Discussion
Funny should say that, because I'm in a 3 way tug at the moment between keeping my 308, a 246 or a 355.
I think I've narrowed the decision down to the 308 or a 355. Why ? Because I think a 246 would be just too fragile. They are devistatingly pretty, and I've lusted over one since I was that high :holdshand2footfromfloor: but I dont think you could just get in one and either drive it to the other end of the country, or take it for a serious spank round the twisty back roads like I can in the 308 (and presumably a 355) safe in the knowledge that it will be 100% reliable.
There was something else that struck me too .... okay, f-cars aren't exactly "common" on the roads, but you never ever ever see a 246 on the road (my experience) .... in fact the only time you ever see them is at the shows. Make great garage queens, if that's what you are after.
Also, for me, it's a step down in performance.
But gods are they pretty !
And one of the few depreciation proof cars around too, even in the current downturn.
All IMO of course, and not based on anything substantial.
I think I've narrowed the decision down to the 308 or a 355. Why ? Because I think a 246 would be just too fragile. They are devistatingly pretty, and I've lusted over one since I was that high :holdshand2footfromfloor: but I dont think you could just get in one and either drive it to the other end of the country, or take it for a serious spank round the twisty back roads like I can in the 308 (and presumably a 355) safe in the knowledge that it will be 100% reliable.
There was something else that struck me too .... okay, f-cars aren't exactly "common" on the roads, but you never ever ever see a 246 on the road (my experience) .... in fact the only time you ever see them is at the shows. Make great garage queens, if that's what you are after.
Also, for me, it's a step down in performance.
But gods are they pretty !
And one of the few depreciation proof cars around too, even in the current downturn. All IMO of course, and not based on anything substantial.
I know what your saying but having chatted to a few experts, they say a well looked after one should be fine. I too loved the Dino as a child and hadnt really considered it until I was lucky enough to drive one at a Maserati Track day at Goodwood last year, and I have never driven a more involving and enthralling car. I drove it at the same time a Maserati Indy and a Mistral which are both of the same era. The difference between them was astounding and you realised why everyone raved about the Dino at the time. Somehow the lack of speed compared to a modern car didnt matter. If I got the Dino I would still have my RS6 so the speed drug would still be available to me!
The 246 is one of the few ferraris that I like. I would love to own one, but as has been mentioned, they hold their value well. The cheapest one I have seen recently was about 35K, and currently all the ones on autotrader are 45K+!
I say go with your dream, if you can afford one.
Sparks
I say go with your dream, if you can afford one.
Sparks
reminisicence time...I bought my first Porsche 911 in 1986 - a 1977 911 SC for £5,500 (bargain, sold it 9 months later to a trader for £9k 
)
At the time I looked at buying a 246 for £6k (loads of them about) a DB5 for £6k (loads of them about) or a BMW 635 for the same money...
Oh how things change huh?
Nev, yours is a GTS yeah? any idea how much you might want to sell it for?
) At the time I looked at buying a 246 for £6k (loads of them about) a DB5 for £6k (loads of them about) or a BMW 635 for the same money...
Oh how things change huh?
Nev, yours is a GTS yeah? any idea how much you might want to sell it for?
Yup, she's a GTS (www.fugazi.co.uk then follow the Ferrari link) but as of currently she's not up for sale until I decide either way. If ever.
But if I did sell her I'd be looking around the 25k mark.
Part of my problem being, whilst the 246 and 355 are both superb cars, so is a well sorted 308, and I dont know that spending 2x the money will get me 2x the enjoyment I currently get out of the car (in fact I doubt it will). I guess it doesn't help the decision making process that my car has been such a peach, and I'm still in love with it 3 years later ...
But if I did sell her I'd be looking around the 25k mark.
Part of my problem being, whilst the 246 and 355 are both superb cars, so is a well sorted 308, and I dont know that spending 2x the money will get me 2x the enjoyment I currently get out of the car (in fact I doubt it will). I guess it doesn't help the decision making process that my car has been such a peach, and I'm still in love with it 3 years later ...
I have a 73 246GTS, and it's superb, not particularly fragile (but it doesn't like sitting in traffic). As you say, nor devastatingy fast, but it's soooo pretty, and drives soooo well, that in the real world it's fabulous.
I also have a Dino replica, which is actually faster, (4.0 V8 power), but doesn't handle as quite as well (what a surprise). However, it has the huge advantage of being capable of being parked at Sainsbury's, without me dropping to my knees in tears when returning to discover some scrote has dented a panel.
I also have a Dino replica, which is actually faster, (4.0 V8 power), but doesn't handle as quite as well (what a surprise). However, it has the huge advantage of being capable of being parked at Sainsbury's, without me dropping to my knees in tears when returning to discover some scrote has dented a panel.
Thanks for the mostly kind words. I should have it at the weekend so I will post some pics asap. I cant see it being too fragile as it had a full bare metal rebuild 4 years ago and the garage I am buying it from has enough confidence to give it a years warranty which I thought was pretty good. I know its not the same but I've used my Austin Healey regularly for the last 20 years including taking it to LeMans every year and as long as you look after it it is perfectly reliable and trustworthy. Also its £1,500 per year cheaper to insure than my Maserati so that should cover much of its costs!
Anyway it shouldnt cost me more to maintain than it will appreciate in value each year which is more than you can say for any modern Ferrari!
>> Edited by mal on Monday 17th November 07:24
Anyway it shouldnt cost me more to maintain than it will appreciate in value each year which is more than you can say for any modern Ferrari!
>> Edited by mal on Monday 17th November 07:24
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