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I have one fellow enthusiast on campus who is currently negotiating a 960 Porsche. It'll be great fun seeing who can be first out of the parking lot on those good days when classes get out early!
My wife and I are starting to look down the road a bit, perhaps a year-or-so away. We want to keep the 328. it's a great car and I have no compunction about driving it a lot. Lately we've been talking about a 12 cylinder though and so we're starting to research 2 possibilities that might fit in the picture price wise. They are a 365 GTC/4 and a 330 GTC.
The 365 is a car I've always thought was overlooked because of the Daytona. Great lines especially in the right color where the "clown lips" bumper is subdued. A 330 would be the absolute extreme of affordability, but who knows where the market is going in a year. Right now prices are holding pretty firm and some cars are starting to rebound. so we'll see what 10 to 12 months bring.
Any opinions or any models that you think I should also be considering. Obviously, this really would be a good weather weekend, special plate car. We'd be looking for extremely good examples of either one. Maybe something to give that first ride in, Andys120!
Tom
Still in Europe and loving it. You were right- the pound sterling is very strong against the dollar now and I find it hard to conserve my dollars. Am planning to head for Milan the last weekend of November; I have already been to Sweden and Ireland. In Sweden, I visited the Saab factory in Trollhattan- what a sight!
We're in early stages of this, and who knows what may come along. Plus, it's impossible to know where prices are going to go in that amount of time. I don't think it's inconceivable that the early 550M's might get into the high end of the range by then. Although a "classic" is what we're thinking now, I love the 550 and certainly wouldn't complain about having to own one.
Jrosasmc, I'm not knocking Volvos. Although I do have a few choice words about some of the people who drive them. The " I own the safest car on the road" so I can drive like an idiot brigade!
Enjoy Milan, remember you're just a train ride from Maranello!
At the same time others have forged ahead with diecasts of incredible detail and finish, particularly Exoto and Kyosho.
It's worth noting that plastic scale kits of most Ferrari types are hard to come by as well.
That seems to be changing. Perhaps Ferrari has expanded or abandoned it's licensing arrangement because suddenly there are some nice diecasts out and even more coming out.
Most noteworthy of those now available Kyosho's 1/18th 365GTB/4 (Daytona) and 365 GT/4 BB (Boxer). The Daytonas are US spec versions with working popup
headlights. The glass-nose Euro version might still be found on E-Bay (I have one).
The new Exoto catalog features a raft of exciting Ferrari classics scheduled to be released in 2004 among them--
-250GTO and 250GT/SWB (in street and competition versions)
-275 GTB and GTB/4- long and short-nose
-F40
Exoto 1/18th models retail around $170 (a few are more) , not cheap but the quality and detail should be worthy of classic Ferraris.
A few words of caution:
Exoto is not good at keeping published release dates, the 250GTO is at least a year and a half late.
The information about yet to be released replicas isn't found on their website, Exoto.com only in their subscription seasonal catalogs. I do recommend checking out the website to get an idea of how good these models are and also some other racing and classic cars that might be of interest to you.
-this is an unsolicited testimonial, I am a customer, not an employee, of Exoto.
-
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
Kyosho also makes a terrific 308 GTB/GTS and 328 GTB. I'm actually on my way to Exoticar this morning, hopefully to snag a 328.
I have been waiting patiently for Exoto to release the GTO. It has been forever. I have a few of their F1 cars and you're right, the detail is terrific. They're expensive but worth it.
Tsaupe, you would know this better than I do: Why's it that I see a lot more early '90s 348s of both body styles than I do Mondial t convertibles? Is it because the market for early '90s Mondials is weak and nobody wants the cars? I always thought that particular model was the best-looking of all early '90s Ferraris.
Nobody much likes Mondials it seems, and so there is very little demand for the car. Given their low value and high maintenance costs, when they hit high miles or get damaged they will probably be salvaged. So you'll see even fewer in the future I'm guessing. Right now, the car's engine is probably worth more than the car itself, or close.
Paddle shifting is probably popular because it really really works well on a Ferrari and is quite reliable.
Nothing worse than slogging a big powerful car at slow speeds. "It's much more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow".
Yes, their values are falling for all but the 512's. Those values are staying the same or even rising. Mondials, I think, are close to bottoming out, just as the 308 has.
Unlike Mr. Shiftright, I don't see a lot of Ferraris going to scrap. There are always buyers who, for what ever reason, are looking for a Ferrari in their price range and willing to spend the money to bring them back to acceptable condition. I know several people who look at this problem from a different vantage point. They buy a car that may need work, put money into it knowing that they will never get it "back out of" the car, and are quite happy to do so. Some do it because it affords them the opportunity of ownership where buying a pristine example or a more desirable model wouldn't. Some do it knowing this will likely be the only Ferrari they will ever own. They can afford the maintenance because it's in spaced out intervals and are happy with that situation.
Let's face it, they don't refer to it as being "car crazy" because of the logical, cold blooded decisions we make. If you take the passion out of the equation, where's the fun?
As far as the Mondial is concerned, they suffered from a lack of power and surprising build quality issues in the early models, along with the dreaded 2+2 configuration. Yes, their prices are falling, but I don't think you'll see many on the scrap heap for the reasons stated above. Of all of them, the T model is probably the best.
I've driven with paddles and yes, in traffic they are wonderful devices and great at speed too. However, my mechanic told me (evidently they can read this info out on the car's computers) that the most used setting on a majority of paddle shift cars is full auto. I'm afraid I'm an old fashioned stick shift kinda guy. Of course, that's not to say I'd turn my nose up at an Enzo.
Tom
I'd sure rather have one than a TR but then I'd rank at least a dozen Ferraris ahead of it and probably a couple of dozen other cars before the giant Cheese Grater. I liked it back in the day but it's appeal has declined for me probably due to the return of front engine V12s.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
Nothing harder to sell than a Ferrari that has a damage history or poor service records. It's the Kiss of Death with these cars.
I think Men's World needs to send out a more knowledable reporter. The TR prices still haven't quite bottomed out, and they made over 10,000 of these, didn't they? They are very plentiful at auction and often go begging. I don't see the "desireability" showing up in the only department that counts---writing a check for asking price.
Besides, who wants a car that you have to pull the engine out of when you need service?
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
Andys120, I'm right there with you regarding the GTO, but we'll both need to save some more pennies. The current price guide in Cavallino, which is based on actual sales and dealers, places current prices for a GTO between 6.5 and 9 Million dollars. There has been a persistent rumor in the Ferrari community that one just moved from Europe to Japan for 10 Million (dollars, not Yen).
As passionate as I am about the GTO, I'm still not sure it's "the most desirable." Surely it's on the short list but then I look at Ralph Lauren's Bugatti Atlantique or any number of Duesenbergs and have to rethink the question!
Tom
I'm not sure I could tell you what the most desireable automobile is. I change my mind about that every day.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
On another subject, I'm off to the NE Auto Show on Friday afternoon (playing hooky) to see all the latest and get another look at the Enzo. I know its look are controversial, but I really like the car, especially in motion.
I recently saw that Ferrari is coming out with a Maserati version of the Enzo. I haven't the faintest what it will be called, can't remember any of the brothers' names. Any suggestions? Do you think this is another attempt to boost the trident image to bolster (flagging) sales?
I'm doing the Boston show tomorrow afternoon.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
Andys120, I'm not sure where Maserati sales are to date. They might be picking up, but the last time I talked to anyone knowledgeable about it, sales where way off the mark. Maserati's in a tough market niche. Lot's of competition although I saw a lot of them in Europe this past summer.
How was the auto show? Anything in particular I should make a point of seeing?
Tom
Also, with the police pulling you over with regards to the front license plate - "It has nothing to do with the fact that you are driving a Ferrari" - yeah right. If you were driving a Camry, they wouldn't even bother.
I failed to check out the Carrera GT, I'm sure it'll be interesting and AFAIK it was there.
I sat in an RS6 which is a total Q-ship. I'd have missed it if I hadn't happened to notice the trunk badge. Inside and out it looks like a garden variety A6, but NOT under the hood!
The Ford GT was impressive to see. It looks like a 10/8 scale GT40.
The new BMW 5er was there in 530i form. It's OK
-I'm fine with the back which integrates more smoothly than in the 7er. I was OK with the arched headlights but I'm afraid
the grilles are a little Pontiac-ish for me.
Alas, no Bentley Continental GT.
Finally I couldn't figure out why there was a Mondial Spider in the Ferrari display, AFAIK it's not a current production model, am I mistaken?
Let me know what you think, Tom.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
Fun show but I was a bit disappointed not to see some marques there. You would think that Rolls and Bentley would be more interested in exposure and why is it I never see Aston Martin represented anymore? Where were Lotus and Lambo?
I think that was the New Hampshire Enzo. As far as the Mondial is concerned, you're right, it's been out of production for 10 years. I guess NE Ferrari is trying to drum up business for preowned. That particular car only had 7000 miles on it.
Other than that, I thought the new 5 series Bimmer looked bottom heavy and I hate the trunk line from the side. It looks like an afterthought. The Ford GT50 looked great. I had seen it a couple of times at Pebble and Concourso Italiano. No delivery until next year, though. Loved the NSX and was really impressed by the Mazda RX8, especially in that red paint.
I thought the worst car I "tried on" was the new Chrysler Crossfire. Poor fit and finish, terrible rear vision and no rear 3/4 vision at all.
All in all it was a fun afternoon. I was with a friend who test drives everything he can so he filled me in on a lot of the newer models as far as performance is concerned. I guess I'm so focused on the Ferrari world that I miss a lot. I have to get out more!
Tom
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
I just received this month's Forza. There's a good article on the four headlight 330 2+2 in it. When we were first married we had a '61 250GTE for a time. The incompatibility of marriage and maintenance costs forced us to part with it, but it sure was a great car. I really think the usually under priced 2+2's and four seaters provide a great opportunity for first time buyers. A real V12 for less than many 8's are selling for. Plus, the earlier V12 engines are relatively easy to work on if you're a reasonabley experienced backyard mechanic.
Andys120, check out the Buz Lockwood models in this issue. they're beautiful.
well a couple of months further on and the 575 is still great and am still driving it every day and yes the clutch is very user friendly. ok it's not super light or anything but you don't need calves like ah-nold to drive it either. with everyday driving you don't even realise you are using the clutch, so in my book that qualifies as being pretty light.
ps i see that one of your dream cars is an f40, mine too, i have never driven one and i hear they are really uncomfotable and noisy but i would still love one. i saw one with 15,000 miles offered at 225 no track time (yeah right) that is the lowest i have seen one advertised. apparently the cars offered at 330 really trade at around 270. the lowest they ever traded was in 99 when you could get a decent one for under 200. i think the original list was about 185. not a bad investment.
I'm relieved that it doesn't have the hood scoop I saw in spy sketches, simply because I think the 456 is the world's cleanest and most beautiful design...the perfect gentleman's express. (Okay, it needs to be refueled too often).
(Long story involving a saleswoman who thought I wasn't married, a sold yellow Enzo being "parked" in the showroom by the owner who doesn't want to pick it up due to lack of storage at his pad (?), and a lazy Friday afternoon at a Ferrari dealership near where my sister works.)
I'm convinced now, it's definitely an ugly car on the outside. Inside though you feel like you're sitting in the cockpit of the space shuttle. I didn't touch anything, didn't want to leave fingerprints. It's roomy in there though, plenty of legroom. Just weird to have your legs splayed out like that. The door is about as heavy as my computer keyboard. You pull it in and almost worry that you're going to break it, despite knowing that it's probably tougher than concrete.
Anyway, there went my once-in-a-lifetime Ferrari experience (unless I win the lottery in which case I can get in line and at least pretend).
I did see a red Testarossa on the road driving out of the health club I go to. The driver had a very "butch" look to him, kind of a Fabio-meets-Cheech-Marin look. Very funky.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
as a last comment, i would say to all tifosi if you have not had the opportutinty to see and f40 in the metal, it looks unbelievable. which also contributes to making it on one of the most desirable ferraris (to drive on dry sundays). i think it is probably a good investment. i gather $275,000 will get a good one these days (despite asking prices in the 300 - 350 range) and although obvisouly the numbers made count against you, i could see the car being worth twice that 10 years from now. anyone agree / disagree ?
i saw one being prepped at shelton sports cars in Fourt lauderdale, it had just been sold at auction for 9 million or something like that.
no other ferarri even comes close( maybe an F 2003, but that's in a whole nother league)
and by the way the it's true nwe ferrari's lack the road and steering feel of the old ones. the F40 is certainly the way to go if you want a race car for the road, although you could get a saleen s7 or mostler mt900r for around the same price.
but I say Get The original 250 testa rossa
3 liter TRs are not race cars for the road, they're purpose built race cars capable of winning at LeMans, Spa, Nurburgring etc. They lack necessities like windshield wipers, turn signals etc and it would be sacrilege to add them to such historic cars IMO.
No doubt they are wonderful to drive but it's possible an Enzo or F40 is faster than those 40 y/o race cars.
Like Shifty I don't think any modern car with p/s
can match the steering of the best sports cars of the unassisted era.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
It's more restrained yet very sleek and the "coves" in the sides give it a nice low look.
It really looks like a two seater. I wonder if there's adult seating room in the rear?
TG had nice things to say about the dynamics of the car. The engine is set back in the chassis, behind the from axle for maximum handling. Is this Ferrari's best 2+2 ever?
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
The backseat room question is loaded with ifs. If the driver and passenger are not large and can slide their seats forward, and the passengers are under, say, 5' 11", then yes, it will seat four adults. That's if it has about the same amount of cabin room as the 456.
It's a good looking car and, judging by the popularity of the 456, should do well for Ferrari.
Tom
This link may be helpful to you:
http://www.team.net/www/vintage-race/
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
Tom
Tutto Italiano, the annual celebration of all sorts of Italian cars is May 23 at the Lars Anderson Museum of Transportation in Brookline, MA. There are always more Ferraris than any other make, but usually a nice showing of Alfas and Lambos as well.
June 20 is the FCA concours in Hartford, CT. This is the biggest all Ferrari event in the Northeast and well worth travelling for.
We'll be at both and hope to see some of you folks as well.
Tom
I at first thought it was too longish looking, but it seems to be ok. I got the chance to see it up close at the Chicago auto show, by attending an event for Maserati. You know the Ferraris were in the same area. I got a picture of myself standing next to and actually touching the Scagletti!!!!! I still find the 575M to be Ferrari's best looking car, so short, brutal and powerful looking. Classic GT proportions.
M
The Maranellos by contrast strike as a bit contrived and cluttered looking. It has the classic GT proportions but falls down in the detailing inside and out. A recent issue of Classic and Sports Cars(UK) made this very point in comparing the 575M to the 365 GTB/4 Daytona. I saw the 575M for the first time this fall and it reminded me of the Mitsubishi VR6000 GT. Ok but hardly a classic beauty.
I can't wait to see the Scaglietti.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93