looking at my first possible ferrari

That's from Wayne Carini... he has the TV show called Chasing Classic Cars.

 

I think that's a fair price in the current market for that car....

The Service is very important so you are 'good to go' for three years if it was correctly done.

Good luck!

 

A drving test is needed but you may not have driven enough 308s to make an informed evaluation. More important is service records and a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) not done by F-40

At $29,500 it might be a little high for a 1980 in this economy and it is, in the opinion of some, the least desireable of the 308 series as emission restrictions choked down the horsepower substantially. Plenty of 2 valve owners swear by them nonetheless.

Wayne Carini seems like a decent guy and I would expect him to stand behind the car in some way in case of a major mechanical disaster. Buy this one or not, don't get trapped in the "been looking forever" mode. Life's short.

Good luck!

 

29,500 seems a bit high in my opinion as well, but again I would expect Wayne to stand behind the car.

What does surprise me is that he has an 82 GTBi car that he has at 59,500. That is WAAAAY high in my opinion.

But he has a TV show so he obviously knows more than I do.


PDG

 

Not necessarily! He's taken a pretty good bath on some of his auction adventures!

 

What's going on with the seats? the covers look weird.

I saw this guy on TV recently showing 3 different Ferraris for first time buyers. He said 308s were worth between "20 and 50 thousand".

I'd say this would be towards the bottom of his stated range. best of luck.

 

Yes, he may have, but he knows enough to get on TV and whatever income that may bring.


PDG

 

The 1980 might be 180 HP while the 1979 carb car is 240 HP or so (245 with the bored out jets). Consider a year earlier or a couple of years later (83, 84). Service is where it is at my friend for a 30 year old Ferrari. You can easily spend 5 grand on this car just to get it "right".

 

I knew I had seen those seats before....$180 on Ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FERRARI-308-79-80-81-82-83-84-85-S-LEATHER-SEAT-COVERS_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5190515e94QQitemZ350313602708QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

I guess not a total dealbreaker, but certainly not encouraging on a $30K car either.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

It's advertised as "Service just completed" I believe...I factored that into my valuation statement, and assumed this seller knew what a "Service " was....

I didn't notice the seat covers, ReOriginals has the correct pattern, as does other vendors....

 

Also needs the seats rebuilt underneath -- the original bolsters are gone. This isn't an easy weekend project.

 

My gut feeling is that this car will be a rewarding driver. Not perfect or original. The engine bay looked sanitary with an upgraded intake tube to alum. Seats not original, etc, but this is not a car that many will use for track days anymore. These are sporting weekend touring cars. His 29,500 is asking. If the car is right after a PPI and you get it for 25K and it's in your garage will you stare at it in disbelief or will you cry over your bank account. From my personal experience, and this is only 6 months of ownership, I don't miss my money at all, and when it comes to buying parts with money that's hard to come by, I do it with a smile on my face. I am a very happy owner.

 

If "all original" isn't important, make a reasonable offer and drive the
pants off it. Looks nice - and with 57k on the clock is very likely a good
runner assuming service is up to par.

Jedi

 

I think for that money you can find a comparable QV which would be a much better car. A carb car would also be better.

Dave

 

ReOriginals will turnkey the install, they have a shop and installers now.....I have not tried them but probably will!

 

Get someone who knows Ferrari's to consult with you. Don't go this alone....or yoo will end up spending $30K for an '80 GTSI, Not a good thing.

 

+1

 

I agree.

 

Motorcars in Springfield, Missouri (and an FChat sponsor, I think) just got a '79 308 that probably would be in this price range. I haven't seen the car, but they don't buy or sell bad cars, to my knowledge.

I would certainly investigate that one before considering an '80 with a botched interior.

http://www.motorcars-intl.com/vehicle_details.aspx?id=848&CAR=Ferrari-308-GTS


Also, no matter what 308 you buy, be sure to have the equivalent of U.S. $5000-$10,000 available for potential service and repair issues. I.e., don't spend your last peso buying the car. If you can pay cash for the car, and have a comfortable reserve, then a nice carb'ed 308 or QV is a good car.

 

Just because the dealer is reputable does not mean the car is a good value.

I will echo the others advice to look for a '84 or '85 QV. In this price range, you should be able to locate a good example and will benefit from more power and refinement in the 308 line.

If you love Ferraris, don't give up the dream. Being patient to find YOUR car is one of the hardest parts. You will look into many cars and perhaps have 1 or 2 deals not work out for one reason or another. However, if you have a passion for driving, the long road will pay off on your first drive in your own fcar.

Keep researching and reading this site and you will be able to find what you are looking for.

Good Luck!

 

If anyone's interested, my '78 GTS is still available:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/vbclassified.php?do=ad&id=2297

Well sorted car, Electromotive ignition upgrade, lots of goodies, recent engine out belt service, only 37K miles. Willing to make a good deal for an FChatter.