246 GTS
Author
Discussion

bad company

Original Poster:

21,919 posts

296 months

Wednesday 24th September 2008
quotequote all
I have had a 355 Spider, 360 Spider and until recently a 430 Spider F1.

Am I mad looking at a 246? I think these are the most beautiful cars on the planetsperm but I am a bit worried about running costs and reliability etc.sperm

Has anybody on here owned one?

3200gt

2,727 posts

254 months

Wednesday 24th September 2008
quotequote all
Hi , I know where your coming from, along with Muira's, just something about 60's designs.
You could try talking to Foskers at Brands Hatch, they do loads of work on 246's and usually have 2 or 3 in the process of restoration at any one time.

alsaautomotive

684 posts

230 months

Thursday 25th September 2008
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Best guy to talk to is Nick Cartwright, he may be biased though!

They are pretty easy to own AS LONG AS YOU GET A GOOD ONE! PPI by someone that knows Dino's specifically is imperetive.

Edited by alsaautomotive on Thursday 25th September 07:45

elms

1,954 posts

282 months

Thursday 25th September 2008
quotequote all
Pretty bulletproof old things due to the simplicity of the design. The only issues I've had with 246s is the electrics which is part and parcel of 1970s Italian cars.

bad company

Original Poster:

21,919 posts

296 months

Thursday 25th September 2008
quotequote all
Thanks for the help guys. I am a bit worried about rust in a 1970's car.

As far as I can see good versions are still being offered at c£100k although I don't see too many any being sold at that level. I think the prices will inevitably drop due to the economy and oncoming winter.

Edited by bad company on Thursday 25th September 11:18

Mr_C

2,508 posts

259 months

Thursday 25th September 2008
quotequote all
gorgeous cars

mal

196 posts

276 months

Thursday 25th September 2008
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Hi,

I have an immaculate 1972 246 GTS and have just started making enquiries to sell it and to move into a 355 Spider.

I have owned the car for 6 years and have decided its time for a change. If you want more information let me know.

Mal

jdw1234

6,021 posts

245 months

Thursday 25th September 2008
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I would think running costs on a 246 would pale in comparison to depreciation on a F360/F430.

mal

196 posts

276 months

Thursday 25th September 2008
quotequote all
jdw1234 said:
I would think running costs on a 246 would pale in comparison to depreciation on a F360/F430.
Mine has cost approx 2 - 3K per year to run and has been looked after by Foskers who are one of the recognised specialists.

bad company

Original Poster:

21,919 posts

296 months

Saturday 27th September 2008
quotequote all
mal said:
jdw1234 said:
I would think running costs on a 246 would pale in comparison to depreciation on a F360/F430.
Mine has cost approx 2 - 3K per year to run and has been looked after by Foskers who are one of the recognised specialists.
What have you included in that £2 - 3K Mal (servicing, tyres, insurance etc)?

paul0843

2,006 posts

237 months

Saturday 27th September 2008
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imo opinion 246 will be nice to look at,but to drive,lets face it,its over 40 year old technology...

Davel

8,982 posts

288 months

Saturday 27th September 2008
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My favourite car of all time.

I have driven one and I'd love to own one.

If you can find one, go for it and enjoy!

andy74b

833 posts

257 months

Saturday 27th September 2008
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Really think it's a bad idea to go from any modern ferrari to a 246. 35 years of technology has passed from the 246 to the 430 and it really shows. I love the looks of my 246 but really don't find the drive that enjoyable. Even in it's day it was surpassed by the 2.7RS and maybe some others. Compared to even a new Mini Coopers S it feels slow and vague on the road.

So, unless its an addition to the stable or you don't like fast driving, don't do it. However, it's still the best looking dino (not actually a ferrari) ever made. Still feels special to drive and gives you that ferrari fun, I know i won't sell mine because if i did i would only want another!





Murph7355

42,006 posts

286 months

Saturday 27th September 2008
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As an only car, I wouldn't.

As a high days and holidays car, go for it. But you can't go into it like you would your previous f-cars (as with all classics, you have to bargain on them dropping you in it at some point. All part of the fun smile).

As for values, winter and the economy are unlikely to have much of an effect. There aren't many around and they don't make them any more. Far less sensitive to these issues than modern stuff.

PS Rust - always a problem. You just have to be careful how you use and look after the car.

mal

196 posts

276 months

Sunday 28th September 2008
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The 2 -3 K is everything except any major repairs. Tyres are pretty long lasting anyway. Insurance is very cheap if you get a classic policy with an agreed value. (approx £4-500pa). Clearly as with any classic the odd big bill can come along. However the way it holds its value compared to newer Ferraris more than compensates for that. It may be up and down at the moment but long term values will stay very strong.

With regard to driving it is a very different experience to a modern car but still rewarding and fun in a different way. Mine has a very strong engine and handles really well and can easily keep pace with modern traffic if driven well and is great fun at the same time.

You have to decide whether the classic drving experience is for you or not.

The is it or isnt it a Ferrari argument can bug you. But I like to think that it and The DAytona were the last cars to be designed by Ferrari before the Fiat take over and therefore can be said to be more pure Ferrari than any subsequent car. Also it was named after Enzo beloved lost son and therefore it is a great honour to carry that name.

After six years with the car I have decided I want a change, but I know there will be times I will regret it if or when it goes.


Mustard

6,992 posts

275 months

Sunday 5th October 2008
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might be of interest to someone, certainly sounds promising

http://www.classic-auctions.co.uk/lotdetail.php?&a...