Hello everyone. I just found and joined your site. I have been an admirer from afar of this marque since the sixties. While I am not an owner yet, I hope to acquire a car in the near future as a retirement gift to myself. But before I purchase, I'm asking for some advice. I'm confused by all the different names and numerical designations. Where can I educate myself as to the differences in the model lineup of both current and historical offerings? Is there a sort of "one stop" reference where I can easily learn the history of the different models? A book, a website, something? For me it's all new and exciting, but I feel somewhat overwhelmed and don't want to make a rookie mistake. Any and all help GREATLY appreciated. Thank you.
What model Ferrari are you thinking of acquiring? Maybe we can start there? Initially 348 spider or F355 spider.
Both the 348 and 355 are excellent ferraris to start with if you want to drive. Both are completely depreciated, and both are extremely fun to drive. I'm assuming you are looking to drive and enjoy the car? If not, there are other more collectable models. The 348/355 are unlikely to every be collectable (except for rare variants) but the are near perfect driver's cars IMO. I would be cautious around the F355 spider model. You should be aware that the top mechanism for these cars is very complex and has some significant design quirks that can make them unpleasant, and expensive to own. Of course they look gorgeous, but you knew that. A good alternative to a full-on spider is the Targa. Much simpler, and still a great open top driving experience. They are less expensive than spiders too. The 348 is the better car if you want to work on it yourself. It's far simpler than the 355, particularly the 355 F1 or spider. Although the 348 is not a particularly fast car by modern standards, it is incredibly well balanced and fun. It feels fun at any speed, with a very connected steering feel, and incredibly smooth motor. The 355 outperforms the 348 in most measurable ways and considerably tones down that 348's late 80s exotic styling. I'm partial to the "baby Testarossa" look myself, but many prefer the arguably more elegant 355. My only qualm with the 355's styling is that it's many lesser imitators over the years have made it seem less exotic styling wise. That could be a good thing if you want something beautiful that is less in your face, however. I personally prefer the more radical 348 styling. Many feel that the 355 is the best sounding Ferrari ever made, and it does make incredible music. That may seem like a trivial thing, but hearing any Ferrari at song quickens the pulse and causes an involuntary grin that makes your whole body feel like it's smiling. Not much else I do in life causes a similar reaction short of sex, or skiing. Which ever model you choose, make sure that you do not spend all of your funds on the initial purchase. Get a PPI too, and be aware that you will need cash set aside for the inevitable maintance issues these cars need. Since 348s are cheaper than 355s, and have similar running costs, you might consider a 348 if you would be strapped after buying a 355. Neither car is any fun at all sitting broken without the means to be fixed. Hope that helps. You should also stop by the 348/355 section to learn more about these cars and what it's like to own them.
