355 A future Classic (2014)
Discussion
When the cars came out they were regarded as the first mass produced Ferrari you could use everyday. That means most cars were indeed used and very few were mothballed in anticipation of journalistic enthusiasm some 20 years later. A common problem was broken speedo's and some cars would have been run off the clock for many miles. The cars were pretty robust but there is a long list of common expensive problems that need attention such as exhaust manifolds, exhaust by pass valves, buttress paint repairs, F1 actuators etc. Its amazing how many sellers (often dealers) look at you blankly when you ask for documentation to support servicing and repairs.
Most cars will have multiple owners (7 or more is not uncommon). Many cars will be crashed and repaired. That's not to say written off but they sure aren't perfect.
To service the car properly you need to drop the engine out to access all moving parts. Some independent dealers found a way of bending or disconnecting the air conditioning pipes to fit a cam belt without the need to drop the engine out thus saving customers money. Not sure what Ferrari would say about that but I expect it would not be highly regarded.
So if you are buying because you think the car will go up in value in the next few years make sure its low owners, verifiable low mileage and kept by a garage queen with all the correct paperwork. GTB and red and manual will be best. If its not then its still going to be the best car you ever owned but don't get caught up in the hype and overpay for it. Most honest cars will have high mileage (over 50k) and a high number of owners and acceptable service histories. Methodically and with a good mechanic and deep pockets you can sort all problems.If you read the classifieds every car is a future classic and you know simply can't be the case. Perhaps I should add that I accept in another 20 years any old 355 with be so rare that regardless of its provenance it will command a strong price but still maintain the types of increase currently being suggested are for very few cars.
Most cars will have multiple owners (7 or more is not uncommon). Many cars will be crashed and repaired. That's not to say written off but they sure aren't perfect.
To service the car properly you need to drop the engine out to access all moving parts. Some independent dealers found a way of bending or disconnecting the air conditioning pipes to fit a cam belt without the need to drop the engine out thus saving customers money. Not sure what Ferrari would say about that but I expect it would not be highly regarded.
So if you are buying because you think the car will go up in value in the next few years make sure its low owners, verifiable low mileage and kept by a garage queen with all the correct paperwork. GTB and red and manual will be best. If its not then its still going to be the best car you ever owned but don't get caught up in the hype and overpay for it. Most honest cars will have high mileage (over 50k) and a high number of owners and acceptable service histories. Methodically and with a good mechanic and deep pockets you can sort all problems.If you read the classifieds every car is a future classic and you know simply can't be the case. Perhaps I should add that I accept in another 20 years any old 355 with be so rare that regardless of its provenance it will command a strong price but still maintain the types of increase currently being suggested are for very few cars.
BruceC
Interested to know your opinion. Regardless of miles traveled what you think the average running costs are for keeping the 355 in "out of the box " condition per annum. Enthusiastic owners will always find a bit of servicing to be done or leather to be repaired etc. It all adds up.
Interested to know your opinion. Regardless of miles traveled what you think the average running costs are for keeping the 355 in "out of the box " condition per annum. Enthusiastic owners will always find a bit of servicing to be done or leather to be repaired etc. It all adds up.
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