Discussion
I've been a fan of 348's for many a year. Mini-Testarossa being the obvious, much over-used term, but it works for me. However, much as I love 'em, there's always been something that just didn't look right. I now know what it is. It's the wheels, especially the rears. They don't appear to fill the arches properly - those luscious side strakes lead you, expectantly, all the way to the rear arches but the standard wheels are just not enough to complete the picture.
The wheels on the GTC, however, make the whole thing work as it always should have. Those split-rims not only look purposeful but also fill the arches properly - just like they were meant to be.
Obviously the GTC comes at a price. Rarity and development commands a hefty premium. There was recently a lovely looking example on the PH classifeds at £50k; there's currently another at €u75k and I notice that Nick Cartwright has a beautiful looking example for sale at £45k.
Are the GTC's really worth almost double your average ts/tb? Is it just about rarity, or do they drive that much better as well?
Your opinions and/or first-hand experiences welcomed...
GB
The wheels on the GTC, however, make the whole thing work as it always should have. Those split-rims not only look purposeful but also fill the arches properly - just like they were meant to be.
Obviously the GTC comes at a price. Rarity and development commands a hefty premium. There was recently a lovely looking example on the PH classifeds at £50k; there's currently another at €u75k and I notice that Nick Cartwright has a beautiful looking example for sale at £45k.
Are the GTC's really worth almost double your average ts/tb? Is it just about rarity, or do they drive that much better as well?
Your opinions and/or first-hand experiences welcomed...
GB
There is a HUGE thread on Club Scuderia on the GTC's, with comments from many owners of them including the one who had the Nick Cartwright one. Its 29 pages long, some of it tongue in cheek, but hopefully will answer your questions 
Here it is
www.fcars.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=6584
Here it is
www.fcars.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=6584
The rear wheels were set too far in as standard on 348's. The factory changed the offset in the rear wheels by 25mm on some of the later models which looks lots better (and is said to improve stability). The actual suspension was no wider. Many owners have fitted Hill engineering spacer kits to achieve the different offset with standard wheels.
A few other owners have fitted F355 18"s to fill the arches better - about a grand a set for new reproduction alloys (genuine mag 355 wheels are expensive new).
The GTC is collectable and much higher prices are asked - the main differences are lightweight bumpers/doors/seats and those lovely split-rims (which are not exactly easy/cheap to get hold of..).
A few other owners have fitted F355 18"s to fill the arches better - about a grand a set for new reproduction alloys (genuine mag 355 wheels are expensive new).
The GTC is collectable and much higher prices are asked - the main differences are lightweight bumpers/doors/seats and those lovely split-rims (which are not exactly easy/cheap to get hold of..).
I'm lucky enough to have one of the 8 RHD GTC's and it is a fantastic car.
In terms of value it will always command a premium due to the rarity. There aren't too many Ferrari's built in such limited numbers (50 in total and 8 RHD).
The lightweight doors, bumpers, wheels & F40 seats do make a difference to the way the car drives. I have no idea whether they are quicker but having driven other TB's the GTC does feel different (I'd say better but then I am biased!).
You can copy the look to a certain extent but the end result woudln't be the same. However as said before you can change the wheels to a number of different options including 355 & 360 wheels which look good. I believe that Ferrari only have 1 or 2 of the GTC wheels left and the price they're asking for them is crazy!
If you've got any other queries about the GTC feel free to ask.
PS - I started the thread on the link below/above just before buying my GTC.
In terms of value it will always command a premium due to the rarity. There aren't too many Ferrari's built in such limited numbers (50 in total and 8 RHD).
The lightweight doors, bumpers, wheels & F40 seats do make a difference to the way the car drives. I have no idea whether they are quicker but having driven other TB's the GTC does feel different (I'd say better but then I am biased!).
You can copy the look to a certain extent but the end result woudln't be the same. However as said before you can change the wheels to a number of different options including 355 & 360 wheels which look good. I believe that Ferrari only have 1 or 2 of the GTC wheels left and the price they're asking for them is crazy!
If you've got any other queries about the GTC feel free to ask.
PS - I started the thread on the link below/above just before buying my GTC.
Edited by pdavison on Thursday 22 March 09:42
Grimston Barr said:
I've been a fan of 348's for many a year. Mini-Testarossa being the obvious, much over-used term, but it works for me. However, much as I love 'em, there's always been something that just didn't look right. I now know what it is. It's the wheels, especially the rears.
Take a look at my wheels
www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=111741
I own one of the other RHD cars, 1/8.
The GTC is certainly quicker than a standard car and most noticeable around a circuit. The GTC frequently wins the Ferrari Owners Club Hillclimb series and is equal to a 355 around most tracks. Nick T won last years hill climb series in a stock GTC beating out even the likes of F430's.
Price of the car is due to exclusivity, and factor in the various "exotic" components (for the time).
I wouldn't sell mine lightly, a CS I'd consider and maybe a 575 with a GTC pack but the 348 GTC really is a gorgeous looking machine. It's very "Ferrari" if you know what I mean. It's a very physical car to drive, you must drive it pretty "hard" to get it to work, but when it works it's worth the effort!
The GTC is certainly quicker than a standard car and most noticeable around a circuit. The GTC frequently wins the Ferrari Owners Club Hillclimb series and is equal to a 355 around most tracks. Nick T won last years hill climb series in a stock GTC beating out even the likes of F430's.
Price of the car is due to exclusivity, and factor in the various "exotic" components (for the time).
I wouldn't sell mine lightly, a CS I'd consider and maybe a 575 with a GTC pack but the 348 GTC really is a gorgeous looking machine. It's very "Ferrari" if you know what I mean. It's a very physical car to drive, you must drive it pretty "hard" to get it to work, but when it works it's worth the effort!
I think the GTC is great looking car and, from what I remember when they were launched, a totally different animal to a standard 348.
I stumbled upon this one the other week, great looking car......
www.pistonheads.com/sales/141031.htm
I stumbled upon this one the other week, great looking car......
www.pistonheads.com/sales/141031.htm
Slightly cheeky "bump" but the Wife has gone and got a bump too and I'm finding I won't have the time for this anymore (I rarely have now!) so with regret my GTC is for sale:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/221228.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/221228.htm
pdavison said:
You're not alone don't worry ... one of the factors as to why I bought mine!
If you're looking for Lagerlout's is a lovely example.
Six months ago I would have bitten his hand off. Unfortunately I am under sufficient pressure from my other half to sell my own piece of Italian porn without adding another model to the harem!If you're looking for Lagerlout's is a lovely example.
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