Hi Guys, My '87 328GTB was orignally sold in Hong Kong, where is spent 13 years before being shipped to the UK. I was just wondering what the weather conditions are typically like in Hong Kong? In particular, would the car have been exposed to much rain and road salt in its past? Just looking to ensure that the dreaded Italain tin-worm is going to be kept at bay! Many thanks Paul
Rain, maybe, but most Ferraris in Hong Kong (especially in the 80's-90's era) are garage queens, so i doubt it'll be out much in the rain. Plus, I'm sure the previous owner(s) could afford an indoor carpark, it being a Ferrari and all. Road salt? I don't think there are any road salt in HK since it don't snow? Above answers are just my observations, I could be wrong.
Agree with the above and yes, weather's not extreme enough to warrant road salt..If it's a HKG car it should've been well pampered!!
You only need to worry about high humidty & heat induced problems such as melted rubber interior bits or mildewed leather. My cars are garage kept, but not climate controlled. Found mould growing in my 550 after it sat in the garage for 2 months.
High humidity a really big problem in some areas like the Peak. Salt air also a problem in some areas. If car kept in indoor carpark of highrise building it might be hot but ok. Most HK F cars quite well kept. Like any country, main problem as car gets older is bad service from small garage
That was the same thing that happened to my dad's 550! There were once or twice where the whoole interior was filled up with white dots (mould), it was horrific. Also, a question, every two months or so the paint on my dad's car would turn flat (i.e. losing shine). An explanation I heard was that since we live close to the sea, it is the salt in the wind that caused such effect. But the 550 is the only car in the family that suffers from this problem. Anyone got some insights on this?
I've been told by my refinisher( painter) that an Fcar's clearcoat isn't exactly 'hard' and that can explain the loss of shine....abrasiveness of the salt air 'airbrushing' against the paint maybe...just a guess..
My conclusion is that PPG paint used by Ferrari is very bad quality and does not stand up to the elements. My Mini Cooper is parked outside with minimal care and the paint finish still looks very good. My Ferraris are always parked in the garage and waxed often, but the paint finish is still very soft and prone to damage. Paint literally seems to degrade from just sitting in the garage.
