small peice of black felt totally stopped the noise.

The GTS is a great car, it seems like most of the 3X8 series were GTS cars. It seems strange that so few 355 GTS cars were made.

Ken

 

I was amazed to find that the cover for the top when stowed behind the seats was actually cheap from the dealership. I have seen them listed for several hundred dollars on eBay, but it was only approx $60 from the dealer. It is a good investment for longer trips when any rubbing against the seatback may add up to scuffing the leather. Particularly on the passenger side which is often back farther than the drivers seat. I would definitely use one all the time if I had a painted top.