Calling All Euro QV Owners - Was It Good For You? | FerrariChat

Calling All Euro QV Owners - Was It Good For You?

Discussion in '308/328' started by fchip, Jan 28, 2010.

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  1. fchip

    fchip Formula Junior

    Jul 15, 2007
    428
    Raleigh, NC
    Full Name:
    Chip G
    I am getting very serious about buying a 84 Euro QV that is for sale right now and am curious about how the current Euro owners feel about your purchase.

    I'm 6'3" and hope that I can get comfortable in the car. More importantly, I am trying to get comfortable with the EUro. I have been watching this site for a year and know about the improved performance stats and I like the look to be sure. I just don't know if there are any unique "gremlins" associated with the Euro that I should be aware of. I live in NC so the smog issues should be minimal, and I am absolutely ready for the fun of ownership, the fun of tinkering with the car, and especially the fun of driving it.

    Tell me if I am crazy!

    Chip
     
  2. jimangle

    jimangle F1 Rookie

    Nov 5, 2003
    2,506
    Haverford
    Full Name:
    James
    I'm not a QV or a Euro owner, but these cars are a lot of fun. At 6'3" though I'm not sure it will be a big enough of a car for you. I with you luck with your future purchase.

    You're definately not crazy.

    Jim
     
  3. speedy

    speedy Formula Junior

    Oct 18, 2005
    625
    Plano, TX
    Full Name:
    James Gardner
    I've got an early '83 Euro with no lambda. I love it. Easier to work on than lambda models and less stuff to fiddle with. It's pretty stripped down and basic. Just the way a Ferrari should be. It's lighter, quicker and, IMHO, the sexiest 308.

    I'm 6'1" and fit fine but it depends on your body type. My #1 suggestion is to sit in one just to see. Start a thread in the Regional Areas section and ask if someone can help you out. It's too big of a purchase only to find out you don't fit after you buy it.


    Sent you a PM



    .
     
  4. mclaudio

    mclaudio Formula 3

    Dec 13, 2003
    1,272
    Seattle area
    Full Name:
    Claudio
    Sold a US 328 GTS, then bought a French-spec 308QV GTS...Still have it and may only be replaced by an F50 (or 550 Barchetta only if living in Mediterranean/Socal climate)...I highly encourage it. ;-)
     
  5. Verell

    Verell F1 Veteran
    Consultant Owner

    May 5, 2001
    7,022
    Groton, MA
    Full Name:
    Verell Boaen
    I've got an '82 Euro QV, also an '85 Euro QV, and there are a couple more Euro QVs in the area.

    I don't believe any of us would trade our Euros for a US spec car. If anything the Euros are more reliable due to simpler injection, ignition, & emissions systems, and are easier to work on as there's less plumbing wiring, etc to get in the way.
     
  6. Nurburgringer

    Nurburgringer F1 World Champ

    Jan 3, 2009
    11,184
    Texass
    I have a '85 GTS, am 6' tall but with a shorter torso, and there's maybe 2" of headroom with the top on (granted this isn't often).
    Love the car to death.
     
  7. GrayTA

    GrayTA F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 25, 2006
    15,130
    Deep South
    Full Name:
    PDG
    At 6-3 just take the top off if it is an issue....

    US QV owner and I love my car....


    PDG
     
  8. thecarreaper

    thecarreaper F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 30, 2003
    18,065
    Savannah
    i loved mine, i had *44295*, a euro 308 GTB QV. sold it in November for $30,000. i am ready to buy another 308, not sure what type yet. my next will be the 6th i have owned.

    i will always seek out a euro car over a USA car if possible.
     
  9. gonzo350

    gonzo350 Karting

    Apr 3, 2004
    207
    Lafayette Indiana
    Full Name:
    Myles
    I'm with all the rest...I have a 84 Euro GTS and wouldn't trade it for a US! As speedy said, much easier to work on! Faster, lighter, more exclusive (anyone know how many Euro QV's were actually made?) Now...add to that 10.5 pistons and an Ansa exhaust and you're REALLY in for a fun ride :) Ask me how I know! Go for the Euro! (I'm 6 foot btw....you should be fine with the seat all the way back...)
     
  10. Ferraripilot

    Ferraripilot F1 World Champ
    Owner Project Master

    May 10, 2006
    17,849
    Atlanta
    Full Name:
    John!
    There is good reason people either look for a Euro spec car, or convert their US car to Euro spec. Go for it.
     
  11. FLVICE

    FLVICE Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Jun 28, 2006
    922
    Ft. Lauderdale
    Full Name:
    Edward
    #11 FLVICE, Jan 29, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I love my '85 Euro QV. When I first learned of the differences, I had to have one and I am thankful that I did the research. Aesthetically it was the way Enzo Ferrari / Pinafarina intended the 308 to look. Just make sure it has the proper EPA/DOT paperwork
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  12. johng

    johng Formula 3

    Oct 23, 2004
    2,298
    northern va
    Full Name:
    john g
    at 6'3", i would recommend you sit in one. seems like you could be tight fit in the car.
     
  13. ace_pilot

    ace_pilot Formula Junior

    Sep 6, 2007
    921
    Long Island, NY
    Full Name:
    George
    87 euro 328 GTS here. I have test driven a few 328s and the euro is a different animal. Better performance, looks, and easier to work on. Took off all the US conversions and now there's nothing but space in the engine compartment! Also no cats to catch on fire. 6'1" and only problem is getting in with the top on. I'm working on reducing my neck height!

    Ace
     
  14. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Feb 24, 2006
    15,809
    Cerritos, CA.
    Full Name:
    Mike
    Keep your option open, a US QV is not that much diff from the Euro.
     
  15. Brian Elliston

    Brian Elliston F1 Rookie

    Oct 9, 2009
    2,778
    Clermont, FL
    Full Name:
    Brian Elliston
    I love mine. Don't get too picky or it can be hard to find a car. Mine is Euro but also a Swiss (CH) model. There are different Euro models. I'm in WNC and you're welcome to come check mine out if you can't find one closer. Just shoot me a PM.
     
  16. fchip

    fchip Formula Junior

    Jul 15, 2007
    428
    Raleigh, NC
    Full Name:
    Chip G
    I can feel the passion you all have for your QV's, and I do understand that job one is to find the best car I can afford - US or Euro. Having said that I am still inclined to go for the Euro. Stay tuned, the snow may slow me down this weekend but I hope to join the club real soon.

    Brian -

    I will be in Asheville in 2 weeks for the weekend. Is that anywhere near you?

    Chip
     
  17. ClydeM

    ClydeM F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 4, 2003
    11,892
    Wayne, NJ
    Full Name:
    Clyde E. McMurdy
    at 6'3, I have little issue in my '83 US GTBQV. There's only about 1/4" clearance between my head & the roof. Take speed bumps slow. And forget about someone taking a decent profile picture of you unless the roof is off.
     
  18. enjoythemusic

    enjoythemusic F1 World Champ

    Apr 20, 2002
    10,676
    Worldwide
    Full Name:
    Steven
    Euros are better in many aspects than the USA version. Due to USA emissions and other things, the USA version is a bit castrated and a about 150 lbs overweight. Get a Euro :)
     
  19. Brian Elliston

    Brian Elliston F1 Rookie

    Oct 9, 2009
    2,778
    Clermont, FL
    Full Name:
    Brian Elliston
    Chip, Avl is real close, shoot me a PM if you want to get up.
     
  20. redrocks

    redrocks Rookie

    Mar 2, 2004
    21
    I'ne owned a Euro version 83 Mondial QV for 20 years and never had any problems associated with it being a Euro version. My mech says it has a much stronger perfromance than US version. Mine sounds great with an Ansa exhaust to boot!
     
  21. fchip

    fchip Formula Junior

    Jul 15, 2007
    428
    Raleigh, NC
    Full Name:
    Chip G
    Thanks for the input. Are there any differences between an 83 QV, 84 QV, or 85 QV? What about for the Euro cars? IIRC, the main difference was rust protection introduced in 84, right?

    Thanks for the education!

    Chip
     
  22. Brian Elliston

    Brian Elliston F1 Rookie

    Oct 9, 2009
    2,778
    Clermont, FL
    Full Name:
    Brian Elliston
    Several differences throughout the years. I'll start w/a few and let the experts finish the list.
    1. '83 QV has black exterior A pillars. '84, '85 are body colored.

    2. The "galvasomething" treatment in mid '84?.

    3. '85's have black plastic knob fasteners on the fuse block cover.

    I'm just learning too so take it all with a grain of salt.
     
  23. ClydeM

    ClydeM F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 4, 2003
    11,892
    Wayne, NJ
    Full Name:
    Clyde E. McMurdy
    '83 is twin cats & different muffler from 84,85
     

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