Discussion
I went 348 to 360. 360 is obviously much more modern, but I think it's also a different era of Ferrari.
My 348 was fine, but generally needed something minor fixing fairly often (e.g electrical connectors by the door hinges).
The 360 was much more solidly put together and most of the time just worked.
The only caveat being, it did total a top end when the cam variator snapped which is apparently a known problem. And no - the official Ferrari fix for it doesn't prevent it.......
My 348 was fine, but generally needed something minor fixing fairly often (e.g electrical connectors by the door hinges).
The 360 was much more solidly put together and most of the time just worked.
The only caveat being, it did total a top end when the cam variator snapped which is apparently a known problem. And no - the official Ferrari fix for it doesn't prevent it.......
I imagine that’s a big change, especially if you’ve had the 355 for a long time,
I increasingly find classics harder to live with, especially over distances. I’ve had my 87 911 for 21 years and last years Le Mans Classic felt like a real slog. Christ maybe I’m getting old.
I couldn’t ever let her go, just gets used less against the modern cars.
I tried a 360 manual and loved it, never got one as a 430 F1 stole my heart. Slightly regretting never getting that click / clack gear change.
I’d driven 355s but never owned, but it felt so much more modern.
If you are happy with the change then I think you’d enjoy it.
I increasingly find classics harder to live with, especially over distances. I’ve had my 87 911 for 21 years and last years Le Mans Classic felt like a real slog. Christ maybe I’m getting old.
I couldn’t ever let her go, just gets used less against the modern cars.
I tried a 360 manual and loved it, never got one as a 430 F1 stole my heart. Slightly regretting never getting that click / clack gear change.
I’d driven 355s but never owned, but it felt so much more modern.
If you are happy with the change then I think you’d enjoy it.
Thanks chaps. Yes, all very subjective I guess. Lots of reasons for the change and as much as I'd love a V12 I think it would be hard to fit into my set-up in terms of space, how the cars get used etc. I'd love a 365GTC4 but funds don't allow and this way I still get the manual modern classic experience with some money left, potentially for an Alfa Giulia QF which I've always wanted.
I did it with absolutely no regrets. F355 Berlinetta, manual, Tubi exhaust, red / crema for 3 years to F360 Spider, manual, Capristo exhaust, red / crema for 18 years.
I loved the 355 but I’m not mechanically minded and every little noise or clunk it made always sounded like it would be an expensive problem. To be fair, there were never any problems but I was always quite relieved to get home after a run. I had an Esprit before and it was a bit like that.
On the other hand the 360 always felt solid, reliable and far more modern. Looks are always subjective but I grew to prefer the 360, particularly with the roof down, and still think they look modern or at least not “classic” or old.
I’d have another 360 but not another 355.
I loved the 355 but I’m not mechanically minded and every little noise or clunk it made always sounded like it would be an expensive problem. To be fair, there were never any problems but I was always quite relieved to get home after a run. I had an Esprit before and it was a bit like that.
On the other hand the 360 always felt solid, reliable and far more modern. Looks are always subjective but I grew to prefer the 360, particularly with the roof down, and still think they look modern or at least not “classic” or old.
I’d have another 360 but not another 355.
I contemplated this recently given how prices of the two have diverged recently. I decided that I have so many memories in the 355, I've done so much work myself on it and know it so well that I just can't let it go. Plus, I think I'll always be able to get into a 360 if I change my mind, but if I get out of a 355 now, they may do a Dino and I won't be able to get back in.
It's a sorted car and has just been to Le Mans and back without issue, sitting in traffic in scorching heat, being left for days without a trickle charge, taken to the redline whenever the opportunity presented itself, so I don't have the "strange noise anxiety" that some get.
Plus, popup headlights!
That said, I'd love a 458, but it and the 355 have never really reached price parity (I've four young kids so can't justify putting more money into a car)
It's a sorted car and has just been to Le Mans and back without issue, sitting in traffic in scorching heat, being left for days without a trickle charge, taken to the redline whenever the opportunity presented itself, so I don't have the "strange noise anxiety" that some get.
Plus, popup headlights!
That said, I'd love a 458, but it and the 355 have never really reached price parity (I've four young kids so can't justify putting more money into a car)
I did it in the end. Sale is currently going through via Slades. I also bought their blue 360 Spider. Hopefully leaving some funds left over, potentially for an Alfa Giulia Quadrafoglio…
It took some soul searching to reach the decision but influencing factors included also being lucky enough to own a red 308GTB, which has really got under my skin, and covers the red, pop-up headlights thing. And 16 years is a long time to own a car!
I actually was considering 550’s when I dropped my 355 off but couldn’t quite convince myself. Then I noticed the 360 and the spec just spoke to me. Hopefully the deal will be completed soon.
It took some soul searching to reach the decision but influencing factors included also being lucky enough to own a red 308GTB, which has really got under my skin, and covers the red, pop-up headlights thing. And 16 years is a long time to own a car!
I actually was considering 550’s when I dropped my 355 off but couldn’t quite convince myself. Then I noticed the 360 and the spec just spoke to me. Hopefully the deal will be completed soon.
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