WTB Where to look?

I've been looking at and reading up on 308's on and off for a few years now. A few months ago I decided it's time to stop looking and buy. I understand it will take a while to find what I am looking for. My question is, where is the best place to look? I've done Google searches and looked at Auto Trader and Aol autos. I keep seeing the same cars coming up. I hear a lot of not to expect much from Ebay. I'm looking for a 1977-1979. I'm in Florida but don't mind traveling out of state, although California is a bit far. I'm looking for a handful of sites i can bookmark and check every week. Any direction is appreciated.

 

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/vbclassified.php?do=category&categoryid=3

 

Where i Fl. are you? I might be able to reffer you to a friend who lives in Hollywood.
Plus have you looked at FerrariAds?

 

No affiliation, but in my opinion, the best car for the buck if you want a carbed GTS is here http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ferrari-308-1979-Ferrari-308-GTS-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem35ab9a79d4QQitemZ230512294356QQptZUSQ5fCarsQ5fTrucks

I cannot remember what his name is on this board, but there is a documented restoration that is loaded with pictures of this car in this 308 section. The 80k miles is now a newly rebuilt engine. Paint is new as well as most of the other things. Not a concourse car, but probably the nicest driver resto out there for a great price.

 

Don't necessarily discount E-Bay as a source to find a car. Think of it as display advertising and then directly contact the owner.

Since you are in Florida talk with Tim Sanford in Ft. Lauderdale. He might be in a position to know of an owner that is thinking of selling but hasn't gone public yet. Also, go to the FCA gatherings and let your intentions be known.

Jeff

 

Found the thread on the car I mentioned above:
http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=160115&highlight=electromotive+larini

 

I will have Chassis # 22331 up for sale in the near future.
A 1977 308 GTB that has been lightened by more than a few pounds.
Fully adjustable suspension, Tubi, and much more.
So you might want to keep abreast.

Dave

 

All has to be decided as to what you are looking for. First decide GTB (stiffer, and I think better looking) vs. GTS (less stiff, perhaps with additional top off functionality?) Arguably, the most desirable may be the pre-catalyst, carbureted cars from '76-77, and I think GTB due to rarity.

Then 78-79 carb'd. Carb'd cars make a wonderful induction sound, mated to the exhaust note.

 

Decide first on what you want - year, GTB/GTS, color. Don't buy a "good deal" if it's not really what you want because it won't end up being a good deal and you'll kick yourself later while trying to justify it to yourself (and others) with phrases like, "I didn't really want an (fill the the blank - year/model/color) but it's grown on me." Yeah, sounds good for public consumption but you will never be happy with it and always regret not buying what you really wanted.

So the critical thing is to decide that first. DOn't start a buying search for the actual car until you can say (with your own specific car preferences, of course) "I'm going to buy a Red/Tan, 1989 328 GTS." THEN start trying to find "the car."

I'd also recommend you buy the best car you can, not one that sounds like a good price but needs work unless you clearly understand the time/money involved in a project car and are willing to deal with the years/dollars that are often involved.

 

Personally, I've found "dealer" cars to be no better than ebay cars in terms of mechanical condition. Frankly, cars I have purchased through ebay from a private seller have been consistently better cars than those bought through a "high end" dealer. My experience has been that private sellers are more honest and forthright about the car and it's history or any issues.

And, related, the cars purchased through private sellers (frequently via ebay) are usually 10-20% less expensive too.

Definitely get a good PPI prior to making a buy commit.

 

Look for some independent dealers that sell a lot of in 308s. I used Forza in CT ([email protected]), but there are others. If you find someone you are comfortable with they can be a great help, they often know of cars that are not on the web.

 

I definitely want a carbureted GTS. Red with tan interior. Up to 50,000 miles but not less than 30,000. it needs to have had recent major service and records. I have $35K cash to spend although my target is closer to low $30's.

 

www.vast.com is a way to cast a wide net to get a general overview of the market. Several of the entries are duplicates or outdated but it's a way to get a good "lay of the land" of the 308 market.

308 seem to be in a weird place right now. They are becoming more and more sought out but because they were known as the bargain Ferrari, most were treated as such, and most seem to be rather ratty or modified or maintained in a less than sympathetic way.

Good luck with your search. It may take as long as 6-10 months to find one that meets your expectations.

-F

 

Dont forget the car restoration side of the business. There are restoration companies out there that will purchase cars with the sole intent to restore them prior to selling on the market.

Often times these purchases are made for a specific buyer, only for that buyer to change their mind after the purchase. At that point the restoration company has two options, first go ahead and restore it and sell it at a premium or second sell it as is outright.

The second option is how I purchased my 79 308 GTB. Got a great deal and have enjoyed bringing the car up to speed ever since. Since there arent many people that know about these companies its infrequent to run into a bidding war as you are probably the only person that is interested.

The State of Vermont is a haven for all types of car restoration companies.