Urgent Dilemma; Which 355?

Id go for the GTS

 

I'd go for the GTS, but it has nothing to do with the service history, I just like them better.

If you're buying for investment you're making a mistake imo. That shouldn't be part of the equation as it's way too unpredictable.

In terms of importance, first is overall condition, 2nd mileage, 3rd owners (imo). I would always buy the car that's in better current condition (mechanical and cosmetic) as the first tie breaker.

 

Another vote for the GTS, but because I much prefer them over Spiders. Otherwise, the Spider sounds like a nicer car and the gaps in its history would not bother me (is there no way to fill in those gaps by contacting the former owner?)

Are RHD 355s really bringing that much in the UK or is there lots of room in the asking prices?

 

$200k. Wowzer.

The GTS is the best of all worlds. It is the only style I would swap with my spider.

Coupes are not that cool.

 

If both cars are comparable and can end up in the condition you want them to be, buy the body style -YOU- prefer.

 

Cant help which one. Both great in their own right and down to personal preference. Owners is negligible and with more owners these type of vehicles tend to have work done for selling on so there is a flipside. If you're keeping for 10years, ld service history gaps are not that relevant, providing you gave kept it up to date.as shown in the price the gaps in servicing aren't really holding it back on price.

 

Interesting. The 348's, currently on Ebay UK, are priced between 70K and 120k USD.

 

Spider top down, its better then any 355 shape out there and more smile but you will have more maintenance of looking after the top, and gts is fine but again you may have a leaking problem, due to door seals, as it doesn't always stay sunny in uk, I know ...I am in London and I always carry a umbrella in my wallet ! I have both model, and gts are rear and less on the market so that could be potential for investment wise. Good luck.

 

Buy the GTS. In ten years that 4000 mile difference ont be such a high percentage difference as it is now. If the seller is willing to work in the repairs/services required to bring it up to the standards set by the Spider then you have nothing to lose.

The GTS captures the true lines of the car as penned by Pinninfarina where the Spider resembles a doorstop.

Just stare at that gorgeously sculpted rear window and you mind will be made up. ;-)

 

A tough choice

Obviously maintenance is not a concern to you as you have the means to get it done properly.

I have both models

Spider offers a true gentleman's sports cars experience with the top down. Full 360 degree view of the world, Looks great with it up also. Nothing like it at any price.

GTS is nice but just seems like another car to me when your locked inside. Good for a race car vroom vroom guy.

For me I prefer the spider and enjoy the great outdoors

Either way you will love either one


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LOL

Take the spider for a ride on a sunny day.

I'm 56 I do my hot rodding at the track. I cruise the streets and enjoy the surroundings

I have the GTS in a 348 also, not a spider and I dont find myself taking the top off and storing it behind the seats so essentially its a B

Yeah I had to get all of them look at my garage

 

You really are buying at the very high end of the market at those prices, neither car will appreciate to any higher level, only the cream of the crop, ultra low mileage, pristine, low owner, no stories cars could expect anything like those numbers. Neither car fits that description. No one will be paying substantially more for either example in years to come.

355s have peaked in the UK and sticking, those are dealer dreamer prices, hold onto your money and find the right car.

I take it you want one to ship to Aus or similar?

Plenty of good Uk cars here :-

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/ferrari/355

 

Is the Spider gated or F1? Doesn't matter to my vote, I'm just curious.

GTS, all day.

 

No, it doesn't. The mileage and number of previous owners is less important than how well the car was driven and maintained.

I don't even know exactly how many POs my car had (maybe 5?) and it was "high" mileage (43K when I got it). But it was well-known on here and had been cared for (from an engine/suspension perspective) *very* well. I've taken care of issues it had... much of the interior and a front respray/clearbra... as well every bit of regular maintenance it has needed. The PO sold it to me because it was very clear after a couple of conversations that I was going to care for the car the way it deserved, just as he had done.

If the car you really want was well-cared-for and you intend to do the same, you'll be fine and you should at least get back every penny you put into it... as long as you don't pay too much.
But I also agree with Paul500... those prices are *insane*... like almost 4 times what I paid 3 years ago. I find it hard to believe they'll keep climbing... or that those two examples are worth that much.

As for the body style... go GTS. The lines are better and you have both the option of having the top on and off. Spiders look good with the top down, but that truncated rear line when the top is up negates one of the best parts of the 355 form. And yes, the 355 was the last of the "targa top" GTS Ferraris... as well as the last of the buttresses. It's the one to have. And yes, I'm biased.

 

I would buy the GTS out of those two choices.

Let us know how it goes.

Robb