Hmmm... interesting owner feedback on 308

In the '81-82 time frame the US cars came with an 85 mph speedometer. It's not uncommon to change that out for a 160 mph speedo.

 

but those who swap them out make sure its documented for those who ask?right?

 

I have the 80 GTBi so I'm a little biased here. I agree with the speedo issue. If I could find a 180mph speedo at a reasonable price, I'd have it installed. Would not be a red flag to me because its been done so many times. The 85mph speedo is a slap in the face to this car. As far as steering clear of the "i"? Its' been discussed in great detail on here. You have to maintain all of them. THe 1980-82 "i's" have a good price savings, you look just as good and "OK"...I can live without going as fast as the others. My 2v goes plenty fast enough for me and I'll put the money I saved when I bought it to good use. Unless you have a free ticket to speed its a moot point anyway. Just my 2cents. Joe

 

By all means stay clear of the 81-82 years...no point in owning something if you believe what everyone that doesn't own one tells you. They are best left for those of us who appreciate the car for what it is

I have NO regrets.

 

I'm going to have to agree with the two gentlemen who just posted.

There are those of us who are fascinated by the gurgle of carburetors and think it's some kind of music, and there are those of us who have rebuilt and balanced enough of them, worried enough about leaks and fires, and spent enough hours solving flat spots, throttle response and fuel starvation issues, that we enjoy the predictable performance and reliability, the steady and balanced idle, and the preservation of our eardrums that a fuel injected sports car offers.

Despite Keith Martin's years of denial, 308s are quickly entering the realm of collectible classic cars. People buying a 308 today aren't looking for the fastest car. They have quite a selection of Porsches, Lotus, Corvette, and Japanese sports cars on which to spend their ~$30k+/- and go a LOT faster. I'd venture to say that your 308 buyer today wants 1) a Ferrari, 2) a terminally beautiful car, 3) a real, thoroughbred sports car, and 4) an icon. Some people will want a 'B because it is beautiful; others will want an 'S because they love the removable roof. Some will want carburetors because of the sound; others will want injection for the comfort and ease. Many who want an injected car will want four valves for the extra power; others won't care so much about a little extra oomph, but will relish in having half as many valves to adjust. Before buying a 308, one should have a strong idea of his preferences; it would suck to spend all that time and money on buying a car just to admit to yourself a few months later that you don't really enjoy it.

An injected berlinetta 308 is a rare car in North America. There are plenty of carbureted 'Bs in North America, but from the time of the 'S's introduction, it pretty much always outsold the 'B by 75%/25% worldwide; but that ratio was even more lopsided in the States. A 1980-82 GTBi is a rare car in the States . . . but if you really want something hard to get, see just how often a QV Berlinetta comes up for sale in the States. You'll see at least half a dozen 2Vi Bs before you see a QV B for sale in North America.

So an injected 'B is a specific car for a specific buyer: someone who wants the flowing beauty of a 'B and the drivability of an "i". Many would rather have the QV, but holding out for one of those might take years. The pickin's are slim for injected 'Bs, and this car in the advertisement looks like it could be a real gem among them. Being a rare and specific 308 in (presumably) superior condition, this is a car for an aficionado who knows what he wants. (pun intended)



P.S.: . . . and it wouldn't really take that much for someone who knows what he is doing to make any 2Vi as fast as a QV.

P.P.S.: My 1980 GTBi is great -- fun, plenty of 'go', no worries, no complaints, no regrets!

 

Whered' yuo learn grammer?

 

WTF?!?

 

Guys,

Point of clarification: .... change out to a "180mph" speedo, not a "160mph" speedo.

I got an 81 308 GTSi North American. Would not trade it for ANYTHING (Except maybe an F40 )

 

or even faster . .. waaaaaaay faster

 

If this car is clean, rustfree and tight, it would make a good candidate for supercharging, (perhaps as Sean might have been suggesting).


Why pay a premium for a QV or a carbed car.

I am a simple old fad fugger and will stay with the carbs.

With High Regard,
chris

 

supercharger not required . .. . but realistically about the equivalent budget is.