355 to 360
Author
Discussion

priley

Original Poster:

521 posts

212 months

Wednesday
quotequote all
Just wondered whether anyone has done this? Time for a change so the 355 is going. I’ve been contemplating a 550 (had a LHD one a few years ago and enjoyed it) but a manual 360 Spider has caught my attention. Any thoughts? Thanks!

davek_964

10,755 posts

199 months

Wednesday
quotequote all
I went 348 to 360. 360 is obviously much more modern, but I think it's also a different era of Ferrari.

My 348 was fine, but generally needed something minor fixing fairly often (e.g electrical connectors by the door hinges).
The 360 was much more solidly put together and most of the time just worked.

The only caveat being, it did total a top end when the cam variator snapped which is apparently a known problem. And no - the official Ferrari fix for it doesn't prevent it.......

supersport

4,559 posts

251 months

Yesterday (00:47)
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I imagine that’s a big change, especially if you’ve had the 355 for a long time,

I increasingly find classics harder to live with, especially over distances. I’ve had my 87 911 for 21 years and last years Le Mans Classic felt like a real slog. Christ maybe I’m getting old.

I couldn’t ever let her go, just gets used less against the modern cars.

I tried a 360 manual and loved it, never got one as a 430 F1 stole my heart. Slightly regretting never getting that click / clack gear change.

I’d driven 355s but never owned, but it felt so much more modern.

If you are happy with the change then I think you’d enjoy it.

priley

Original Poster:

521 posts

212 months

Yesterday (11:53)
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Thanks chaps. Yes, all very subjective I guess. Lots of reasons for the change and as much as I'd love a V12 I think it would be hard to fit into my set-up in terms of space, how the cars get used etc. I'd love a 365GTC4 but funds don't allow and this way I still get the manual modern classic experience with some money left, potentially for an Alfa Giulia QF which I've always wanted.

renmure

4,823 posts

248 months

Yesterday (13:04)
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I did it with absolutely no regrets. F355 Berlinetta, manual, Tubi exhaust, red / crema for 3 years to F360 Spider, manual, Capristo exhaust, red / crema for 18 years.

I loved the 355 but I’m not mechanically minded and every little noise or clunk it made always sounded like it would be an expensive problem. To be fair, there were never any problems but I was always quite relieved to get home after a run. I had an Esprit before and it was a bit like that.

On the other hand the 360 always felt solid, reliable and far more modern. Looks are always subjective but I grew to prefer the 360, particularly with the roof down, and still think they look modern or at least not “classic” or old.

I’d have another 360 but not another 355.