Deep in the throes of evaluating which car to buy for my first F-car. There are two that really stand apart, both within my means. One is the 1985 308GTSi qv I mentioned in an earlier post. It looks to be a VERY well sorted, 17,500-mile car, black/red. A rival buyer just backed out, having bought another, newer Ferrari for high$. I'm a big fan of black on the 308s - keeps the angular look, but blends the bumpers nicely. Would get a PPI on this one to make sure it hasn't suffered from being not driven. Number two is a 1986 328GTS, blu chiarro/crema, 28,000 miles. Superb records, known owners, belts being done this week by a Ferrari dealer. The car has not yet been offered for sale, but I will be able to see it before it is actually listed for sale. Not a common color, but IMHO it's stunning. Question for everyone on ferrarichat who knows more about these cars than I do -- which is probably everyone on ferrarichat: Aesthetics aside, am I better off in terms of reliability and comfort with an early 328 or the last 308? I don't plan to race the car. I'm thinking of things like the lousy 308 power windows, corrosion resistance (although I live in SoCal), cabin comfort - heard 308's sometimes get toasty from heat coming through the floor), etc. I've been advised not to buy the first year of a new model, but a lot of people like the 328 over the 308. Thanks! Jon Image Unavailable, Please Login
Jon, 328's were more of an evolution from 308's and therefore were really good right from the start. I have owned 84 & 85 QV's and a 87 328. Now I have an 89 328GTB. From a design and build quality standpoint, 328's are much better cars. Many long time Fcar dealers and mechanics think they were the best built Ferraris ever, including today's models. There was a recall for oil lines and one of the A arm sets on early 328's and that was it. Check to see these were done and I would not hesitate to buy the 86 over the 85, especially if the price is the same. Try to get a good deal on the blue one though. They are not everyone's cup of tea. Also, make sure it is a US car. Dave
Everything hardtop said is true. The 328 also has better HVAC, a more powerful more flexable motor, beefed up trans , better brakes, much better cooling, better ignition system etc,etc,etc. The 328 was in fact the best car Ferrari ever built. If they kept building them like that many Ferrari mechanics would have been out of a job.
An independent Ferrari mechanic out here in San Diego basically agreed with both of you, so I am going to focus on the 328 for now. I have two on my shopping list that I'm comfortable with ($, condition and history) - one red, one blue. Honestly, if I can get fair price on the blue one, and I like it more, I don't think I'm going to lose a lot of sleep over resale. (Hardtop - yes, the blue 328 was originally delivered in southern California. Got the paperwork.) Hopefully I won't resell it till I'm ready for my second Ferrari...
