Hello, I have been looking for my first Ferrari and from reading Fchat for awhile I am sure a 308 or 328 is my first choice and a great starting place. I was wondering if anyone knows anything about either one (or both) of these 308's for sale at SF sports cars 1981 308 GTSI 1981 Ferrari 308 GTSi for Sale 1984 308 GTS QV 1984 Ferrari 308 GTS for Sale And of course I would appreciate any great advice as I continue in this process
All else being equal (history, service, etc.), the QV is a little better car for various reasons. (at least the 81 has 16's so that is a plus) The performance difference is barely noticable so just skip that part of all this.
Both prices seem a little steep, both by about $7,000 +/- but you have to start somewhere if you are a dealer. Or maybe it is just the current market...
Dr. Cosgrove is spot on as always. As a recent buyer myself - please stray away from anything pre 1984 if you plan to keep it and enjoy it for any length of time. There are plenty of great and well taken care of examples out there to chose from. However, Ferrari finally decided to use galvanized steel beginning in their 1984 models - this makes a huge impact regarding longevity of the metal and condition of the body. For the money of the 84' you can find endless examples and opportunities of 328's. These vehicles are well worth the money. But no one is dropping the cash or signing over the checks. I tend to think these prices are closer to $10k above. Especially, the QV. Start making low ball offers and I think you'd be surprised. Right now and I've been told by many that now is the time to buy as we're more than likely at the bottom of this rollercoaster which is only headed up. I just don't want to see you leave money on the table as I just acquired a 328 in pristine condition with up to date service records for less than the 81' you posted. Feel free to PM me or Dr. Cosgrove. He is probably one of your best resources on pre-purchase inspection and condition just from details and photo's.. I am merely a lucky lad who got a once in a lifetime deal on a fantastic 328.. Happy Hunting
Purchase price aside, one thing to consider is if you're someone who likes to try different cars after a period of time. A QV will be an easier sale down the road and IF (this is a big if) prices rise, the QV is likely to rise a bit more. Otherwise, detail differences and both look pretty good. The QV has an ill-fitting front bumper which may indicate a bump at some point. Not a disaster and I recently fixed something very similar on my car. But definitely a point of negotiation. As a point of reference, their asking price is considerably more than I have in my car in total, including an expensive major service and quite a bit of recent work...and my car has 37k miles on it.
Here are two that I would be more interested in pursuing: 1979 Ferrari 308GT - 1987 Ferrari 328 GTS -
Buying the first one site un-seen? I saw this 328 online. How big of a concern is it that the car is in NY and I am in SF. Not just this car but any F-car at a distance and it being my first Ferrari seeing it in person would be a plus, or is this something I shouldn't really worry about as long as I get a PPI. Of course if I could go take a look I would, but NY is probably not in the schedule any time soon.
You might check with Rifledriver (Brian Crall), he has a shop, Brian's Garage, in San Ramon, and may know one or both of these. My choice is the QV, for all the reasons listed.
Great information I will certainly take you up on the continued advice. As I find more cars I will run them under the F-chat microscope. "But no one is dropping the cash or signing over the checks." You are right inventory doesn't seem to be moving fast right now. In our world cash is still king and that's how my purchase will be made.
Brad, the owner of that shop has a VERY good reputation in the local market here. He used to be the sales manager of Ferrari of San Fran before it got sold. I have had a few interactions with him, and looked over a car for another Fchatter and found him to be very honest and forthcoming, and overall a very good guy. edited, the seller of the QV that is...
Well first and second are so close, it doesn't really matter much. In all honesty, the 328 looks like a good buy but beware of the dealer. Gullwings and quality doesn't go hand in hand. Ace
A little? Your kidding. I bought my TR for less than that. Do the words highway robbery have any meaning?
I looked at the 84 308 QV at SFSC today and it is clearly overpriced...dealer pricing. Nice guys though. I definetly like the 84's and 85's. Hearing some say the 328 is the only way to go. Without seeing them side by side 308 and 328. ??? What makes the 308 guys love the there 308's and what is it about the 328's that stirs the same passion
If I was still searching for a 308, I'd take long hard look at this one that just lobbed into the FerrariAds forum. From the photos and description, it seems outstanding, and the price seems right: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/ferraris/419607-1985-308-qv.html Edited to add: I just read the advert again, and it seems it's overdue for a major, still worth checking out I think.
I just simply always wanted a 308. They were the ones in production at the time I discovered Ferraris at the age of 13 back in 81. Here is proof: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/308-328/322953-vintage-pictures-i-took-308s-1981-1997-a.html When I was finally in a position to buy, that was the one I wanted because it was the one I ALWAYS wanted. That's it. The 328 is, without question, more car and it always will be. You just like what you like. Had I been born 5 years later I would probably feel the same way about the 328. Had I been born 10 years earlier, it would have been the same with the 246 I suppose. The stars just lined up the 308 for me.
The 328 is a thoroughly improved version of the 308 -- basically the same dimensions and chassis, but the 328 has more power, better brakes, better sorted electrical, better rustproofing, better wheel/tire package, better cooling (radiator in 308 was never well situated), revised power window mechanisms, etc. The 328 is lighter than the 308 -- US-spec 308s have heavy bumper assemblies which stick too much weight at the ends of the car. 308 has the toggle switches on the center console that look nicer than the plastic rocker switches in the 328. It also has the original wedge styling, which is arguably more aggressive. And... it's usually at least $10K cheaper. I like them both, but the 328 is probably the best sorted car Ferrari ever made. The 308 has more vintage charm, but is more demanding in terms of maintenance/troubleshooting. I think you need to buy what you like -- both are old cars now, and both are relatively reliable by old Italian car standards. My 328 was as reliable as my Porsche 993.
I think most that prefer the 308 do so based in the design, particularly the interior which is more classic Ferrari. On the exterior, some prefer the body color bumpers of the 328, others the lines of the 308. I thought about both, but preferred the looks inside and out of the 308.
For me it's the 308 styling, inside and out. I greatly prefer the 308 to the 328, which just looks "heavy" to me. The 308 is a far more delicate design, just beautiful and I wouldn't change a thing...especially the hardtop version. But I also like the 328 improvements and reliability, so that means the last-of-line QV GTB is the right car for me. Lucky I found one! I should also say I'm talking about the ROW design and not the US cars. Those US bumpers just ruin the lines and should be completely banished!
