Manual NA V8 Ferrari spider, which one?

[Bispal]

Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions do far, please do keep them coming they are much appreciated. I went along to Icons by the lake yesterday and saw all variants and must say I was drawn to the 360 and the 348 but that's not an option! There are a lot of F355's on the market that appear to have been neglected from when they were in the doldrums and are now £75k+ for LHD. To get one with a full service history it looks like £90k minimum and £110k for RHD in good condition. It seems to me the 360 had not been through the 'doldrums' for as long as the F355 and as such they appear to have fuller histories and be better looked after. So as my desire is for a manual NA V8 Ferrari spider then the obvious car looks like the 360 in terms of value. Mind you I did buy a 996 when I could have got a 993 for the same price so what do I know!

[WCZ]

Bispal said:

I am on the lookout for a Manual NA V8 Ferrari spider.

Initially I thought I could pick one up for £50k! I had no idea prices had moved so much!

So I have revised my search to £70k, which is probably still tight? I don't mind up to 50k miles.

My preferences, in order, are F355, 360 & 348.

No idea which one to go for, I want to use it for European trips so it must be reliable, fun to drive and be appreciating in value or at least not depreciating. Would consider LHD but at £10k less.

All advice much appreciated.

Cheers.

have you ever driven a 430 spider?
much better value for money imo and some are available for 75+k

[theRossatron]

Birkin1932 said:

I would suggest you ask your mechanic about general replacement of items, otherwise you will be in for an horrific bill down the line.

I've had my 355 spider for 13 years, it has averaged about £3K per year since I have owned it.

works done other than general servicing are:

Refurbished cats
Refurbished roof hydraulic motors and replacement lines
Refurbished wheels
Replacement of all window seals
Sticky bits sorted
Heads repainted
Enamelled shields re-enamelled

What do you mean by "general replacement of items"? Most of these are cosmetic rather than essential maintenance?

My point being, the "fragile" items people usually bang on about are headers and valve guides (though you don't hear much about that anymore, assuming most have been done? The ropey headers still affect 360s and F430s too.

[simonr100]

The 355 would be my choice - by far the best looking out of the three you are interested in.

[sparta6]

simonr100 said:

The 355 would be my choice - by far the best looking out of the three you are interested in.

yes - although we are getting into 'women" territory here for the man maths