GTS vs Spyder

Not sure what the answer was for Ferrari, but I agree - targa tops are the best configuration for looks, comfort at speed, aerodynamics and security. On the Gallardo, 360 and F430 convertibles, the cars look awkward with the top up.

With regard to Porsche, I know that when they introduced the 911 cabriolet ('84?), that led to the decline of Targa sales. I would guess that the big thing is convenience -- customers paying huge money for a convertible sports car today aren't going to put up with having to manually remove a hard panel. I don't mind it, but in an era of pushbutton retractable hard tops I admit the targa concept is a little anachronistic now. (I actually love it because it's kind of a throwback to the Dino 246.)

A second drawback would be storage. Designers have to 'waste' space somewhere, or compromise luggage space, to allow for stowage. I was on an FOC drive recently and one of the guys with a 348ts was laughing in surprise that I actually had brought my 328 top along -- he has to leave his at home (taller guy).

 

Once Ferrari introduced full convertibles on the V8 2 seaters in 1993, targa sales plunged. I guess they figured it would not be worth it to engineer a targa version for the 360. The 355 was basically a modified 348, so a targa was easy to offer on that model.

Dave

 

I like my targa and don't mind to manually remove it.

 

My opinion as well. Too small a market/demand, for the dollar investment required to design and put into production.

 

One option would be to get an Acura NSX Targa as it has the best storage option above the engine compartment and is a blast to drive and own.

 

I actually think that the 360/430 Spiders almost look like GTS's, dont ya think?? The section behind the seats, come up really high.......almost like a GTS.
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STOP SMOKING CRACK......

 

right ! from 1993 - 95 Ferrari sold more than 1000 348 Spider and only very few GTS. the spider is the real thing in my opinion and looks much better. i am very happy with my spider and would never trade it for a GTS !

 

Is it me or does that yellow 430 look like the suspension has been lowered...

 

Well, compare it to a 355 Spider.
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I agree with Pap... I know a lot of guys don't like them, but I love the looks of the 360, and have several feelers out for one here. I would sell my 345 (that looks like a 355) in a New York Minute for a 360...

Mike in Kuwait

 

Ferrari would have been wise to use the Superamerica rotating roof on all open top models

 

I don't know if any of you remember, but when the 360 was first introduced, there was a variation with a sunroof hatch. It was oddly shaped, like a "V" with a truncated point, and was a flat roof panel that could be removed and stowed. I don't know how many cars they made with this feature, but I don't think it lasted for more than the first year of the model. Anybody else on this?

 

Yep. For some reason I seem to remember 2000Yellow360 posting pictures of his car with that sunroof in it. Looked a bit odd... I can definitely see why Ferrari ditched it as an option.

-R

 

I have seen a picture of a Stradale with the sunroof. I looked into finding one because I am a fan of the targa concept. I talked to two people who had them, and both liked them. But in the 360, it was not a targa (only opened a portal) and it was not a sunroof (had to manually pop it out and stow it). It just didn't make sense.

The 355 GTS is still my favorite, possibly my favorite Ferrari. It maintains the gorgeous lines of the berlinetta, it offers virtually complete open top driving with almost no wind buffeting, no mechanical top issues, and you can take it to the track as a hard top. It does have some cowl shake, but this is the same as the spider.

That being said, the 360/430 spiders are spectacular looking cars; they have their own gorgeous features compared to the coupes. The 348/355 spiders are simply featureless behind the windshield, as the designer seems to have been armed only with a chainsaw.

 

I think 360/430 Spiders are gorgeous, and integrated high rollbars do a good job of insuring safety in a rollover, I'm sure. But I'm just more leery of newer Fcars due to complexity. I like my 348TS - open top motoring, and I feel I can work on it and troubleshoot things without a major problem. To those with 348 and 355 Spiders, they're gorgeous too, but make sure to duck if it rolls in an accident!

 

Are you kidding? That appears to be an extremely complicated and expensive solution. And being a bit of a "catch basin" for rain, dirt, bird poo, etc., that then gets dumped on you when it closes.

 

Photoshop.....

 

+1

 

The yellow car is a 360 with some Photoshop treatments, like the wheels, the vent in front of the front wheel, and the vent in front of the rear wheel. It might even be a US car in which case the side markers have also been removed a la Photoshop.

 

Wanna toke on my crack pipe??

An Fchatter called Nick owns this car IIRC.

Its a Euro car. Here is another pic. The ladies LOVE this car if I am not mistaken.
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I stand corrected. I assumed it might be a US car because I couldn't see the headlight washers.

It's easy to see why the ladies love it, too.

 

Spiders have better resale and hold their value better.

the top on my F355 F1 GTS leaked but you never had to worry about the power top failing. I did not like having to put a boot on the 355 Spider. the 360 Spider top is perfect.

 

Designed by Franco Cimatti; the man's a genius.

Some pictures...
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