355: On the precipice
Discussion
This was my poster car in my childhood bedroom. I often daydream about what I would buy with what sum of money but the 355 is always in the discussion. I am now getting to an age where I think the window to buy one is rapidly closing and I’m seriously considering taking the plunge.
I currently have an N400 AM Vantage Roadster and a 5.0 SC Range Rover. The F355 really would be a toy. As for what I’m looking for, I think I want a GTS although could be persuaded by a Berlinetta. Not that fussed on exterior colour though I don’t want black/yellow. Would love a green but only ever seen one. Interior has to be light for me so no Nero. Bucket seats would be fab but not a dealbreaker. Manual for sure. Also desperate for a ‘95 to get the momo wheel and 2.7 motronic.
Full disclosure: I have never ever driven one. Partly because I was always scared that if I enjoyed it I would have to have one whatever the consequences and it’s not a small sum of money. I appreciate it may go the other way and I need to find out if it lives up to the teenage dreams. I am thinking of driving one in a spec I know I wouldn’t buy anyway to stay halfway objective.
What puts me off is that I know I’d need to store it and with young kids and an uninterested spouse it might get little use. However on the other side ive wanted one for over 25 years. Am well aware of general running costs so going in with one eye open. Can live with an average 5k/year running costs. Whatever anyone says I can’t see the capital value coming down massively from here on out. Read all the reviews and buyers guides I can find.
So really turning this over for general thoughts and opinions especially from owners. Is it time to go and scratch this itch or is it a case of never meet your heroes?
I currently have an N400 AM Vantage Roadster and a 5.0 SC Range Rover. The F355 really would be a toy. As for what I’m looking for, I think I want a GTS although could be persuaded by a Berlinetta. Not that fussed on exterior colour though I don’t want black/yellow. Would love a green but only ever seen one. Interior has to be light for me so no Nero. Bucket seats would be fab but not a dealbreaker. Manual for sure. Also desperate for a ‘95 to get the momo wheel and 2.7 motronic.
Full disclosure: I have never ever driven one. Partly because I was always scared that if I enjoyed it I would have to have one whatever the consequences and it’s not a small sum of money. I appreciate it may go the other way and I need to find out if it lives up to the teenage dreams. I am thinking of driving one in a spec I know I wouldn’t buy anyway to stay halfway objective.
What puts me off is that I know I’d need to store it and with young kids and an uninterested spouse it might get little use. However on the other side ive wanted one for over 25 years. Am well aware of general running costs so going in with one eye open. Can live with an average 5k/year running costs. Whatever anyone says I can’t see the capital value coming down massively from here on out. Read all the reviews and buyers guides I can find.
So really turning this over for general thoughts and opinions especially from owners. Is it time to go and scratch this itch or is it a case of never meet your heroes?
Thanks all. This is all great stuff and really helpful. The consensus seems to be going one way...
I do like the Aston but it often feels “heavy”. I am keen to drive something a bit lighter even if it’s not quite so quick. General feel and sound is much more important to me which is one of the reasons I went for the Aston over say a 911. I am keen to have more of a deftness of touch and also something a bit more raw.
One thing that does raise eyebrows are the US based commentary which discusses running costs at a level substantially higher than I read about here. Not sure how much of that is to do with US costs being higher or simply commentator “hype”. For example they quote an engine out belt change at “over 10k USD” whereas I understand here it is around the 3k mark.
I do take the point about a GTS being wobblier especially considered to the Aston but I really do enjoy the convertible aspect (but wouldn’t want the full spider). Maybe I wouldn’t miss too much with a Berlinetta but would need to drive. For me having a rarely used toy which I can expose to the elements when I do use it just makes it more special.
This is the one that has caught my eye at the moment and I hear good things about the dealer?
https://www.tfcgb.com/used-cars/11038425-ferrari-3...
I do like the Aston but it often feels “heavy”. I am keen to drive something a bit lighter even if it’s not quite so quick. General feel and sound is much more important to me which is one of the reasons I went for the Aston over say a 911. I am keen to have more of a deftness of touch and also something a bit more raw.
One thing that does raise eyebrows are the US based commentary which discusses running costs at a level substantially higher than I read about here. Not sure how much of that is to do with US costs being higher or simply commentator “hype”. For example they quote an engine out belt change at “over 10k USD” whereas I understand here it is around the 3k mark.
I do take the point about a GTS being wobblier especially considered to the Aston but I really do enjoy the convertible aspect (but wouldn’t want the full spider). Maybe I wouldn’t miss too much with a Berlinetta but would need to drive. For me having a rarely used toy which I can expose to the elements when I do use it just makes it more special.
This is the one that has caught my eye at the moment and I hear good things about the dealer?
https://www.tfcgb.com/used-cars/11038425-ferrari-3...
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