Have a 458 and want a second vintage Ferrari, suggestions? | FerrariChat

Have a 458 and want a second vintage Ferrari, suggestions?

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by FerrariCognoscenti, Mar 2, 2021.

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  1. FerrariCognoscenti

    FerrariCognoscenti Formula 3

    Jan 19, 2021
    2,429
    East Coast
    I have a 2010 458 and love it, but have the itch to have a second Ferrari that is purely mechanical without any electronics and gives that total analog feel. The 458 is my daily driver that I drive seven days a week, so I’m looking for something vintage that I can add some variety on weekends. This will augment my 458, not replace it. I see lots of great deals on 308, 328, 348, etc. I’d like to stay at or below $75k. What is a good second Ferrari that is 1970-1990s, easily found under 75k, and is among the more reliable/least maintenance intensive cars from the 70s-90s?

    Thanks guys for your suggestions


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  2. jferazzi

    jferazzi Karting

    Sep 12, 2009
    89
    Indianapolis
    I’m in the opposite position. I have an ‘85 308 QV and would love to add a 458 some day! I love everything about the 308 - the looks, the feel, the smell! Obviously lots of opinions on this site but to me, it’s the quintessential classic Ferrari. I believe the 308 QV was the sweet spot of the 3x8 series and would check all the boxes you listed. While the 328 is also a great car, I was never a fan of the redesigned front end and I also prefer the vintage look and feel of the 308 interior. Furthermore, I’m of the opinion that the 458 is the best looking Ferrari since the 308. So it’ll be a good counterpart!
     
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  3. Jedi

    Jedi Moderator
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    Mar 18, 2008
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    328GTS would get my vote, hands down

    Jedi
     
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  4. ginoBBi512

    ginoBBi512 F1 Rookie
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    #4 ginoBBi512, Mar 2, 2021
    Last edited: Mar 2, 2021
    1989 328 GTB / GTS, The best Ferrari ever built, thats because it embodies everything Ferrari stands for, or used to stand for. Its one of the only true pure driving machines ever built,(not counting the multi million dollar F cars of the 50 and 60s,) while still affordable for drivers like myself. The reliability and smiles per miles are really unmatched by all Ferrari standards. I so much would love a 488 GTB, but I would not sacrifice my 89 in order to do so. I hope you find what your looking for, and if it is a 3x8, please post about your feelings , your experience between your two cars. I would be interested in what you have to say.Allen Decadenet once said, a mid engined Ferrari V8 would not be his choice for a road going car, he prefers the 275 GTB 4 CAM, sure, but who can afford that ? lol

    Thank you
     
  5. Thomas S.

    Thomas S. Karting

    Sep 11, 2017
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    550 Maranello. Totally different car, being a V12 GT, so IMO a nice addition. The ones you listed are all mid-engined V8s, so besides the manual gearbox they are a similar style as the 458, just older and less capable in terms of performance. Nothing against them, and I know they drive differently - but hope you get my point... The Maranello will be a totally diferent experience, so you will really have a choice every time you want to take one of them out for a drive. 75k may be a challenge, but if it's acceptable if it is not in top condition, and you may even be able to do some maintenance on your own, you could find one with some luck.
     
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  6. FerrariCognoscenti

    FerrariCognoscenti Formula 3

    Jan 19, 2021
    2,429
    East Coast
    I definitely want one of the mid engine vintages from the 70s-90s, while the 550 is an outstanding car, it is not beautiful to me like the mid engine cars and I don’t think it has timeless beauty like the 308, 328, etc. it looks very dated to me.


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  7. FerrariCognoscenti

    FerrariCognoscenti Formula 3

    Jan 19, 2021
    2,429
    East Coast
    Is the 328 a step up in maintenance/reliability from the 308?


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  8. nerofer

    nerofer F1 World Champ

    Mar 26, 2011
    11,967
    FRANCE
    Certainly, from a maintenance perspective, the 328 should fulfill your request, and you would really have bad luck to find one that does not verify this...
    BUT in the matter of "old Ferraris", the rule is "always buy the best car you can"; the three main criterias are condition, condition and condition; maintenance should be absolutely top level, lots of bills, etc...price should come second only, condition and maintenance are the key. Your 75k limit might be a bit tight for this on a pristine, well-maintained 328.
    Lots of debates about low mileage vs high mileage, but even with low mileage, try to find a car that has been driven regularly, and thoroughly maintained by a know Ferrari specialist.
    Do not hesitate to call for advice and assistance from somebody who knows these cars well.

    Rgds
     
  9. nerofer

    nerofer F1 World Champ

    Mar 26, 2011
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    Well...I have two 328s, a GTB since 2008, a GTS since 2010. The total sum of reliability trouble on both cars during their entire life is one broken exhaust manifold due to obsolescence on the GTB, and a broken alternator belt also on the GTB. The car nevertheless brought me home both times. Otherwise: nothing.
    The answer is yes indeed, a well maintained 328 should be a no-brainer; most of the little troubles of the 308 have been cured.
    Although the youngest 328 is now 31 years old, so inescapable fact is that they are old cars now.

    Rgds
     
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  10. nerofer

    nerofer F1 World Champ

    Mar 26, 2011
    11,967
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    I entirely agree; the 550 is a magnificent car.

    Rgds
     
  11. Themaven

    Themaven F1 Rookie

    Nov 2, 2014
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    328 is a lovely car and a relative bargain. 308 gets you the more vintage interior (in a good way, nice switches as opposed to 80s plastic crap). 348 is pretty and cheap, if you can get a GTS for your budget it may be worth considering. You get a bit more power also.
    Of the three I would take a 328 GTS, but you have to search for a good one.
    The OP says he’s not considering a 550 and in truth it’s a great car but looks bland compared to these babies.
     
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  12. EastMemphis

    EastMemphis Formula 3
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    Before you decide on a 3X8, consider that Magnum never had the T-tops on for a reason. The car is a tight fit for larger, taller folks.
     
  13. Rosso328

    Rosso328 F1 Veteran
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    The pre ABS 328 is what I would call the last completely analog Ferrari. Add to that a completely un-Italian level of reliability coupled with classic, signature looks, and you might have a winner. Current asking prices seem to be running either side of your $75k target dependent on miles and condition.

    As an additional consideration, every single person I have spoken to that has sold a 328 says they regret doing so. Including the gent I bought mine from years ago. At our local Cars And Coffee this past weekend, I heard from more than one former owner saying the same thing.

    Just food for thought there.
     
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  14. nerofer

    nerofer F1 World Champ

    Mar 26, 2011
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    FRANCE
    As we say in French "les goûts et les couleurs..." (the full expression is: "les goûts et les couleurs ne se discutent pas" = "taste and colors should not be discussed")
    I'm absolutey in love with the 550 lines, since the day it appeared on the market, and that has not changed a bit with the passing of time; to my eye they are exactly what a front engined 12 cylinders Ferrari should be: clean, fluid, subdued and harking back to the 275 GTB.
    (provided said 550 is not in a flashy color: a self-respecting 550 should not be in Rosso Corsa, or Yellow; Gray or Silver or Blue or Black).
    After the 550 (and 355 for the V8s), I couldn't care less: all Ferraris are ugly to my eye, and I don't mind their power or mechanical achievements.
    Only exception is the 458 (but not the 488) and the "Roma"; as for the rest, they leave me as cold as any car on the market: they have lost their appeal; to my eye, they are big, fat and ugly.

    (The 348 might have 30 bhp more than the 328, but it is also 150 kgs heavier; their power-to-weight ratio is exactly the same; the truth is that performance-wise, the lighter 328 is actually the quickest of the two, especially in pick-ups, until 160 km/h...)

    Rgds
     
  15. versamil

    versamil Formula 3
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    I have a 458 spider that has absolutely been a blast. I also have a 328GTB, and a couple of project 328GTS's. I HAD a 1979 308GTS, that I thought was pretty fantastic,and after quite a bit of work, I had it running great. I LIKED the interior much better than when I first got the 328. It's really basic, with heater controls that aren't electronic. Real switches, that aren't plastic. I think the 328 would tend to be more reliable than the 308, and frankly is simpler to keep running right. Four carbs on the 308 are a bit to keep up, along with twin distributors, which I have an old SUN distributor machine, that made them pretty easy to get adjusted correctly. BUT, the carbed 308, you're either going to have to figure out how to do the work, or find someone that KNOWS these older cars. Now that I've had 328's for years, I no longer wish I had kept my 308. I've NEVER been a fan of the 80-83 308GTSi. Those years right after carbs, but before the four valve, I think are slugs. BUT the 328 is a slug compared to a 458! I have a garage with 328's, Testarossas, and the 458. The 328's are a great looking car in there own way, and they certainly hold their own comparing them to the 458 and the TR's. PLUS you get to drive a stick! I hate to break it to you, the 328 will feel underwhelming after driving your 458. It's different, it looks good, but every drive in my 458, is an event! Trying to keep up with the Ferrari club on a drive in the 328- I'm really working it, the 458, no problem.

    If you Do get a 328, it would be interesting to get your take on going back and forth between the cars. They are completely different. other than they BOTh look sensational..
     
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  16. nerofer

    nerofer F1 World Champ

    Mar 26, 2011
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    Valid points, especially as for the gap in performance.
    I should have said that the O.P would be well advised, if he has not done it yet, to try to have an owner let him drive a 328 (or a 308, etc...) before buying one, just to have a taste of these old Ferraris before deciding...going "backwards" in time as far as "high-performing cars" are concerned might reserve you some surprise...

    Rgds
     
  17. spirot

    spirot F1 World Champ

    Dec 12, 2005
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    I think if you want a reliable vintage Ferrari - the 328 is THE BEST option. A good one that has been used 50-70K miles, and has been serviced on a regular basis can be used daily if you like. the looks are not as pure as a 308, but the useability is vastly higher.

    if you want a classic - vintage Ferrari then a 308 gtb is the one. Carbed version and you may find them in your price range but it will be tight. BUT expect LOTS of mtns. - small, constant issues ... and be prepared to adapt to the car and not have the car adapt to you. the 308/328 series don't have much that is adjustable, they don't have good AC, lighting at night is terrible, seats are not supportive, but they do drive perfectly, sound great ( especially Carb'd cars ) and look fantastic. if you can find a euro car with fiberglass bumpers that is the one to go for. I would not shy away from the 80-mid 83 injected cars either. yes, they are slow, but still, make nice noises.

    When I had my 328 ( 16 years with it ) and did mountain drives with the club, I could keep up ( keep in sight ) up to a 430... once the 458 came along... no chance, the 328 had to be driven so hard at that point it became dangerous ( for me ) I had to tell my self I'm in a 28-year-old car... but I do remember several great drives up "Blood Mountain" in North Ga, following a yellow 430 and staying on his tail for a while in the switchbacks, ... he was taking it easy, I was hustling it.. but it was fun. they do handle great.

    The other option would be:
    Mondial coupe - from early 90's
    308gt4 - great handling car... looks are subjective. I personally like them. but they are now becoming very vintage and most in need of restoration.
    348 - ( buy the latest model you can - ) have challenging looks ... and the belt service is $$$ unless you do it on your own
    355 - beautiful car, wonderful to drive ... as long as its someone else's car.. Mtns. prohibitive in my book. ( unless you only have it for 2-3 years and guides, headers, valves, and shocks have been done.) $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
    400i - 412 - likely the 412 is out of the price range you quoted... but they are just cool cars. a well set up 400 is a pleasure to drive, and quick. sound great. however they are mtns. hounds because the values have been so low not many are well preserved.
     
  18. jferazzi

    jferazzi Karting

    Sep 12, 2009
    89
    Indianapolis
    This sounds like my dream garage! Just curious, when you head out for a drive on a nice day, is there one car in particular you find yourself gravitating towards most often?
     
  19. 308gts79

    308gts79 Formula Junior

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    #19 308gts79, Mar 4, 2021
    Last edited: Mar 4, 2021
    20+ years of ownership, currently, I have a 1976 308 GTB, 1979 308 GTS and a 1989 328 GTB, they're different cars. If your budget is $75K, I suggest an early 308 GTB, steel body.
     
  20. versamil

    versamil Formula 3
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    There's a reason only 135 328GTB's made it to America. While we can discuss the merits of the beauty of the unbroken lines of the GTB, on nice days, I want my top off. It appears the OP has a 458 that's not a Spider since it's a 2010. For a CHANGE, he should go for a GTS unless, he's a diehard fan of GTB's. Going from a hardtop to a GTS, makes the difference in the two cars much more pronounced .If it's NOT 90 degrees, sunny and hot, the top is always down in my 458. I think you'd really have to be driving them to the max, to say the GTB handles that much better than a GTS.

    Not sure what the current market values on 308GTB's are, but the 328's you pay a premium for a "B", bringing the value well above his 75K target price. In the last week I've seen two 328 GTS's sell for around 75K, so he's right there on price.
     
  21. nerofer

    nerofer F1 World Champ

    Mar 26, 2011
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    As for the difference between a 458 hartop and a 458 spider, I don't know. As for the 328, I have had a GTB alongside a GTS for eleven years now, and they have been produced at five weeks interval, so they are identical; and the difference in stiffness between the GTB and the GTS is perceptible at 10 miles per an hour and during the first meters of your drive. And when you drive a 328 GTB and a 328 GTS back-to-back, it's just as you have two different cars. No need to push to know that the GTB is the better driver's car; the GTS assets are different.

    Rgds
     
  22. boxerman

    boxerman F1 World Champ
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    I’d take a Tr
    That’s a classic 12 manual etc year still quite useable and in black they look good.
    Otherwise yeah one of the 308 series cars.

    a 355 could hit every spot except reliability
    So late 348’is a good pick
     
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  23. Skippr1999

    Skippr1999 F1 Rookie
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    Dec 22, 2009
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    Truth here. I have a 328 GTB and had a GTS QV. The GTB drives much different in a good way. 355 maintenance can be steep, but very worth it. In reality if you get a good 355 that has had the well known issues sorted it should not be bad. I have one of those too. Most of what gave the 355 the bad rep has been solved at this point and most the people who regurgitate the narrative haven’t owned one. It’s a must to have a experienced mechanic with the 355. Having the wrong people work on that car is a recipe for lots of pain. Same with any of the other engine-out cars.
     
  24. Themaven

    Themaven F1 Rookie

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    All very interesting...although I did suggest the GTS (or GTB) 348 for the reason it has a further 20 horses and other improvements. But I would also take a 328 over a 348. And probably a carb 308 over both.

    However, the implication that beauty is entirely in the eye of the beholder is of course a fallacy. Beauty and good design must have an objective underpinning, one that changes with eras but is societally accepted nonetheless. If I believe that Birmingham is more beautiful than Florence, or Calais is a more beautiful town than Paris, I am not “entitled to my opinion”; I am just wrong.

    I own a 575 and for a while I owned a 550 alongside (til it was felled by a tree). These are great cars. I think they are pretty. But they are not beautiful Ferraris. Take a picture of these to a great art or design school, in which France is a world leader (not a car design school), and they will say they look ok, quiet, unremarkable. They have no idea of the great V12 or the excellent handling, and they are right. Show the same people a picture of truly beautiful Ferraris and they will identify them immediately.

    Objectively, a 3X8 is a much prettier car than a Maranello, and thats from a Maranello owner, who works in the industry of aesthetics, the luxury media and fashion industry.
     
  25. BT

    BT F1 World Champ
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    Mar 21, 2005
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    I would go for the 308QV. Low maintenance, and has that really small feel of the older cars. I think it is better looking than a 328, but that would absolutely be my second choice. I had a 348, and it was good, but not as nice looking as the 308.
     

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