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348 TB, TS, or Spider?

Discussion in '348/355' started by seabass23, Jan 17, 2017.

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  1. seabass23

    seabass23 Karting

    Nov 6, 2016
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    St Albert, Alberta
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    #1 seabass23, Jan 17, 2017
    I'm currently in the market for a 348 and have seen a TB, TS, and a Spider that have all attracted my interest. Obviously no two cars are the same but these three are coincidentally very similar in mileage, price, and maintenance history (although colors and some condition factors do vary).

    The car will be a Sunday driver, and enjoyed for several years with the hope that some modest appreciation can help cover some of the operating expenses in that time.

    So, in a perfect world where all other things are equal, do you buy the TB, the TS, or the Spider? Which one is more "collectable"? Following that, are there interior/exterior colors that are more desirable on the used market?

    I feel like I may have just asked a question with no answer, and feel free to tell me if that's the case!
     
  2. itsablurr

    itsablurr Formula 3
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    #2 itsablurr, Jan 17, 2017
    Last edited: Jan 17, 2017
    Difficult question to answer, but I wrestled with the same situation. My background was coming from always having a convertible/roadster, and enjoying that environmentally immersive top-down experience on nice days.

    With respect to the 348 in particular, the Spider has awesome lines with the top down (and up), emphasizing the wedge and strakes and rake of the windshield. However, the more performance-oriented or track focused purist also is attracted to the coupe version of a car. In terms of aesthetic, those buttresses are iconic and then the roof/quarter window lines are a beautiful translation from the F40. Luckily for the 348, the TS gives a taste of both, especially in color-matched trim format... That was what ultimately became the target for my 348 search.

    Most collectible? People will probably either say the TB or Spider due to a combination of production numbers, production updates, "top goes down, price goes up" quips, or performance driving perception (TB). In reality, who knows. The TS is likely to be the lesser of the 3, but you're splitting hairs, IMO.

    Best color? Red or black seem to be the most popular, and with an edge to red for ease of resale. Then the yellow, white, silver/gray. Then, the others.
     
  3. FerMaz

    FerMaz Formula Junior

    Feb 11, 2007
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    #3 FerMaz, Jan 17, 2017
    Buy the one which YOU LIKE
     
  4. calder1

    calder1 F1 Rookie
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    #4 calder1, Jan 17, 2017
  5. SoCal1

    SoCal1 F1 Veteran
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    #5 SoCal1, Jan 17, 2017
    They are all great. I have one of each body style

    Spider without doubt is the most soulfull

    The one Fastcars has listed is one of the best I seen around worth a look
     
  6. amorepresto

    amorepresto Karting

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    #6 amorepresto, Jan 17, 2017
    From my own experience, I owned a 91ts for 5 years and loved the car.
    For the last 10+ years my Sunday driver has been a 95 348 Spider.
    Both are great cars and much underappreciated Ferraris.
    That being said there is a lot of differences between the early & later models.

    Past that I believe everything “itsablurr” stated is spot on!
     
  7. Meister

    Meister F1 Veteran
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    #7 Meister, Jan 17, 2017
    I've always been partial to open air motoring so my order would be Spyder, TS, TB. When I bought I couldn't find a descent spyder for my budget so ended up with a TS. If you are only sunday driving, why not get the spyder.
     
  8. c7matt

    c7matt Formula Junior

    Mar 3, 2016
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    Greater Detroit, MI
    #8 c7matt, Jan 17, 2017
    Ha, that is how it goes. When I was looking I wanted a roof so TS or TB, all the spiders seemed to be going cheaper!
     
  9. Stentboy

    Stentboy F1 Rookie
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    #9 Stentboy, Jan 17, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  10. bjwhite

    bjwhite F1 Rookie
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    #10 bjwhite, Jan 17, 2017
    My rank. ts, tb, spider. To me the spider looks too...uhh....Palm Beach...Sega Outrun.
    I do love open top motoring and thus love targas. Best of both worlds in my opinion.

    I am only talking about the top here though. Spiders got lots of updates so that might swing your decision--and there really isn't a wrong one!
     
  11. seabass23

    seabass23 Karting

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    #11 seabass23, Jan 17, 2017
    Wow guys, thanks for the positive responses. I really value the feedback. As you see, I'm new here so the input means even more.

    I'm having one of the cars inspected today and I'm eagerly awaiting the report. I hope to be able to come back and let you know which one we chose!
     
  12. Nader

    Nader Formula Junior

    Feb 12, 2011
    990
    East of Seattle
    #12 Nader, Jan 17, 2017
    Agree with TS. I have one. It's great that unlike the older Porsches, a targa Ferrari has the same beautiful lines as the berlinetta. It is, however, squeaky over uneven surfaces.
     
  13. itsablurr

    itsablurr Formula 3
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    #13 itsablurr, Jan 17, 2017
    Well conditioned seals and some seal lubricant helps with that quite a bit.
     
  14. 97 Spider

    97 Spider Formula 3

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    #14 97 Spider, Jan 17, 2017
    I had a 348tb and a 355 spider at the same time. I still have the TB and sold the Spider in hopes of picking up a 355B one of these days. I like the looks of the spider but it was the first and only convertable I've ever owned. I guess I just couldn't get into it. I see you're in Canada, I'm in Montana and I just don't think the spider fits the region too well. Although even on nice days I didn't put it down and should have more. I probably put the top down 4 times in the 4 years I had it.

    But, All that said.... On the 348 the Spider is the rarest with less than 1100 being built, coming late in the production it has all the best updates. I would think in the future it will be the most collectible. (other than SS or Challenge cars)
     
  15. Berning

    Berning Karting

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    #15 Berning, Jan 17, 2017
    I have a 90 TS and 94 spider. both are great cars to drive, but the spider is more refined with a bit more power. The spider tops have lots of places for water to get in. Sounds like they came from the factory that way from the reading I have done. I only drive it on beautiful dry days.
     
  16. Triple Black

    Triple Black Karting

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    #16 Triple Black, Jan 17, 2017
    Drive the spider in nice weather and you might be surprised with a better offer in a few years.
    I think white, yellow and blue examples might be even more desirable in the future when the market realizes what great cross over cars these really are. (Monocoque chassis and longitudinal engine orientation) Mondale T is similar, but not loved.
    Good luck and enjoy.
    Send photos.
     
  17. bjwhite

    bjwhite F1 Rookie
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    #17 bjwhite, Jan 17, 2017
    Yes! Blue 348s!
     
  18. efes9

    efes9 Karting

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    #18 efes9, Jan 17, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
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  19. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #19 Wade, Jan 17, 2017
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  20. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #20 Wade, Jan 17, 2017
    +1!
     
  21. nismodrifter

    nismodrifter Formula Junior

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    #21 nismodrifter, Jan 17, 2017
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  22. brent Lachelt

    brent Lachelt Formula 3

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    #22 brent Lachelt, Jan 18, 2017
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  23. vjlax18

    vjlax18 Formula Junior
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    #23 vjlax18, Jan 18, 2017
    I searched for a long time to find a TS with all body panels painted so it has the updated Spider look mixed with the TB look.
     
  24. calder1

    calder1 F1 Rookie
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    #24 calder1, Jan 18, 2017
    I have owned all 3 , including 2 spiders. I had the most fun in the spider.
     
  25. Dohangs

    Dohangs F1 Rookie
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    #25 Dohangs, Jan 19, 2017
    I would vote for the spider. It's always nice to have the option of being able to put the top down. As stated, they have the most improvements of the 348's. I would get red/tan if you have the option. Now I may be biased since I have a 1995 red/tan 348 spider.
     

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