I know I'll pry get lashed at for this but I feel that the classics are by far and away the best looking. Tonight I was driving by a restaurant and in the parking lot I saw a brand new red corvette convertible out of the corner of my eye......actually when I really looked at it, it turned out to be a red 360 modena spyder. Beautiful car, more than I can afford, but just a lot more "toned down" than the classics. I once read an article comparing a 456 to a Testarossa. The author said something along the lines of "Park either in a crowded parking lot and the Testarossa screams out it's makers name to everyone within earshot, while the 456 tends to whisper." I think the general public associates "Ferrari" with TRs, 3x8s ,348 and mondials. Just an opinion.
Overall I agree, and the 456 is a bit quiet (aesthetically) for a Ferrari, although the TR sometimes seems to be trying to hard to shout. A 575M is a seriously handsome car, IMO, but it just sits there and smolders with exclusivity and power. Out of my price range, but I really admire that kind of design. BUT -- I admit it, I love the balance of the 246GTS and 308GTS. Two of the best looking cars ever made. And they look like nothing that came before or since. Make mine red. Everyone knows they're Ferrari's and they rank up there with the 300SL, E-Type and (real) 911's as icons.
Well, I like the looks of the 355 Spider, but other than that...308s and earlier. I would love to have a new Ferrari (F430 comes to mind) because of the technology and "newness", but as far as general looks...older is better.
Abso-bloody-lutely! The classics are erectorial! Majority of the 80's cars are what I identify as being FERRARI...... I love em - 308's, 328's, TR's, Mondials, F40's
Also a coincidence these cars were made when Enzo Ferrari was alive and still calling the shots at his Company- I don't think so. The opposite sex has similar opinions as well, one was mentioning to me her boss was all excited about a Ferrari parked in front of an office building and dragged her down to see it, the men were exited but the women where of the opinon it was no big deal just a car, it was a 360. The older Ferraris pre '88 with the sensual lines appeal more to them as well, I get constant compliments from females on my Ferrari as to how beautiful it is.
I bought a 328 because it was the "most" Ferrari that I could afford; if I were wealthier I would have preferred a 355 GTS. But after 1+ year with the car I think I'm glad I wound up with it. Everywhere I go the car is recognized and appreciated, and I'm not sure that would be so with a newer model.
Like all manufacturers Ferrari's design fell pray to the wind tunnel and no car designed after 1980 (designed mind you, not necessarily manufactured) has stood out a lot. The evolution of wind tunnel design has now come into full affect, as all cars apart from subtle items invisible to the casual observer or at speed, look boringly the same. 512BB, 308, 328 Rule.
Wind tunnels do have a lot answer for... yes, they have bestowed extra grip on F-cars from the 355 onward with the 'flat floor thing', but the excitment of Dinos, Daytona, Boxer and 308's is missing somehow. Even the quirky GT4 looks better each time you look at it. (as I do, everyday!)
I love the 360 and 430 etc, but when you speak to a person who is not a car fanatic you say Ferrari, they tend to think of a 308 GTB/GTS. I wonder if it has anything to do with Magnum PI series ? I own a Mondial QV which in the metal looks gorgeous IMO, but in pictures not so. 3x8, 288GTO, 348 and 355 (especially 355) are by far the best looking.
FACT: When it comes down to looks and road presence, the older (PRE 93) Ferrari's are Ferrari at it's best. It's not possible to produce better than what has already been. All they can do now is try to match what they have previously created which is extremely hard to achieve. The same applies to Lamborghini. Hence the saying- IF IT'S NOT BROKE DON'T FIX IT.
And here's WHY it's not possible: And with all the airbag, safety and other requirements, I don't think any car maker could do another 246, 308 or Miura. Which is a shame. The other half of that is Ferrari is compelled to push the 200mph envelope with its new cars, and the distinctive designs compromise aerodynamics. A 308GTS or '80s TR isn't the ideal shape to reach 200mph. Not that I need to reach that speed often. But the performance "arms" race is going to continue to ensure that Mitsubishi Eclipses and Ferrari 360's look vaguely similar. I'd like to see the designers unplug their PC's, shut down their CAD programs for a while, stop reading about the Toyota way, have several glasses of vino and actually draw some cars.
It's all about the REAR of the car, and the 'flying buttress' roofline. Read my brief list of hot Ferrari cars, and note they all have the same style of roofline. While the new Ferraris are very Japanesse-looking, too bubbly, rounded, and gone is what I feel creates the 'exotic' factor - which is that exotic roofline these cars all share... 2. Ferrari 308/328 3. Ferrari Mondial 4. Ferrari Testarossa/TR/M 5. Ferrari 348 6. Ferrari 355 Even the... 1. Jaguar XJS 2. Corvette Stingray 3. Lotus Espirit (some) The Mondial is an odd one, because the convertible is infinitely more attractive than the hardtop, but nonetheless, it has that rear I'm talking about in its hardtop version.
I'm with you on your posts. Whilst I have a gorgeous 348 (red of course), the other pre 348 Ferraris jump out and scream at you - angular lines, agressive looks, swooping curves and not carrying too much weight either (360 onwards). Took my 348 out tonight, got all the looks, still gets the attention it so much deserves. Enjoy!
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