Another Series I 330 in this horrible color combination....arrrgh!!...
Another Series I 330 in this horrible color combination....arrrgh!! http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110173427182&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:Watchlink:middle:us
Allen, Bright red is not a good color for 2+2s, expecially on 330s, it make the cars look bloated; it works much better on 2 seaters and racers. Scott, What's with the red headliner and the later steering wheel? Regards, Art S.
Allen: IMO, there were too many of this particular model repainted in this color, commonly known as "resale red". I agree with Art; it's too bright a color for such a big car. The old 2+2's look much better in metallics or dark solids. My 330 2+2 was totaled in an accident last spring and I keep a close eye on the market now for a possible replacement. Every time a red/black car comes up I just see the $$$ needed to get at least the exterior redone, and black inside is much too heat-absorbing for the summer weather here in TX. However, overall condition predominates in a decision to purchase and I would definitely buy a red/black car if it was OK in all other ways. You can't get overly picky about colors in the vintage 2+2 market. Art: can't figure the headliner out either; it looks like an original that's been dyed or painted red. Why--??? I think all the factory originals were an off white. Mine was black perforated leather; a good guess is that it was installed to replace the original which was ruined when the sunroof leaked. The wheel looks to be an addition of preference. I like it and wouldn't change it out. Those old leather wrapped wheels are $$$, very classy looking, and comfortable to use.
Okay guys, I'm with you on the "resale red", that is why I specifically didn't select a red Ferrari (opting for TDF blue). I also realize that red doesn't look its best on LARGE cars. However, I don't consider the 330 that large, especially when compared to something like the 365 GT 2+2. I think 330s can handle red, but I will agree other colors are more complementary to her lines! Back to the 365, that is a car that just should NOT be red (IMHO). Anyway, nice chatting with you guys! PS - I'm just approaching my third year of Ferrari ownership and it sounds like you two have much more experience than I do, I hope to meet you some day.
I probably shouldn't comment, but I'm growing a bit weary about reading opinions of red on 2+2's stated a hundred times over as fact. There are many more red/black 330's around today than came out of the factory -- this is fact. That the red/black combination looks horrible and makes the car look bloated are opinions and should be stated as such. Red is generally my least favorite color for any Ferrari and I started out looking for non-red in my search for my 330GT, but given the limited number of cars available, I was more interested in condition than color. When I found the car I ended up buying, I actually thought it looked great in red. The 330 lines are very subtle and IMO the red compliments it very well and I don't see it as a large car either. On interiors, black is generally not my favorite, but I haven't seen a lighter shade original interior on a vintage car that presents well, so I'm very happy that it's black. If I had my choice on colors, it would be dark metallic blue (I haven't seen this on a 330) with black interior, but other than that, there aren't a lot of colors I would take over the red because I think it complements the understated 330 styling. I of course wish there were far fewer red/black 330's out there, but I bought the car for me and I don't really spend a lot of time thinking about what other 330's look like other than to admire them. I'm not offended or disagreeing with your opinions, but please state them as opinions.
Allen: You're as experienced with Ferraris as I am, just different era cars. I've owned one Ferrari, the 1964 330 bought in late 2002 and totaled in an accident in early May of this year. Now I'm maintaining a very unhurried search for a replacement. This could well be a late model, specifically a 550, since I want something I can drive regularly. I would like to own another 330 2+2 or a 365 2+2, but use-restrictive classic car insurance policies make vintage ownership kind of a Sunday drive thing. Likewise...hope we meet up one of these days. Peter: No offense taken! But, my statements about bright red 330 2+2's are definitely well-formed personal opinions. If you found a good red/black 330, congrats...good ones in any color aren't all that easy to find. I don't mean to offend another owner, either. Apologies if I did. Like you, I believe that overall condition is the first thing to look at when considering a Vintage purchase, color be damned. I would unhesitatingly buy a red/black 330 2+2 if it otherwise met all the standards; I'd consider a pink one with fake tiger skin interior if the price was right, the compression good, and it had new tires. My former 330 was silver/light tan, a non-controversial yet boring scheme. I was planning to repaint it in Rosso Rubino or Blu Sera, and renew the tan interior since it was very comfortable for TX summer driving.
I have opinions that are just as strong, just always voice them as opinions. Scott -- sorry about the loss of your 330GT. You can get regular insurance on a vintage car as an "agreed value" policy as long as you have an appraisal. I looked at vintage insurance and, although I could live with the mileage limits, the use restrictions were way too constraining -- limitations like not being able to park at a restaurant. The regular insurance isn't even very expensive considering what they're covering.
Peter: Underwriting rules seem to vary wildly from state to state. When I got my 330, State Farm, who carries all of our insurance, wouldn't touch it. Farmer Dave, a regular and consultant on the board here, was in the insurance biz and tried every possible angle to get me regular coverage...no luck. Hagerty came through after total-loss accident and paid the full agreed value, and my four years of experience with them were great otherwise. They are an excellent company. The wierd thing: Hagerty won't cover me at all for two more years because, on top of the total loss with them, I had several very minor claims...less than $1K each, no liability... in one of our State Farm covered drivers. State Farm would add a 550 to our existing household coverage today, no questions asked, no premium upcharges, full value of car covered.
Peter, I believe Texas has different restriuctions on insurance than we have here. Also, I switched to Hagarty from State Farm - they sweem much better at dealing with old car insurance. Regarding color: Of course this discussion is opinion! A 330 2+2 is a beautiful car in red; but, to me, some of the subtleties of the lines are lost with bright colors (such as racing red or fly yellow). To me, these subtleties help guide the eye and without them, the car's mass appears to increase. By the way, do you know the original color of your car? Regards, Art S. PS. How's your car doing? PPS. I still have not gotten mine back!!!
I didn't think anywhere could be worse than NJ for insurance. Unless it's a state regulation, you might try going through a different rep at State Farm. I just went through a weird and frustrating experience at Liberty Mutual. We have had them for years and never had an issue adding Ferraris, but we recently got a Maserati CC Coupe and tried to add it to the policy and they said they didn't cover Maseratis -- same agent that had done the other cars. We had already bought the car, so it was a panic situation. To make a long story slightly less long, I finally decided to try calling their general number to get randomly assigned a new rep -- the new rep just added it without question. Our regular rap probably won't be that happy if she finds out, but I will deal with the new rep going forward. I later heard there is a law in NJ (this doesn't help you) that, if you have an existing policy, the insurance is required to cover any vehicle you add on the policy -- they can charge any rate they want, but they have to cover it. I heard this indirectly and did not check it out further, but the source seemed well-informed.
Well the original color was Blue Sera Metallic, but I've since altered the paint code sticker by hand to show Rosa Corsa (ok, not really). Interior is original and black. It was a long wait to initially get the car, but it has been great. I still appreciate the guidance you gave me over the phone -- it was very helpful. I saw on Tom Yang's site that your car is close to being ready. I guess fate is such that we can't have both our cars at the same time, RPM just picked up my car today to go back to VT for head re-torque and a few minor tweaks, but it should be back soon -- I think in time for Tom's East Coast Gathering.
Peter, Mine's back!! Took the train up early this morning and drive back. The drive home blew out the cobwebs and she's happy! Regards, Art S.
As I mentioned before, our State Farm rep would have no problems adding a late-model Ferrari that shows up in their computer database. During the same conversation, she mentioned something about antique and classic programs with agreed value coverage, but we didn't go any farther on that subject because I've been thinking mainly in terms of a 550 as my next Ferrari, and have had a lot of other stuff on my mind...cars are on the way-back burner. When I bought the 330 in late '02, SF here in TX had just across-the-board dropped agreed-value coverage for special vehicles and wouldn't even consider covering it under any circumstance. I did call another local SF office, one used by a super-motorhead friend, and they told me the same thing. I need to talk to my rep again. My guess is that SF TX has revamped their underwriting rules since then. Given the choice, I'd rather have a really nice vintage car than a newer one, even at today's prices. Fortunately, Hagerty's settlement for the 330 has kept me in the game in regard to my car fund, and I could come up with another twenty grand or so if needed, even if I had to go back to work for awhile. Thanks for the encouragement...we'll see what happens.
And one more 330GT for sale http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320168749980
Roberto, That car has been discussed on Tom Yang's site. It is being sold by Tom Shaunessey who posts on this board. It is an honest car (except the interior is correct but not original to the car) that needs a complete restoration but will most likely get broken up for parts. Regards, Art S.
