Impending classic purchase - help needed
Discussion
Right - after offloading my Griffith I'm now on the hunt for a 308 or a 344 from round about 1982/3.
But, while I was confident I knew what I was looking for in a TVR I'm clueless now it comes to eeking out a good Ferrari.
I'm more interested in the 308, I think, especially a GTB as opposed to a GTS. But I'm confused as to which cars were built with four valves p/c (the QV). Also, I guess I'm better looking for a later one without carbs as I understand they were bitches to balance.
As you can see - I'm just not certain what questions to ask here. Can anyone give me some guidance? What to look for, likely specialist sales agents, contacts for servicing etc.
All help appreciated.
AF
But, while I was confident I knew what I was looking for in a TVR I'm clueless now it comes to eeking out a good Ferrari.
I'm more interested in the 308, I think, especially a GTB as opposed to a GTS. But I'm confused as to which cars were built with four valves p/c (the QV). Also, I guess I'm better looking for a later one without carbs as I understand they were bitches to balance.
As you can see - I'm just not certain what questions to ask here. Can anyone give me some guidance? What to look for, likely specialist sales agents, contacts for servicing etc.
All help appreciated.
AF
Ah ok, well, both fairly different cars imho, a 308 isnt so much an everyday car but very beautiful. If getting a 348 get the latest & best you can afford, look at & drive as many as you can and unless especially against it don't b put off by left hand drive.
Do a search here on PH under 348 and you'll see the buying advice myself and others have given previously. Also try Ferrarichat.com
I went from a Griffith 500 to a 348 but for me it had to be a GTS (later model with more bhp, better handling etc) and also the S meaning the targa roof comes off. I would have missed the roofless experience too much. It took me a while to stop missing the Griff but the whole Ferrari experience has been second to none, coupled to the car (touch wood) being ultra reliable.
In terms of dealers etc, dont be afraid of specialists. I'd recommend QV in ascot, Joe Macari and Foskers. (for the odd few I wouldnt recommend mail me offline)
Lastly, if you do want a very nice 348 then mine might be up for sale soon as now I have the bike I'm not using it every day & its too nice to leave at home.
Best of luck whatever you decide.
Do a search here on PH under 348 and you'll see the buying advice myself and others have given previously. Also try Ferrarichat.com
I went from a Griffith 500 to a 348 but for me it had to be a GTS (later model with more bhp, better handling etc) and also the S meaning the targa roof comes off. I would have missed the roofless experience too much. It took me a while to stop missing the Griff but the whole Ferrari experience has been second to none, coupled to the car (touch wood) being ultra reliable.
In terms of dealers etc, dont be afraid of specialists. I'd recommend QV in ascot, Joe Macari and Foskers. (for the odd few I wouldnt recommend mail me offline)
Lastly, if you do want a very nice 348 then mine might be up for sale soon as now I have the bike I'm not using it every day & its too nice to leave at home.
Best of luck whatever you decide.
Angus,
What are you doing on Sunday ? Its the Ferrari Owners Club National meet which would be the best place to see cars, speak to owners, get advice etc.
If you are interested we could organise something as I'm not that far from you. I'll switch my profile to my home email, so mail me if interested.
Mark
>> Edited by frostie on Friday 4th July 19:37
What are you doing on Sunday ? Its the Ferrari Owners Club National meet which would be the best place to see cars, speak to owners, get advice etc.
If you are interested we could organise something as I'm not that far from you. I'll switch my profile to my home email, so mail me if interested.
Mark
>> Edited by frostie on Friday 4th July 19:37
Do a search in this section, I've posted loads about buying 308's before. Also look at my site www.fugazi.co.uk.
Unless you plan to track it seriously, there's nothing between the GTS and GTB. In fact more GTS's were made, which means a better choice when buying.
Agree that the 308 isn't really a daily driver, though my mate uses he 328 every day saying that, and there are some people that do use them. No reason why they can't be, in fact they run better when used.
Disagree about carb vs injection. In fact, the injection models have their own particular problems, so are no better/worse than the carbs. My carb 308 just needs a light balance every year and that takes less than an hour. The injection models do have better starting though, when cold.
348's are nice cars if you like the 80's styling and interior, and are a bargain £ wise. They get a lot of bad press, but by all accounts this is unwarrented.
Lots of main dealers and specialists around. Find a good local specialist. And always use genuine parts. I use Shiltech in Loughborough for the stuff I'm too scared to do, and they're great.
Unless you plan to track it seriously, there's nothing between the GTS and GTB. In fact more GTS's were made, which means a better choice when buying.
Agree that the 308 isn't really a daily driver, though my mate uses he 328 every day saying that, and there are some people that do use them. No reason why they can't be, in fact they run better when used.
Disagree about carb vs injection. In fact, the injection models have their own particular problems, so are no better/worse than the carbs. My carb 308 just needs a light balance every year and that takes less than an hour. The injection models do have better starting though, when cold.
348's are nice cars if you like the 80's styling and interior, and are a bargain £ wise. They get a lot of bad press, but by all accounts this is unwarrented.
Lots of main dealers and specialists around. Find a good local specialist. And always use genuine parts. I use Shiltech in Loughborough for the stuff I'm too scared to do, and they're great.
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