DOWNSIDE OF A 1981 308GTSi ??? | FerrariChat
Buy

DOWNSIDE OF A 1981 308GTSi ???

Discussion in '308/328' started by TXARMORY, May 10, 2004.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. TXARMORY

    TXARMORY Rookie

    May 10, 2004
    4
    Flower Mound, Texas
    Full Name:
    Ken Rogers
    #1 TXARMORY, May 10, 2004
    I'm considering buying a 1981 308 GTSi. I'm new to Ferraris, so I don't have a gut feel for the model differences and market values. The price of $23k seems fair, but i am concerned about resaleability of the 1981 models being the dogs of the class due to low HP and emission problems. The red paint has been totally repainted and looks original, and it drives nice (but it is the only one I have to compare it to). Reportedly it needs rear wheel bearings, AC recharged, and the air compressor has been removed from the engine, and barely passed emmissions test this year. Any advice from you veterens?

    If you're interested you can see it on ebay at http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=6212&item=2477099208&sspagename=STRK%3AMEADW%3AIT
    but don't steal it out from under me.

    Ken Rogers in Dallas
    972-602-1700 w
     
  2. 308GTS

    308GTS Formula 3

    Dec 27, 2001
    2,223
    TN
    #2 308GTS, May 10, 2004
    Have the engine checked. Many 2V inj. engines has high oil consumption issues. If it is starting to have issues passing emissions maybe it is consuming oil or ?. Could be many things but the point is that 2v inj. engines had problems hence the recall on them. Not too many where brought back to the dealerships for the replacement engine though. Leather looks very very dry. Could just be the pics though.
     
  3. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    26,785
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
    Full Name:
    Steve Magnusson
    #3 Steve Magnusson, May 10, 2004
    The seller is a long-time (reasonable and intelligent IME) FList (if not also FChat) participant which is a plus IMO.

    It's missing it's air pump so that's a deduction (and if the air injection manifolds and nozzles are missing too that's another deduction). Another important point would be if the cats are included or not (The "smog" limits in Texas are probably not that strict so passing there might not necessarily mean you'll pass everywhere without them).

    The "QV wheels" are a big plus if they are truly the Magnesium alloy wheels QV wheels -- still a lesser plus if they are the Aluminum reproductions. The lowered front is another plus (but I'm biased on that one ;)).

    Bottom line IMO -- he priced/reserved it correctly -- low-mid 20's is fair (and really not that risky since it probably has a part-out value of $10~$15K) so it's already fully bid up (if you include $1~2K to replace the rear wheel bearings).
     
  4. flashman

    flashman Formula Junior

    Jan 5, 2004
    491
    Star Valley, Arizona
    Full Name:
    William Rappaport
    #4 flashman, May 10, 2004
    Ken,
    I bought my 308GTSi new in 1981, and have never had a major problem with it. The only mod's I have done to it, engine wise, was the removal of all the emission BS, and that really made a big difference in the performance. It may not be the fastest, but I can drive it all day, in any type of traffic, and not have to worry about any type of overheating problems. As long as you keep to a regular maint. schedule, you should not have any trouble. I will probably keep this car till the day I drop. It has been the best of all the car's I have had. If you have any specific questions about this model that I can help you with, please PM me.
    Regards,
    WilliamR
     
  5. Chiaroman

    Chiaroman Formula 3
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 21, 2004
    1,687
    New Jersey
    #5 Chiaroman, May 13, 2004
    Get the car professionally inspected. There is a compression (vaccuum??) test that can be done to test EACH cylinder. (Ask someone here who knows about this) You can't imagine the subtle variations from model to model with these cars.

    Be prepared to $pend even more money after you purchase the car to "make it right".

    Don't buy it with the kids college money...you have to do this sort of thing with your "play money"...because as we all know when you play with money you can loose.

    I don't want to discourage you in any way however I simply want to make you aware of these things.

    I have owned a 308 GTS for a year and a half and it is still the most exciting thing out there.

    Really...rely on the professionals for their expert help and pay them royally.
     
  6. hoffmeister

    hoffmeister Formula Junior

    Nov 1, 2003
    258
    Baghdad...again
    Full Name:
    Jesse
    #6 hoffmeister, May 14, 2004
    Hello,

    I also own an 81' 308 GTSi and that one looks about in the same condition and price as the one I bought. IMO I'd say that as long as the price doesn't go over $25k, buy it. I did and can't begin to explain all the fun I've been having in it in the last few weeks. What a blast!

    Just my biased opinion though.

    Jesse
     

Share This Page