Looking at 1980 308 GTSi

Welcome aboard to start. 1st off, make sure you do a ppi and make sure you have as much records/history documneted on the car. Where is this car? If its a dealer, if its private. Then, make sure its the one you want, if not, you'll be selling yourself on why you like/love this car. Also, many threads on this subject in the archeve section. Good luck on your find and post pics after your purchase !!!

 

My first Ferrari was a 1980 GTSi. Look for rust, rust, rust!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When I bought mine, it had rust problems, and I had the whole car re-painted............ONLY to see some of the rust problems come back a year later. Once rust starts, it NEVER goes away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Welcome to the site. Please take the time to fill out your profile so we can get to know you and help you best.

Also, check to see if the car has a documented service history. Disconnecting the ODO is very easy on this era Ferraris.

 

With 308's you MUST look at the car to eliminate potential risks. Rust and incorrect odometer are the most likely hazards. It takes all of 5 minutes to unscrew the speedometer sending unit, so the car could have 75,000 miles on it and you would never know it UNLESS you looked at it.

A true 15K 308 will look like this:

1) Very minor pedal and seat wear (bolsters and drivers seat are tell-tale)
2) Paint that clearly hasn't been polished a number of times and CERTAINLY has not been repainted unless a collision occurred.
3) Little or no "road rash" on front hood and windshield.
4) Rubber trim around windshield and door openings should not be worn at all.

If these things are "in check", you might be looking at an actual 15,000 mile 308. HOWEVER, IT IS HIGHLY, HIGHLY DOUBTFUL. THE CAR IS 25 YEARS OLD. DO THE MATH.

Finally, service is a NON ISSUE. The 308 engine is quite easy to work on if you have any import mechanic worth his salt. I had mine worked on several times by a fellow who mainly services Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes, and he had absolutely no problems. The service on these things by dealers is a ruse.

 

Quote: "Also being in Wisconsin the lack of any service location is a concern, or should it not be?"

Dave,

This is a 24 year old car!!!!!!!!! If you are not willing to learn how to do most things yourself, then buy something else. If you are willing to learn, then this is a good Ferrari model to begin with.........easy to work on. But, be prepared to buy numerous tools, etc.

I, too, am VERY skeptical of mileage on old cars. I always assume it is incorrect, until proven otherwise.

 

Dave,

I live in about a mile from the town of Brussels........southern Door.

BTW: The major service, on a 308, is done with the engine IN the car.

 

I just saw the ad. They state "performance is outstanding" and something about it being a F1 car for the streets.

This is just BS!!!!!!!!!!..........and anyone who had one, would agree. The 1980 308 is a very good starter Ferrari. However, it is also, if not, the slowest Ferrari. I was beaten at stop lights, by women in plain Mustangs. The 308 had only 205 HP!!!!!!! It is better, when one has it up to speed, though..........it is geared for top speed, NOT quick take-offs.

The car was obviously re-painted. I would probably like to see it in person, before I would buy it.

I have an 88 TR, and an 83 Boxer.

 

You have accepted the fact that it is a slow, off the line, car...........good start!!!!!..............then you won't be disappointed. This is the best, IMO, starter Ferrari for one to have. They are inexpensive, and very easy to work on.

Good luck with the bidding!

I have had 8 different Ferraris.

 

The cost difference to get an 84-84 QV is worth the stretch. More power (240hp) and begining with 84, they actually started rust proofing the cars. They can still rust (seen it) but definitely more resistant than they earlier cars. Rust is a real problem with 308's. Otherwise the service issues are the same..other than twice as many valves to adjust.