Ferrari 308GT4

[josephvman]

Stephen,

I've turned down some borderline ridiculous offers for the car lately, but it's not for sale, nor will it likely ever be.

Regarding 308 vs. 328, 328's are a bit more refined, particularly the late 88/89 cars. Being a decade newer than the earliest 308's, they've likely suffered less neglect, abuse, or deferred maintenance. There are quite a few variants of 308's in particular, all with their own strengths, weaknesses, and quirks, but driving character remains similar across the board, and performance is similar as well, with the exception of the 2V injected 80-82 cars that were down quite a bit on power. My favorites are the early glass cars, pre-catalyst carbed GTB's (coupes), quattrovalvole GTB's, and my '89 GTB. The pool of average to good 328's is much larger than 308's, so you're more likely to find a good 328. Service costs are similar across the range, but many of the 308's had sodium-filled valves that can fail, but it's not all that common. This is probably the only 308/328 issue that I would consider potentially catastrophic in terms of cost, and in he past could turn a cheap one into a salvage case, costing nearly the value of the car to repair. Now that values have jumped, finding yourself upside down because of a valve failure is less of an issue, however that doesn't change the cost of the repair.

308 GT4's are a bit of a wild-card. They have the distinction of being the only Bertone-designed production Ferrari, not an insignificant factor for future collectibility. They can look a bit homely in certain colors (one of the few that doesn't look as good in red as many other colors), especially beside a 246 or 308, but I really like the way they drive, and they're a very interesting package of efficient design, considering mid-engine with rear seats. I wish I would have picked one up when a well-sorted car could be bought for $25k.

As for maintenance costs, I would budget $5k a year to own one of these cars. Most years you'll spend $2k for basic service, and every 4-5 you'll spend $10-15k for a full-blown major service. $5k a year covers that and then some, and you can take comfort in the fact that nice cars are appreciating, so actual cost of ownership is much lower than you'd think.

Originally Posted by stephentross

Beautiful car. That is what i am looking for and I live in Houston as well. If you ever want to sell. Please PM me here

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by josephvman

Stephen,

I've turned down some borderline ridiculous offers for the car lately, but it's not for sale, nor will it likely ever be.

Regarding 308 vs. 328, 328's are a bit more refined, particularly the late 88/89 cars. Being a decade newer than the earliest 308's, they've likely suffered less neglect, abuse, or deferred maintenance. There are quite a few variants of 308's in particular, all with their own strengths, weaknesses, and quirks, but driving character remains similar across the board, and performance is similar as well, with the exception of the 2V injected 80-82 cars that were down quite a bit on power. My favorites are the early glass cars, pre-catalyst carbed GTB's (coupes), quattrovalvole GTB's, and my '89 GTB. The pool of average to good 328's is much larger than 308's, so you're more likely to find a good 328. Service costs are similar across the range, but many of the 308's had sodium-filled valves that can fail, but it's not all that common. This is probably the only 308/328 issue that I would consider potentially catastrophic in terms of cost, and in he past could turn a cheap one into a salvage case, costing nearly the value of the car to repair. Now that values have jumped, finding yourself upside down because of a valve failure is less of an issue, however that doesn't change the cost of the repair.

308 GT4's are a bit of a wild-card. They have the distinction of being the only Bertone-designed production Ferrari, not an insignificant factor for future collectibility. They can look a bit homely in certain colors (one of the few that doesn't look as good in red as many other colors), especially beside a 246 or 308, but I really like the way they drive, and they're a very interesting package of efficient design, considering mid-engine with rear seats. I wish I would have picked one up when a well-sorted car could be bought for $25k.

As for maintenance costs, I would budget $5k a year to own one of these cars. Most years you'll spend $2k for basic service, and every 4-5 you'll spend $10-15k for a full-blown major service. $5k a year covers that and then some, and you can take comfort in the fact that nice cars are appreciating, so actual cost of ownership is much lower than you'd think.

Thanks for the info

Been checking several Ferrari forums and these are mostly the numbers that pop up regarding maintenance . . . and you have the experience

Still looking around so if you see something . . . please send a PM ;)

[stephentross]

Originally Posted by josephvman

Stephen,

I've turned down some borderline ridiculous offers for the car lately, but it's not for sale, nor will it likely ever be.

Regarding 308 vs. 328, 328's are a bit more refined, particularly the late 88/89 cars. Being a decade newer than the earliest 308's, they've likely suffered less neglect, abuse, or deferred maintenance. There are quite a few variants of 308's in particular, all with their own strengths, weaknesses, and quirks, but driving character remains similar across the board, and performance is similar as well, with the exception of the 2V injected 80-82 cars that were down quite a bit on power. My favorites are the early glass cars, pre-catalyst carbed GTB's (coupes), quattrovalvole GTB's, and my '89 GTB. The pool of average to good 328's is much larger than 308's, so you're more likely to find a good 328. Service costs are similar across the range, but many of the 308's had sodium-filled valves that can fail, but it's not all that common. This is probably the only 308/328 issue that I would consider potentially catastrophic in terms of cost, and in he past could turn a cheap one into a salvage case, costing nearly the value of the car to repair. Now that values have jumped, finding yourself upside down because of a valve failure is less of an issue, however that doesn't change the cost of the repair.

308 GT4's are a bit of a wild-card. They have the distinction of being the only Bertone-designed production Ferrari, not an insignificant factor for future collectibility. They can look a bit homely in certain colors (one of the few that doesn't look as good in red as many other colors), especially beside a 246 or 308, but I really like the way they drive, and they're a very interesting package of efficient design, considering mid-engine with rear seats. I wish I would have picked one up when a well-sorted car could be bought for $25k.

As for maintenance costs, I would budget $5k a year to own one of these cars. Most years you'll spend $2k for basic service, and every 4-5 you'll spend $10-15k for a full-blown major service. $5k a year covers that and then some, and you can take comfort in the fact that nice cars are appreciating, so actual cost of ownership is much lower than you'd think.

Thank you for the information. The maintenance numbers line up with what I was expecting and having it come from an owner makes it all the more accurate to plan ahead.

Actually, There is an '89 GTB for sale in Houston right now. I sent an initial email but the car currently has a sale pending.

[TheBluePrince]

Another fan of the 308's here. Have driven quite a few - GTB, GTSI, GTSI QV and 328 GTB. GTSI QV was probably the best all-round imo although the GTB sounded the best and the 328 was the best put together. All the 308's had a fragile feeling about them, especially compared to contemporary 911's.

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by TheBluePrince

Another fan of the 308's here. Have driven quite a few - GTB, GTSI, GTSI QV and 328 GTB. GTSI QV was probably the best all-round imo although the GTB sounded the best and the 328 was the best put together. All the 308's had a fragile feeling about them, especially compared to contemporary 911's.

I've read that - when maintenance is done as needed - the 3.0 and mainly the 3.2 engines are bulletproof

And as Josephvman posted you might run into trouble with the sodium valves

But I think that a 308 is more a 'pure' car than the 328

Although would love to have a 3x8 in my garage . . . . right know ;)

HAGWe my friends

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by Kingair

After Gerardo offered me all that lovely food & wine I was surfing to find desert . . .

Found this beautiful short movie on the Ferrari 308 GT4

It's not my favorite Ferrari but the more you look at it . . . you see that Marcello Gandini did at nice job when working for Bertone

I just checked what other designs he did and I have to say . . . impressive

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcello_Gandini

To get back to my first line . . . as much as Gerardo loves food & wine . . . I love cars . . .

No sorry . . . I love both ;)

Enjoy the movie

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wKwIfsAMZfs

Have a nice evening

Thank you for sharing, that is very nice!!!!! I do like cars, but food wins!!!!! (my 2 cents here)

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

Thank you for sharing, that is very nice!!!!! I do like cars, but food wins!!!!! (my 2 cents here)

Cars are just cars

But your food is always looking gorgeous

HAGWe my friend

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by Kingair

Cars are just cars

But your food is always looking gorgeous

HAGWe my friend

Ditto, FRIDAY AT LAST!!!!!

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

Ditto, FRIDAY AT LAST!!!!!

You made it Gerardo !

F R I D A Y !

[TheBluePrince]

Originally Posted by Kingair

I've read that - when maintenance is done as needed - the 3.0 and mainly the 3.2 engines are bulletproof

And as Josephvman posted you might run into trouble with the sodium valves

But I think that a 308 is more a 'pure' car than the 328

Although would love to have a 3x8 in my garage . . . . right know ;)

HAGWe my friends

Yes, that is what the guys who maintained the cars I drove said also. The 3x8 series had very solid engines and not too hard to maintain themselves only taking to Verdi's for the big jobs. Compared to the 348's and 355's they had they were a lot simpler to work on apparently.

I found the ancillaries and most of the car around the engine to have a more fragile feel though. Air vents coming off in one's hand, dials not working, trim loose and detaching easily etc inside and the 308's things like brakes and steering seemed to be more sensitive to wear and slipping out of optimal adjustment. In that way the 308's felt very much a late 60's, 70's car while the 328 felt born of the later era and a more solid, perfected proposition.

I will find some pics later.....

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by TheBluePrince

Yes, that is what the guys who maintained the cars I drove said also. The 3x8 series had very solid engines and not too hard to maintain themselves only taking to Verdi's for the big jobs. Compared to the 348's and 355's they had they were a lot simpler to work on apparently.

I found the ancillaries and most of the car around the engine to have a more fragile feel though. Air vents coming off in one's hand, dials not working, trim loose and detaching easily etc inside and the 308's things like brakes and steering seemed to be more sensitive to wear and slipping out of optimal adjustment. In that way the 308's felt very much a late 60's, 70's car while the 328 felt born of the later era and a more solid, perfected proposition.

I will find some pics later.....

Thanks once more for the info

All is welcome before . . .

[TheBluePrince]

I wish I'd had a digital camera sooner (or smart phones existed earlier!). Drove dozens of cars like this from 2000-2007 but only got any pics in the last couple of years.

GTSI QV




Pretty for sure but this is what they're all about



You used to buy a Ferrari and basically get an amazing engine + pretty body but the rest was so-so ;)

Can see from this pic of the interior i think how they wear easily but that gearbox is simply superb.

If you've never driven a dog-leg manual before you're in for a treat. Only BMW in the E30 M3 made one as good imo. It's a shame that with the progression to 6 gears they switched to standard H.



This was the best 3x8 I had - 328 GTB - not my pic but was this exact car.

[lhanddds]

Nice video Marc. I love the simple steering wheel and gated shifter.

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by TheBluePrince

I wish I'd had a digital camera sooner (or smart phones existed earlier!). Drove dozens of cars like this from 2000-2007 but only got any pics in the last couple of years.

GTSI QV




Pretty for sure but this is what they're all about



You used to buy a Ferrari and basically get an amazing engine + pretty body but the rest was so-so ;)

Can see from this pic of the interior i think how they wear easily but that gearbox is simply superb.

If you've never driven a dog-leg manual before you're in for a treat. Only BMW in the E30 M3 made one as good imo. It's a shame that with the progression to 6 gears they switched to standard H.



This was the best 3x8 I had - 328 GTB - not my pic but was this exact car.

Thanks again !

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by lhanddds

Nice video Marc. I love the simple steering wheel and gated shifter.

Thanks buddy

[Nycturbovr6]

True classic