UK 246 purchase, ownership and infrequent use | FerrariChat
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UK 246 purchase, ownership and infrequent use

Discussion in '206/246' started by asquiffy, Oct 17, 2004.

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  1. asquiffy

    asquiffy Rookie

    Sep 25, 2004
    1
    #1 asquiffy, Oct 17, 2004
    Hi,

    I've been doing quite a lot of Dino research lately. My circumstances are a little unusual and I wanted to get some guidance on whether to purchase, where to purchase and what to expect. Any comments will be appreciated.

    I'm British and I live in Japan. After years of non-ownership, I'd love to buy a car I can keep in the UK to enjoy for the 1-2 times/4-6 weeks per year I'd be there. Because of depreciation, new cars are out of the question. And so that leads me to the Dino...

    What I would really like to know is if people think it would be viable to store a 246 and only use it for only for a month or so a year. Storage would probably involve handing it over to a company in the M25 region, to be kept in an air-conditioned facility and have the engine run once in a while plus periodic basic checks. If I buy a very decent example, say http://www.racecarnewmedia.co.uk/nickcartwright/details.asp?VehicleID=92, can I expect to have only relatively routine maintenance carried out, or will I spend my time back in the UK emptying my wallet and being bereft of car. Some typical figures for servicing/issues would be useful.

    Where should I look to purchase/who should I trust, what to do about insurance. Can one get a good deal on short-term classic insurance for a Dino?

    Many thanks,

    asquiffy
     
  2. Napolis

    Napolis Three Time F1 World Champ
    Honorary Owner

    Oct 23, 2002
    32,118
    Full Name:
    Jim Glickenhaus
    #2 Napolis, Oct 17, 2004
    While not ideal this could work. If the car is properly stored and run it should work fine on your return BUT it's also a bit random. Things can go wrong at any time and will only show themselves upon driving. For example even a simple problem in a Dino can take a week to sort so when it occurs it will cut into your time.

    All that said you only live once and a Dino is a lot of fun.
     
  3. dm_n_stuff

    dm_n_stuff Four Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2003
    43,711
    26.806311,-81.755805
    Full Name:
    Dave M.
    #3 dm_n_stuff, Oct 17, 2004
    Jim.

    Would seals be a concern? Gaskets sitting for months without lubrication to keep them from giving up the ghost?

    I have been told, (have not tried it) that using a silicone based brake fluid as a exterior coating on exposed gasket edges can help to keep them alive.

    I would think that you'd want to store it up off the floor, on jack stands too. Unless you cold find a willing volunteer to take it out for an occasional spin. Probably wouldn't take too long to find one, either.

    Having said all that, can't think of a better car to have as an ocasional driver. I've put about 2k miles on mine this summer, and it is a blast. Values are good, low $60K USD for a nice GT, high $70's for a GTS. Can't lose, I wouldn't think.

    Dave
     
  4. MarkCollins

    MarkCollins F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Jul 2, 2002
    3,202
    South England
    Full Name:
    Mark Collins
    #4 MarkCollins, Oct 17, 2004
    asquiffy

    the recognised 246 Dino expert in the UK is Nick Cartwright as per the link you posted,you would do well to talk to him about running/servicing costs etc
     
  5. Napolis

    Napolis Three Time F1 World Champ
    Honorary Owner

    Oct 23, 2002
    32,118
    Full Name:
    Jim Glickenhaus
    #5 Napolis, Oct 17, 2004
    Dave
    From what I understand there are places in the UK that provide this service including a run every 2 weeks long enough to get things flowing. If that were done I think it would work out but you're right starting isn't enough.
    Best
     
  6. mal

    mal Formula Junior

    Jan 12, 2004
    615
    Kent
    #6 mal, Oct 18, 2004
    I bought my Dino GTS from Foskers near Brands Hatch (Close to M25) a year ago. I have run it with a few little problems all of which have been sorted with no fuss under the one year warranty they gave me. I have heard good and bad reports about them but so far they have been good to me and are obviously pretty knowledgeable about Dinos as all the owner of the fiem have owned and run Dinos for years.

    I am sure if you spoke to them they would look after your car in the UK and keeping it in good condition for you to use when you come back

    Nick Cartwright is obviously another expert but he is up near Derby which is quite a way from the M25.

    My car is insured through AON Classic car insurance and costs under £400 per year (Limited to 3000 miles) with a £65K agreed Value.
     

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