OK - I know similar topics have been posted in the past, but figured I'd put a fresh one out there for comment. What would the current market value be for a '98 Berlinetta Red / Tan, 6 spd., 13K miles, recent major (2011), stock guides and headers, and Tubi, assuming compression/leakdown checks out well?
Value? $60K+ Want to sell it? $52K Want to sell it NOW- $49K I assume you are the buyer- All of those awful dealers on ebay are holding out for mid $50s on a tired car- really clean low mileage cars with service histories and less than 2 owners are asking in the mid $60s... But a GTb with 6 speed in red/tan is a rare bird- and the only other one I know of was asking $69K- Who's selling?
Is your statement that the guides and headers have been replaced, or that the guides and headers are from the factory as delivered?
The car in question is not formally for sale but in a local collection. I am working on determining what would be a reasonable figure to have in mind should my discussions with the owner progress (everything is for sale, right?). Maybe in 30 years when these 355's are sought after like 275GTB's are today will it be > $100K....
The guides and headers are as original, from factory (not replaced/updated). I believe with regard to the guides that it was sometime in 1998 that Ferrari had transitioned into the newer/non-bronze guides, but not sure if there is an official time period / assembly number when that occurred, so it may or may not be a potential issue.
The best info i have heard is by 99 all the guides were changed- so i would imagine late 98s would be the same- This info from the former head of Ferrari tech NA. but who knows what the truth is. If there was ever a car on the planet that needed a good and thorough PPI prior to purchase- it's a 355! I would think any 98 still running stock headers is do for new headers...period.
Agreed! Having had 2 recent PPI's done on other cars, it is an essential part of the search. Hopefully someday soon I will have a car and will then plan to do a fairly thorough write up of my experiences (good / bad / indifferent) with the search - sure has been interesting.
Too high these days. Maybe, but a buyer holds all the cards here. Still too high for today. Only offer close to $50k IF everything is in fantastic shape and checks out. The major, headers, cats and sticky bits can easily steal $20k out of your pocket at any given moment.
Thanks for the comments thusfar. If those who have indicated "$50K max" know of a car like this that would sell at $50K, please let me know (and don't tell anyone else).
I have noticed a drop in availability of the desired 6-speed non-spyders. The "best time" to by an example may be closing. Spyders and F1 cars still seem to be plentiful.
You're wholly unrealistic about GOOD cars. the GOOD cars are changing hands privately for very stout numbers- NOT ebay cars and NOT autotrader cars and NOT craigslist cars. Immaculate late production Red/Tan Berlinettas are getting very good money- I know of several that are in the process of changing hands WELL into the $60s. Call a few of the better known Fcar specialists and ask them...
I agree. I have said it before and I will say it again. As the 355 gets older the spread of "market value" or actual selling prices will continue to widen between the less and more desired model/color/condition cars.
The cars that sell for $40s or low $50 do so because people are frightened to DEATH of 355s and 348s and 456s... worried about the expense to run and maintain them. Known cars from enthusiastic owners or reputable Fcar dealers are not cheap- I've been offered $10K more than the numbers discussed here on several occasions. Ask Doug at Switchcars or Mike at F40 for a clean well maintained 98 or 99 355 Berlinetta for $50K- They'll politely tell you to shop elsewhere.
