Daytona's - Plexiglass vs Pop-up

Mine is a pop up so I have to vote for that, but I like the plexiglass just as much. I've never driven a plexi (actually mine is the only Daytona I've ever driven), are there any differences in the drive as the plexi is lighter (alloy doors).

 

I'm with you Matt. I like both but if you have ever tried to work on the pop up's you would say plexi glass. I don't think the door skins would make that much difference in the driving experience. What would make a big difference in the Euro spec. to the US spec. which weigh's much more and US emissions etc etc. That's one reason there are a lot of Euro cars in the states. I bet Steve has driven both so i am sure he will chip in.
Grant

 

Voted for plexi and that is what I searched for. Reason, lighter body and the design is more true and faithful to the original design concept, not a forced one by regulations' need. Jimmy

 

Plexi looks better in photos. In person, looks like a cheap conversion w/ exposed rivets and thin metal moulding.
Popups look better in person. More finished appearance.
just my opinion.

 

I agree with Edward96gts:

The plexi nose looks good from distance, but not as nice close up. I originally looked to get a plexi car, but ended up with a late euro car, and am happy with it.

 

I agree with the above post, the plexis look good in pictures , but all of the ones I have seen in person never look right.

 

The thrill of seeing the new plexi nose Ferrari design for the first time is not easily forgotten. It should be seen in the context of a 1968 automobile with an aerodynamic new design. The car it replaced also had covered headlights. Ferrari first tried to replicate the look with the silver paint on the nose of the early pop-up headlight models. Simplicity won out and the idea was dropped. The real Daytona has a plexi nose and a wood steering wheel. Plexi gets my vote, even if the Chief don't like no headlights under glass.
CH

 

I'm pretty certain there isn't much weight difference between a late model Euro car such as mine (registered September 73) and a US car. Both had the steel impact beams in the doors. I'm referring to Berlinettas obviously in these comments.

 

Love the plexiglass... And it's also the original design...

 

While I think they both look great and the Daytona looks good from every angle, I have to prefer the plexi nose. I did enjoy reading the comments about the plexi nose looking better in photos than in person. I think he is on to something. The plexi plastic does not wear well as it scratches easily. Like most things....condition does matter.

 

The pop-up lights are sleeker looking closed as the painted panel looks more finished than the cheap wavy plastic. When they work properly the lights look really cool going up. Mine is a yellow, late year Euro with the pop-ups.

 

Plexi was a perfect design but badly executed.

Pop-up was a bad design but well executed.

To me the later design looks 'modified', which it is, of course. That said, it is functionally superior, I suppose, but it doesn't really make a lot of sense design-wise. Originally the indicators from the side made a clean continuous line with the plexi nose, equal materials in a continuous form made for a balanced result.

 

My criterias were: early Euro model, plexi, wood steering wheel, etc. That is what I found ...#13745. w/ smiles Jimmy

 

If you drive at night the pop ups work much better. The plexi looks nice but is very dim at night.

 

On that basis the "force must be strong" with anyone who drives a plexi at night, the lights on my pop up are pretty much useless.

 

I just love the peek-a-boo that is created by the pop ups. By that I mean seeing the lights when in the down position. I know it wasn't intended of course but I think we got lucky on that one.

Probably rivals the Muiras eyelashes for sexyness.

 

I admit this is lame but I am happy that my Daytona is a pop up because all of my older cars are pop ups and I simply like the look of their noses in a line.
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The 288 definitely has waaaay too much light in the grille to suit the collection, I'd go as far as to say it is blatantly disruptive.

I have a solution for you as well: send it to me, I'll send you my '82 308, with no lights in the grille and pop-ups that are useless.

That was a long way 'round to tell you I'm envious!

 

Just a thought: Giugiaro had designed the Ghibli with pop ups (the Ghibli was presented at the Torino Salon on the Ghia stand in 1966) and maybe Pininfarina, not appearing to imitate, wanted to offer something different. The pop ups continue the launch of the sleek hood lines when viewed standing from an angle behind much more than the plexiglass but both designs are stunning.

 

Thanks! Truth be known I would sell the other 2 before the GTO - to me the GTO is the ultimate