Which Car Would You Buy and Why?

Which “Hat & Stick” car below would you buy and why?

Why a Hat? Simple, I like a roof over my head. The stick is there because I like to roll my own on the street.

The Ferrari ads are from the Ferrari Market Letter (except for the F360, which is on eBay). I have removed the identifying info. (Subscribe to the FML if you want to know more.) The Porsche ads are from Craig’s List.

Feel free to use any criteria you want: looks, handling, reliability, coolness, and so on. I only ask you keep it real by (1) factoring in the relative asking prices (don’t get hung up on whether the asking price is realistic); and (2) considering which car is the most fun to drive.

1. 328 GTS, (1989 USA model). Rosso Corsa with beige interior. Incredible. Coppa GT winner, platinum at Cavallino and many other regional event awards. Will continue to win awards – go to the FCA National Meet and win! Original delivery date of March 24, 1989. Service history since 2001. Second gear synchro is perfect. Original cover for targa top. 30,000 mile service completed. All books and tools. Garaged in home showroom. 21,537 miles. $58,900.

2. 348 CHALLENGE, (1994 USA model). Grigio metallica. 26 of 32 factory-prepared Challenge cars. OMP equipped, Tubi exhaust, new gearbox, Brembo F40 brakes, two sets of 18” wheels. Perfect condition with FL title. 17,500 miles. $65,000

3. F355 BERLINETTA, (1996 USA model). Silver metallic with black leather interior. Big service 2007 included new seals, new timing belts, new running belts, new clutch with new throw-out bearings and seals, rebuilt water pump, rebuilt gearbox and differential with new synchro rings and seals, rebuilt flywheel with new seals and silicone, rebuilt A/C with new dryer and expansion valves, new battery and two new rear tires and replaced leather covering on instrument cluster cover. Aftermarket stainless Tubi exhaust, complete tool kit and books. Driven less than 1,000 miles since service to exercise the car. 18,100 miles. $55,000

4. 2001 Ferrari 360, Silver/Grey, Books, tool kit, Factory books/manuals, Factory Carbon fiber seats (Very rare, and expensive option) The most conferrable Ferrari seats I’ve sat in, CD, Clutch feels good, Belt service has been done, Runs and drives perfect, has a few rock chips (nothing big, see pics), the front bumper cover has a small crack on the bottom around the vents (normal to a 360, most would never know unless I pointed it out), Fan blower knob has a chip on it (works fine), The engine cover light come on sometimes ( probably a ground and or a sensor, just haven't looked at it, nothing major ), 19’ 3 piece wheels – one has a very light scuff, barely noticeable, Tires are 80%, brakes pads and rotors look good. That’s the good and bad. $64,500 BIN

5. 1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Coupe (993 Model) - 1996 911 Carrera 4S Coupe AWD Wide Body Grand Prix White on Gray Leather interior 6 speed manual Transmission Very rare and Super clean Collector Porsche with Original certificate of authenticity from Porsche North America Full Porsche inspection report Full Porsche Service All service records from day one Maintained and serviced at Authorized ***** Porsche Heated and full power front seats package Premium HiFi Sound package with 6 Disc CD Changer Litronic headlights Rear window wiper Aluminum shift knob and brake handle AM FM Radio Cassette player Power window Power door locks Power mirrors Brand new tires non-smoker always garaged LOJACK exceptional mechanical and cosmetic condition Immaculate condition a true jewel among other Porsche models A must see before buying any Carrera 4S Premium Sound System $45,900.

6. 2001 PORSCHE 911 TURBO 8K MILES!! - 2001 PORSCHE TWIN TURBO, ARTIC SILVER/GRAY, 8150 MILES!! , PERFECT, NEW PZERO TIRES, FRESH SERVICE FROM PORSCHE ******, 6SP, HEATED SEATS, CLEAR BRA, PERFECT EXAMPLE OF A PAMPERED CAR, NO ACCIDENTS OR PAINTWORK, ALL ORIGINAL, NO DISAPPOINTMENTS. $48,500

Dale

PS Erik, the last one is for you.

 

Interesting responses. Predictability, I'm swimming against the tide because the 328 is the last car I would buy for two reasons.

First, I'm a driver not a lover. I have owned one museum quality car (see below), and I'll never make that mistake again. I have zero interest in participating in a concours, cruising the strip, or parking in front of restaurants. I used to enjoy the FCA regional meets, but that's about as far as I go. Hell, I don't even like to drive with other people.

Second, if I wanted a late '80s car, I'd go for a 1988/1989 Porsche Turbo. As far as looks go, I like the early 308s much better than the later cars. If I was gonna go the 3x8 route, I'd get a rat car, buy one of those 288 GTO conversion kits, and hot rod the motor. Only problem is $100,000 later, I'd be so upside down that I'd never see the light of day again.

Oh, and one more reason. It's gotta have A/C. It gets hot in Texas.

But keep those cards and letter coming.

Dale
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Let's talk specifics.

We have kicked around the 328 enuf. So let's talk about the 348 Challenge car.

Rob, you said this car is overpriced, and I'll defer to you on that. I don't follow the Challenge market all that much. (But if you want to talk dirty about Spec Boxster, I'm your man.) But I choose this car because, to me, the only 348s worth buying are cool ones. And, as a street legal car, the 358 Challenge cars are pretty cool. (Although I don't think my neighbors will appreciate me firing one up at 5:00 am on Sunday morning. But, WTH, I have Aggies on one side and Koreans on the other.)

So what say ye? Come all ye 348 tribe. This is your turn in the sun.

Dale