just went from vintage V12 to Modena, buttoning up details

Time to come out of the closet. I have been able to work out a trade, where a local dealer* took my 1963 250 GTE (#4823), and gave me a 99 360 Modena F1 in exchange. I also got a pile of cash, which I partially used to take care of the wife tax (barely used Merc GL550).

My decision to swap was strictly related to having lived with the old girl for a decade, and it was time for a change. I also traded classic car shows for modern utility, usability, and comfort (middle age snuck up on me a little). I am having fantastic time with the car, but need to button up a few details. Any pointers would be appreciated:

-White symbols on door handles ("lock", plus triangle) all rubbed off. Anyone make stickers, or something that would transfer? I have searched archives and it looks like stickynomore would do this for me, but I have been able to take care of the stickyness with rubbing alcohol. Does it need to be silk-screened onto the part, so no quick fix? I also rubbed the arrow off the vent ring.

-The raised horse fell off the key. Anyone sell a replacement? My key has the indentation only. I did polish it, of course, but a silver symbol would create that extra punch. I also ordered one of the fake red keys from ebay (can't justify shelling out for the Enzo key), but maybe someone sells the horse.

-The air intake on the driver's side has some yellow/ black discoloration. This is the black plastic under the mesh grille. I thought about carefully masking the body work and shooting it with flat black. Did anyone try to access this piece? A lot of disassembly?

* BTW, If anyone is interested in dealing with a very "low BS", highly friendly and fair dealer...I do recommend Brad, who used to be a GM of Ferrari of San Francisco, and now runs his own place at .sanfranciscosportscars Browsing through the inventory will unearth my old car, too.

And now for the pics:

The old, in front of Mario Andretti's winery


The new, still at the dealer, car already came with Tubi, challenge grill and HRE 19 inch wheels. I did not like the wheels at first, but getting used to them slowly.


Regards
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Congrats! I like the wheels!

 

Always intrigued by changes from old to new or new to old. In what condition was the 250GTE (interior/exterior/mechanical) and what would you consider the fmv to be for a similar one? Assume it was strictly a "sunday" car but did you enjoy driving/showing the 250 at events initially and simply tire of the repair and costs?

 

The GTE was a #2 condition car, and it was completely sorted, so the maintenance cost was not the issue. These things trade in the $100-140K range.
I drove mine to work, to events, to some drives, like the Martin Swig New Year's Day run and dealer events (Shell /Ferrari anniversary run to Marin).

I just needed to get the "modern mid-engine flashy thing" in my bloodstream. I have only had a 308 GT4 and a Boxster S before, so it was time. I also have a 67 Caddy convert, for when I need the smell of burning oil and gas in the cockpit and the challenge of getting those Rochesters set up just right. Who knows what will come next.

 

Stickynomore is only solution I'm aware of besides DIY.

Never seen these available separately.

This is typical discoloration from scraping the undertray. Most of us don't notice it anymore but some have done as you suggest with black Krylon. Removal of those undertray pieces can be a real chore unless you've got a proper lift and tools....

Many thanks for the pix of both cars --- those are both pretty classy cars my lucky friend!

 

That's a beautiful 250. I really hope it doesn't get cut up. I hope you enjoy the modern Ferrari experience.

 

Hey ! That looks just like mi car ... you have good taste . Enjoy the new car

 

Congrats, both 2 very cool cars...

 

Congrats on the new car. I would love to know if there are any subtle similarities between the two in terms of performance. For example, I have a later model Carrera but drove some older vintage models, in doing so, learned how to drive my car better. Is this true for Ferrari?

As far as the switches, my understanding is that even with the alcohol treatment, the stickiness returns so it might be worth it to check with stickynomore.

With regards to the key, I am assuming you have only one. The car actually came with two keys so you might ask Brad if he can get in touch with the prior owner to ask after the key. Alternatively you could buy a new key set from Ferrari (I think they sell them independently of the fobs) but this is a pretty expensive way to get a horse (although after crazy that Enzo key thread, I'm not so sure).

I will look for you around SF!

 

+1, very special car.

I don't think I've ever seen one on the road, even at FOC events -- hopefully it finds an appreciative owner.

 

love the wheels on the 360,your classic ferrari looked great also,enjoy your new car .

 

thanks, fellow mavens. I wish I could have kept both, but garage space was my ultimate limiter.

Driving the old one did not really make me a better driver. It made me more patient. 240 hp, heavy and slow steering, vintage tires, and no independent suspension made for a truck-ish and relaxed cruiser in today's traffic. The sound of the V12 is nice, when driven with gusto, but the 360 is a lot easier and more fun to drive fast. I expect some track days in the new horse, when the rains stop. I did Skip Barber and Jim Russell a while back in their cars and my old Alfa GTV, so it might be time for hookedondriving, or something else in my own car.

I tried the previous owner for the extra keys, but Brad assured that the delicate situation there precludes further investigation. Long story, and the car itself is just fine.


On the switches....I will go the stickynomore route, but since I just got the car....I do not want to lay it up when I disassemble all the controls. Too much fun. I will spray the inlet, because it is a little jarring.

One more pic of the Modena, interior this time.
BTW, I did have the "floppy F1 shifter syndrome", and not having any Viagra around....I ordered the new internal metal fork from Ricambi America. Taking out the lever assembly was child's play, other than being delicate with the tabs for the circuit board, and sure enough....the standoffs in the old one were broken and rattling around inside ! A new fork fixed the free play, without having to shell out for the $3K unit from FNA. Total cost was $110 and 40 minutes of my time.
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Ah, man. I like old stuff and while congrats the 250 is/was a beaut. I understand the motivation to get rid of her but you might be kicking yourself later? Anyway, enjoy the newer.

 

Enjoy your new ride. It looks great.

 

from classic to classic in process

 

I kick myself over every single car i have ever sold, every cute girl i ever dated. And then i get distracted by some new shiny object on the horizon..... and go forth and recycle*. It is the short attention span thing. To much adam curry on mtv when i first showed up in the land of capitalism.

As long as the objects that circulate through my garage represent some kind of rebellion against mass produced mediocrity.....old and new can co-mingle happily.

*only applies to cars

 

Luke,
Congratulations on the ‘new’ car!

I hope you’ll post your driving impressions from time to time comparing the old to the new.
I’m sort of in the same position you were, in that I have a carbed Boxer, but would like to try the newer technology as well. I’m looking more toward a CS or maybe a F430, and would probably sell my Boxer.
I’m sure you’ll agree that there’s nothing worse for an old one to just sit and not be driven, and I doubt the old gal would get much wheel time with a CS or 430 in the garage!

Enjoy,
John

 

Went from '78 308 GTS and now have 2004 360 6 speed.

The difference is unbelievable!!!

 

Luke- One thing I know is your wife will love the GL 550. I know my wife loves hers.

Taz
Terry Phillips

 

Hi Luke!

Congrats on the trade. Enjoy the "new" car!

Yin

 

She loves it, but it scares the crap out of me. Twice now...I have put the lever in reverse, thinking that they I had it park. I cannot train myself to press in the stalk to engage park, and just pull up on instinct. Why someone needed to reinvent the PRNDL wheel is beyond me. The rest of the car is so customizable, that it feels like it has a mind of its own with lighting, infotainment, and the million lines of code powering every gizmo.

Thanks, Yin. Long time, no talk ! Maybe Dave can cook up something good for us one day at FoSV.

 

As long as I can remember, I love the GTE and right from my first steps on Fchat, now about 6 years ago, yours in particular. So personaly, I can not understand your move, but it is your move and you seem to be happy with it, so there you go. The 360 should be an awesome car in it´s own right nonetheless. Enjoy!

 

Anytime you can sell a Ferrari, upgrade to a modern one and pull cash out of it, then you're doing well.
Smart buyer.

 

could not find just the horse for the standard key, so I asked Santa for a new one. With Santa likely mired in the same recessionary gloom.....It seemed silly to get the enzo key, so I had specified the ebay knock-off, or whatever it is. The quality is not too bad, and it looks good with the black pouch.
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* BTW, If anyone is interested in dealing with a very "low BS", highly friendly and fair dealer...I do recommend Brad, who used to be a GM of Ferrari of San Francisco, and now runs his own place at .sanfranciscosportscars Browsing through the inventory will unearth my old car, too.

Congratulations on your new car.
When I am ready to buy my next F-car, I will be dealing with Brad.
I have spoken with him many times and he is the person I will give my future business to.