These are good condition vintage Ferraris that can be bought for less than $70k. Best just refers to enjoyment for someone that likes to drive 1-2k miles a year and take to shows.
Mine was way under 70K. I guess that makes it a very poor man's ferrari... Still for the money, a lot of fun to drive around and enjoy
You know guys with these models it's not the value that attracts me . . . it's their elegant and graceful designs. Since I was a young kid I've always been attracted to this vintage. Although a touring car there is something in the design that speaks power and agression, particularly the 250's.
What about the 365GTC4 ? It is a much better car in that price range than the other ones mentioned IMHO .
The GTC/4 is not a 69 or older car so its outside the discussion. Besides, it lacks that 60's Pininfarina styling. Erich
I love the GTC/4 but since its not included, out of those, I would choose the 365 GT 2+2...A local SoCal member has a beautiful example and it is GORGEOUS! Sounds pretty nice too.
An advantage of a "poor man's" vintage is that the care and feeding is relativley cheap. No belts to change, insurance is low, and as long as stuff doesn't break they don't seem to eat much money (knock on wood). And back in its day, the rich men preferred the 250 PF instead of the cab or SWB.
That's a great picture... Apart from the licence plate, it could be straight out of the original sales brochure. John
You know, even though I voted for the 330GT (because I like the bigger engine and 5-spd transmission) I've always thought the 250 GTE had slightly more elegant and cleaner lines. Particularly the tail treatment, which looks so classicly '60s. Andy
I think the 250PF is one of the most elegant cars ever....and so undervalued. The only decision would be a 12cylinder 250PF or a 6 cylinder Masearti 3500 for half the price...I think I know what the choice of this board would be See ya Simon
I fell in love with the 330 America after reading Tom Yangs site for months and months! For those who have not discovered it yet check out www.tomyang.net. Be warned. You will be hooked!
I would have to go with a 250 PF or a 250 GTE. The GTE being the best bang entry level FCar. The PF having a little better looks. I would also second a Maserati 3500 or Sebring. You can pick up a very nice example for less than 30K.
I just love 4-headlight 2+2s, couldn't think of another car in this price range I would rather have. Of course preferably an interem car with hanging pedals and 5-speed trans.
I agree that there are some really nice designs that also happen to be relatively affordable (all things considered). I live in Texas but travel to Europe for business 4-6 times per year. After much research, I was torn between the good looks of the 250GTE (short wheel base compared against the 330 & 365 series, and "Aston DB5" looks) and the 330GTC/365GTC with their improved drivetrain mounts and 5 speed gearbox. The real opportunity came when I found the 330 America two weeks ago that would be at the Gstaad auction (chassis 5061). With this car, I get the classic great lines of the 250GTE, with the power of the improved 4.0 litre V12 -- a real sleeper that is at home on Sunday drives as it is hitting the accelerator hard on a freeway entry ramp going to work in the morning. I also like the "fewer things to go wrong" aspect of the older V12's. The 3.0 Columbo litre is pretty reliable considering its racing pedigre and years in use. As a result, I can HIGHLY recommend the 250GTE/330 America models as they drive nicely, have a short enough wheelbase not to look like a "boat" (as some 70's Ferrari's clearly do), and can be maintained with a reasonable budget. The real crime is how many GTE's are being "cut up" to be rebodied as 250 California Spiders, etc. I spent the day with Steve Pilkington (UK Ferrari expert) drooling over his 250GTO and 275GTB/4 cars and even he makes money each year rebodying GTE's. Hope this info was helpful.
Best combination of ... 1) Relative affordability 2) Classic Pininfarina styling 3) Modern technology (at it's time) ... the 365GT2+2 ps Thanks Jordan!!
I considered both the 250 GTE and 330 2+2 series and would have gone with either, given the right car. I ended up with a solid but neglected early 4HL 330, which I got for a fair price. I've spent close to a year, another 60% of the purchase price, and many hours of my own labor getting it up to first class "driver" condition. I've had second thoughts, as we all do, but the personal participation and experience gained in getting a good classic Ferrari ready for another 20 years (hopefully mine) has been something i have no regrets about.
1984 Road and Track Article on Buying a 250GTE or 330GT 2+2 Good read! Along with the text format, (for those with good eyesight) the article's pages are thumbnailed, clickable and readable. Bottom line: Tom Yang's site is a valuable resource.
No votes for a dino? (or are they over $70k again?) The 246 started production in '69 so I guess both would qualify.
I own S/N 10193, the last 330GT 2+2 built. It is a nice car and straignt forward. Not that is it trouble free, I had to replace all of those lovely shiney Borrani's because they cracked along the rim. I just change the oil and watch the tempsature of the water and oil. It has an odd chageing system and the needle jumps back and forth. However, after 5 years plus it has not let me down. I get some driveline vibrations that are something I would like to fix. I have a new "u" joint and bisquet. But basically, I can drive the car to outings and enjoy it. It also didn't break the bank to acquire and I think at my age (65) I get feel of owning a real road car. [email protected]
On ebay there the chassis and body of 330 GT 2+2 #6361 is for sale at Ebay, now for 2,000 euros: http://cgi.benl.ebay.be/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2452217801&category=9897&rd=1 So even with not much money, you can buy a ferrari, then you slowly restore the car and in a couple of years you have a nice 330 GT 2+2. And if you are lucky, the cars value is then maybe much higher. Or another item on ebay a Ferrari V12 F1 1989-90 engine for 33,000 euro: http://cgi.benl.ebay.be/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2453358339&category=14771 you can't drive this ferrari, but if you put this in your living room, you can impress every owner of a Ferrari.
Would you guys thumb your noses at a replica? Created by an honest shop? I can't seem to crunch my numbers in a way that they would total 62 250 GTO.