Collecting Cars F355 TdF Berlinetta
Discussion
Congrats to the buyer; a lovely spec’d car.
As for the cosmetic points raised, for me it’s more about the evidence of mechanical upkeep and regular use. They can be expensive to maintain if you want to keep it and use it (had mine since ‘09 and have covered 13k miles). I too use the 2 year minor, 4 year major approach to servicing, but there are also the unforeseen issues in between such as the clutch release bearing (plus new clutch), coolant hose split and now in for a running issue. And that’s just this year.
As for the cosmetic points raised, for me it’s more about the evidence of mechanical upkeep and regular use. They can be expensive to maintain if you want to keep it and use it (had mine since ‘09 and have covered 13k miles). I too use the 2 year minor, 4 year major approach to servicing, but there are also the unforeseen issues in between such as the clutch release bearing (plus new clutch), coolant hose split and now in for a running issue. And that’s just this year.
Apologies, I really didn't intend to offend and will delete the post.
I just wanted to highlight the issues with Collecting Cars now. When it began the level of detail that would be given with each listing was huge and much of the wording was quite specific, this changed about a year ago as it was causing many headaches for CC. Subsequently the listings are much lighter in detail and rely on buyers to ask questions. In the beginning CC wanted to offer a service where the buyer would be confident buying without seeing in person, now I don't believe that is possible without a much higher degree of risk. I'm speaking as someone who has bought though CC twice and viewed many more cars offered by them
As for the F355, it's fabulous and a really rare example, I hope you have many years of enjoyment.
I just wanted to highlight the issues with Collecting Cars now. When it began the level of detail that would be given with each listing was huge and much of the wording was quite specific, this changed about a year ago as it was causing many headaches for CC. Subsequently the listings are much lighter in detail and rely on buyers to ask questions. In the beginning CC wanted to offer a service where the buyer would be confident buying without seeing in person, now I don't believe that is possible without a much higher degree of risk. I'm speaking as someone who has bought though CC twice and viewed many more cars offered by them
As for the F355, it's fabulous and a really rare example, I hope you have many years of enjoyment.
No offence taken; you are just giving your opinion of the car 
I did not get a chance to view and i know that seems barmy (it did to me too) however it is unlikely an inspection by me would have shed much light on it and i was too busy to make it. I also know its been inspected by DK Engineering and there were a few people i respect who i knew were bidding on it. I understand that's jumping on to others due diligence but i was buying on spec and mechanical soundness was more important to me than condition. I was always going to get chips and blemishes rectified and the interior refreshed and so that would have been a cost no matter which one I bought (its a 25 year old car) and a good detailer can sort out many issues.
I totally understand and respect others views that I may have overpaid but I was realising a childhood dream and my man-maths told me that any overpayment at this stage would iron itself out over long term ownership. I haven't seen another one I wanted so badly for a long time (totally accepting i missed it when it was with KHPC originally, although at that time i was pretty set on a GTS).
I also thought it refreshing that this seemed to have an honest 40k odd miles on it rather than a garage queen with limited miles (with attendant issues) or a questionably low mileage example.
It seems to have garnered pretty universal praise for its factory spec so hopefully that will stand it in good stead.
Cant wait to drive it now!
I did not get a chance to view and i know that seems barmy (it did to me too) however it is unlikely an inspection by me would have shed much light on it and i was too busy to make it. I also know its been inspected by DK Engineering and there were a few people i respect who i knew were bidding on it. I understand that's jumping on to others due diligence but i was buying on spec and mechanical soundness was more important to me than condition. I was always going to get chips and blemishes rectified and the interior refreshed and so that would have been a cost no matter which one I bought (its a 25 year old car) and a good detailer can sort out many issues.
I totally understand and respect others views that I may have overpaid but I was realising a childhood dream and my man-maths told me that any overpayment at this stage would iron itself out over long term ownership. I haven't seen another one I wanted so badly for a long time (totally accepting i missed it when it was with KHPC originally, although at that time i was pretty set on a GTS).
I also thought it refreshing that this seemed to have an honest 40k odd miles on it rather than a garage queen with limited miles (with attendant issues) or a questionably low mileage example.
It seems to have garnered pretty universal praise for its factory spec so hopefully that will stand it in good stead.
Cant wait to drive it now!
jtremlett said:
Notsureaboutthat said:
Green is my absolute favourite colour for a F355. I remember seeing one parked up outside the Charlotte Street Hotel in London a few years ago and it blew me away. I have only ever seen one for sale. Stunning colour: Both verde silverstone and verde zeltweg.
Don't forget Verde Mugello.
I believe only 11 F355s supplied new to the UK in (four different shades of) green. Three Berlinettas, three Spiders and five GTS'.
I remember reading (and later watching his video re-creation of the situation), where he went to order his car, and determined not to order red paint and creme leather, as everybody else seemed to, decided on green paint and chocolate brown leather.
Determined not to be swayed from his choice, he kept repeating in his head over and over again: "I'd like green paint, with chocolate brown leather ........Green and brown ....... Green and brown"
Then the sales guy said to him: "Has Sir made his mind up on the colours?"
"Yes" said Clarkson, "I'd like grrrrrred paint and creme leather please!"
jtremlett said:
So, I don't know exactly what it would have sold for 2 years ago but the final asking price, from a well known dealer (KHPC), was £65k. So you would imagine it would be a bit less than that. Now it has sold as a private sale through an auction site - with no come back worth the name - for £103,350 including fees (please feel free to correct my maths!). That's about 40% more. Extraordinary!
Was in talks about this very car, even have a load of additional photos from the dealer that they emailed to me as I was doing a deal from remote. We agreed on a provisional deal at £60k.This auction really opened my eyes. I have a very similar car, 1999, TdF Blue with tan. Just last month crept over 50k miles. I don't have the racing seats and obviously its the later 5.2 model with the bigger airbag steering wheel. Do we think the combination of racing seats and been an earlier 2.7 model make this a lot more appealing than mine?
With 2 young kids, got me thinking over the weekend that if I got c£90k for mine, suddenly I could get into a very nice 612!!
With 2 young kids, got me thinking over the weekend that if I got c£90k for mine, suddenly I could get into a very nice 612!!
W111AAM said:
This auction really opened my eyes. I have a very similar car, 1999, TdF Blue with tan. Just last month crept over 50k miles. I don't have the racing seats and obviously its the later 5.2 model with the bigger airbag steering wheel. Do we think the combination of racing seats and been an earlier 2.7 model make this a lot more appealing than mine?
With 2 young kids, got me thinking over the weekend that if I got c£90k for mine, suddenly I could get into a very nice 612!!
Yes - pre airbag and original racing seats will have resulted in a premium vs your car. If you get £90k for yours then skip the 612 and go for an FF. I was advised to do the same when I sold my F355 and the advice was spot on as the FF is still racey enough that you won't miss the F355 too much whereas the 612 is a little more stately and sedate (for a Ferrari!).With 2 young kids, got me thinking over the weekend that if I got c£90k for mine, suddenly I could get into a very nice 612!!
Nice end to the story and congrats to the owner for buying. It's always an emotional purchase and older cars don't come up in the spec you like then you have to jump in and pay when it does come up.
Car guys over paid for the green 993 c4s whe he bought it off cc a few months back. I overpaid on a private sale When a blue merc sl60 came up which I wanted... Chances to pick up the exact car you want can be limited and if your holding long term then you can live with the price.
Car guys over paid for the green 993 c4s whe he bought it off cc a few months back. I overpaid on a private sale When a blue merc sl60 came up which I wanted... Chances to pick up the exact car you want can be limited and if your holding long term then you can live with the price.
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