Hi everyone, Since mid-September, I'm the proud owner of a 355 F1 GTS. Performed a thorough PPI with a seasoned Ferrari specialist of decades, the car passed with distinction. The car was known by many in the portuguese Ferrari community, as it's relatively small (the country is small and there were 529 units manufactured) and the car has 19'' Imola rims, it's black over tan (easily identifiable). Here's the thing: Car isn't a matching numbers. My Ferrari specialist worked on the car years ago when it belonged to the previous owner. Developed an oil pump failure (uncontained failure) which damaged other components. Engine was repairable, but the previous owner had a different philosophy and had more funds than knowledge and bought another engine from England. Original engine had done some 47.000km, new engine had about 16.000km. Questions: - I have a virtually new engine. The car is currently undergoing an engine out major (first thing I did when I bought it was driving from the dealer to the shop). No signs of wear and tear, the inside is indeed almost pristine, as one would expect a 16.000km engine properly cared for would be. It breaths health and sounds 200% healthy. The fact that the chassis number and engine number don't match will dimish value? Or the fact that my car's engine is in pristine condition will actually add value, should one day I sell? Didn't buy it thinking about selling, and I don't intend to in the foreseeable future, but I was left wondering... My Ferrari specialist told me he might be able to locate the guy who has the original engine, and should we agree on a fair price, there's the possibility of making my car a matching numbers again. Thing is: is it worth it? Is it worth to pay for the old engine, knowing I won't replace a new engine with the old engine (wouldn't make any sense imho), just in case I want to make it a matching numbers to sell one day? Is a matching numbers really that important, value-wise? Thank you all in advance for your time and input! Kindest regards, Nuno.
Today, matching numbers on a 355 is nothing more than a footnote. Condition is much more important. It is impossible to predict where values go in a couple decades. It might be worth much more one day with the original engine. How long do you expect to keep the car and what are your long-term plans for it? Do you have space for a "dust collector"? I wouldn't bother, just go drive the car.
If you have the money and a place to store it, go get the original engine. At the right price it would be a neat project if nothing else.
If you can get the OEM engine, I would. I am not sure in the Ferrari world how a non matching engine effects value as you don't hear about it that often. In the GM, Ford, Chrysler world matching numbers can effect values on old muscle cars significantly. Did you know the car did not have the OEM engine in it when you purchased it? If so, did it bother you? If it didn't, don't worry about it. Hard to predict future values for anything. As stated previously, for myself I would want the OEM engine.
Agreed, for the most part, but it also depends on the buyer. Why buy a nonmatching number car if a similar quality car with matching numbers is available? Would have to be something special. Unless it was, or if it was a do it or lose it deal, personally I'd probably keep looking. It's not like there is a shortage of nice red/tan 355s around.
All great comments. There is no wrong answer here. I'd buy the engine and keep it WITH but not IN the car. Options for originality are your friend. I'd also get a stock set of wheels to have on hand. Robb
Well stated. Options are always a good thing. Getting the OEM engine later on might be difficult. I prefer the stock wheels over aftermarket wheels. I would decrease my offer if the car did not have the OEM wheels. They wouldn't have to be on the car but should come with the car.
Depends on your perspective. For me, the numbers cast in the side of the motor do not influence the driving pleasure or appearance of the car at all, so I could honestly not care less. I feel the same way about the odometer and paperwork. None of those have any bearing at all whatsoever on how the car runs, drives or appears and hence would only matter as a 'tie breaker' when comparing similar cars. If I could get your car for $500 less than an otherwise completely identical car, I would do it as the numbers on the motor simply don't matter in any material way.
Thank you very much for your replies guys. I'm with my Ferraris for the long run. Don't expect to sell them, ever. I do have the space for the extra engine, my concern is that if we're able to locate the guy, he'll put an insane price tag on the original engine. I'm tempted to jump in on a deal if the price is right, once when I do sell it (in several decades' time), I believe it'll be a plus. As Robb so correctly stated, originality may be important. Just look at how original old cars (+40 years) perform nowadays at auctions. If you guys say matching numbers isn't all that important, I won't be overly concerned. I'll just drive it and take extremely good care of my 355 in the meantime. One day if I sell it, the plus will be put on how good the car is taken care of, instead of numbers and plates. Kind regards, Nuno.
Nuno, How clear is your crystal ball? Will 355s become "collector" cars? Matching numbers only matter in the "collector" car world. It would be too expensive to rebuild the engine for any reason other than a major concours. May I suggest you try to locate the owner; offer him €2-3K. Assuming he doesn't take it, be sure to know how to contact his widow at the appropriate time. Happy motoring, & keep the shiny side up.
Very sound advice, Richard. Thank you. I will do just that this forthcoming week and keep you posted. I do have the extra space for the original engine, so it's tempting... My guess is that the guy with the original engine will ask for an insane price. In such a small country such as mine, everyone with a Ferrari is perceived to be a zillionaire, and a great target for easy money should one have more money than knowledge. In any case, it's worth a try. I'll just enjoy my 355 and concentrate on taking care of her the best I can. You're right, no one knows if they'll become collector cars and to some extent, it doesn't matter anyway. Thanks once again! Kindest regards, Nuno.
If your able to buy the engine back and store it, think about the great inventory of parts. I'm sure over the years you'll spend more than the value of the engine. I'd do it just for the luxury of having the parts alone.
