We're too young to have had a Ferrari Testarossa poster on our childhood bedroom wall. Instead, we had a New Beetle, 996 911, and a Plymouth Prowler, all purchased from the book fair at school. Still, the Testarossa made quite an impression on us at an early age as we paged through our pocket guide of new cars from the 1980s.
We recently watched a video from Jason Cammisa that explained the mid-engine V12 Ferrari GTs, from the 365 GT/4 BB to the F512 M. The premise of his video is that the Testarossa was taken out of context due to its styling. It projected an imagine of a world-beater, a reputation it did not live up to, but in reality it was a competent V12 GT. In developing the 512 TR, the flat 12 was lowered an inch from its position in the Testarossa, and the result was a much better car to drive. Due to the better driving characteristics and their rarity in comparison to the relatively common Testarossa, the 512 TR is worth 2-3 times as much as its predecessor.
We sort of set ourselves up for this one. Last week, while writing up another manual Ferrari 456 GT, this is what we had to say about maintenance on modified Ferraris:
At this juncture, the featured 1995 Ferrari 456 GT could end up with an enthusiastic new owner, who might tint the taillights, lower the suspension on 19" wheels, cut out the mufflers, and add Ferrari shields to the front fenders. That owner might not put aside the cash necessary for routine maintenance - we've seen listings where this has been the case.
Which brings us today's feature. It's not a high-mileage example, but the owner has modified it almost exactly as we described last week! From the 19" wheels to the (replaced) exhaust to the (partially) tinted taillights to the fender shields, it's what we had in mind. So, was our assumption that a modified Ferrari would have deferred maintenance true? Not even close! While this car might have had some new issues crop up since its PPI in fall of 2019, we would imagine that most issues were corrected by the seller. The car has 400 miles on its most recent belt service - a far cry from the neglect that would have validated our claim from last week.
This doesn't mean that there aren't some neglected examples of modified Ferraris out there, but we'll refrain from generalizing in the future. We ourselves are in no place to pass judgement. After all, our Milano Verde - our favorite car - is lowered on 16" wheels, and has an exhaust, a couple of silly decals, and even has a vanity plate with an Italian word on it, which we are pretty sure gets us made fun of on YouTube by the Italian commenters. We'd say that our Verde is far from neglected. Live and let live.
We're following yesterday's high-mileage Ferrari 456 GT with a high-mileage Ferrari 308 GT4. To make it interesting, we've featured a 308 GT4 with even less collector appeal; this one has a 3.2L V8 from the later Ferrari 328 swapped in placed of its original 3.0L V8.
This is an interesting buy when compared to, say, a CIS-injected 16-valve 1981-1982 Ferrari 308 GTB with only 202 bhp. Styling is subjective - the GT4 is classic Gandini wedge, while the GTB is TV star cool. The nearly 70 hp advantage of this swapped 308 GT4 would be easy to sense by the seat of the pants, and we have to imagine that the acceleration would be startling for a car of this era.
A high-mileage Ferrari possesses a very narrow appeal, and we would say that the potential buyers fall into two camps. The first camp is after the most car they can get for their money - we get that. Misguided, when it comes to buying a car with extraordinarily expensive repair parts, but understandable.
The other camp, we would say, is pained to see something special go to waste. At this juncture, the featured 1995 Ferrari 456 GT could end up with an enthusiastic new owner, who might tint the taillights, lower the suspension on 19" wheels, cut out the mufflers, and add Ferrari shields to the front fenders. That owner might not put aside the cash necessary for routine maintenance - we've seen listings where this has been the case. Those in the preservation camp are the brave souls who would take on a high-mileage Ferrari and fund the routine and unplanned repairs required to keep the car in its present, outstanding condition.
In case you were curious, this is how we at CICFS would spec our 328. It's a GTS, because finding the rare GTB to have a stiffer chassis and slightly better styling would add too much to the purchase price. It's yellow - and here comes the important part - with a brown interior. No bumblebee theme here. That look will forever remind us of 2012 Camaros with Transformer dreams.
Since this blog was started, these cars have nearly doubled in value. We can tell you this because we spent the past two weeks updating over 900 photos and links to get in compliance with eBay's affiliate link program. In 2012, the concern with a 328 GTS was that the service cost would soon overtake the purchase price. Now, it seems more important to get one now before values go up.
We are glad that FCA, or Stellantis, as they are known these days, is able to root around the Ferrari parts bin every once in a while. The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is a prime example of technology sharing between the brands; Considering Alfa's sales volume in its market segment, can we really expect them to develop an entire engine on their own anymore? Today's 1985 Ferrari Mondial Quattrovalvole Cabriolet doesn't lend any technology to the FCA offerings, but it does offer a rare and wonderful color combination of plum over tan. And where do you think we've seen that today? Why, on the Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye, of all things!
We've never loved the Mondial Cabriolets until seeing this one in plum or prugna. The photographs here really capture the low-slung shape, only possible with a double wishbone suspension front and rear, well. Being a Quattrovalvole model, this Mondial actually makes respectable power, with a 235bhp rating from its 4-valve per cylinder F105A V8. Fuel injection comes courtesy of a Bosch K-jet, or CIS, system, which controls fueling entirely electromechanically. Sensitive to rusty fuel tanks, the systems are robust, if not exactly optimized. And, in our experience, they somehow lend to a great exhaust note with hints of overrun on decelerations.
This thing won its spot on the site because of the yellow/tan color combination. We saw our first of these in these colors a couple of falls ago when we were visiting the local Alfa shop, where an old friend of the shop was borrowing some time on the lift to check over his 308. Having spotted the yellow paint through the glass in the garage doors, we were relieved to see the tan interior when we walked into the garage; the yellow on black look has too much of a bumblebee feel for our taste.
As far as the Ferrari 308 series goes, this is the least desirable to us. Bosch K-jet is fine on a Volkswagen (where it actually sounds great and provides a nice, natural crackle and pop exhaust), but a Ferrari deserves to breathe. The earlier carb'd cars make significantly more power than the injected cars, and the later quattrovalvole cars made up for the restrictive emissions equipment on fuel-injected cars by using 4 valves per cylinder. Add to that the TRX metric tires from the factory, and you have what we would say is the least desirable of the 308 series - and yet, we would be perfectly happy with one if that's what we ended up with. It's only relative - these probably drive great.
The odometer on this black Ferrari Mondial T, featured here in February of last year, hasn't moved a single click in the span of 15 months since its first listing. Conversely, the price has softened by 8%. Our attraction to this example? Steadfast, if not even stronger.
The Mondial can seem like a compromised 308 or 328, when in reality it is more fairly compared to something like the 964 generation of Porsche 911, which came to market in the 1989 model year. Both are high-end sports coupes with both engine and a pair of passengers (theoretically) located aft of the driver. From a 3.6L boxer 6, the 911 manages 247hp, while the Ferrari produces 300hp from only 3.4L of displacement. That fact that the Ferrari tops out at around 158mph while the Porsche carries on until 163mph is an indication that the Mondial T is geared to rip, with a shorter final drive. Once into the power band, the Ferrari is likely to trounce the Porsche on acceleration.
Beverly Hills to Las Vegas is a 280 mile stretch; Google Maps predicts a 4 hour travel time. The route crosses the Mojave Desert, lean on rainfall and law enforcement. You could fly out of Burbank, but then you'd have to rent a car once you arrive in Vegas. We'd recommend a 2+2 with some potency instead - something like today's Ferrari 365 GTC/4.
A true 1970s shape, the 365 GTC/4 body is a crisp collection of curves. Nothing is superfluous, and yet the design exudes excess, from the long tailpipes, to the wide wheels, to the exaggerated proportions, to the 3 taillights per side. The 365GT4 and 400i that would follow went a long way in refining the design for this form factor, cutting out the excess. But for a small model run of 505 examples from 1971 to 1972, the 2+2 offering from Ferrari was loud and brash - the sort of car you could expect to drive from LA to Vegas.
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Year: 1972 Model: Ferrari 365 GTC/4 Engine: 4.4L V12 Transmission: 5-speed manual Mileage: 25,767 Price: $229,000 Location: Southampton, NY
The mandate for this 365 GTC4 was to deliver a well sorted fast reliable Ferrari the owner could enjoy at the drop of a hat. We were instructed to completely disassemble all components, recommission and make ready for everyday driving, absolutely everything must work. The car came to us having sat for many years, first we inspected her and established very quickly that we had a real survivor and mostly original car. The engine was thoroughly checked over by Miller Ferrari of Connecticut (full report and docs available) and was found to be in very good condition with only a minor overhaul needed. The carburetors were all removed stripped down cleaned and rebuilt. All new seals, plugs and ignition kit. The radiator was sent out to be completely refurbished, all new hoses and belts fitted. A/C overhauled, replaced, cv joints, boots and clamps, water pump overhauled, timing chain tensioner seals, window systems and tracks repaired and replaced. All switches, gauges, fans and lights overhauled. Brakes and rotors overhauled. New period correct tires. Becker radio and speakers work as they should. Every nut and bolt was inspected clean repaired or replaced, no expense was spared in making this beauty sing. This stunning Ferrari is ready for a new home and spirited long distance touring. We've listed a few of the items we attended to however, there is so much more we'd be happy to discuss should you decide to call or come see her by appointment only.
Car has the following : -Rebuilt Front And Rear Brake Calipers, New Front And Rear Brake Pads and Brake Hoses, Resurfaced Brake Rotors -New Exhaust Gaskets And Hangers -Rebuilt Steering Idler Arm . -Re-Conditioned Front And Rear Shocks and Upgraded Load Levelers -New Front And Rear Suspension Bushings. -New Front And Rear Sway Bar Bushings . -New Rear Axle Bearings . -New Coolant Hoses . -New Tires . -New Hood Supports . -Powder Coated Suspension Coil Springs . -Rebuilt Water Pump . -New Trunk Seal . -engine overhauled -Complete Tune Up, Includes: New Spark Plugs, Ignition Points, Ignition Wires, Valve Adjustment, And Rebuilt Carburetors -New Air Distribution Hoses In Dash And Engine Compartment -New Air Injection Check Valves -New Fuel Filters & Canister filter -New Fuel Hoses -New Air Filters -New Coolant/Anti-Freeze -New Heater Control Valve For more information please call Grand Prix cafe at 646 250 5519.
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After a long dormancy, the seller had this example gone through, from suspension to cooling system to fuel delivery. Simple from a mechanical perspective, the cost of components probably resulted in a substantial bill once all was said and done. We'd be sure to discuss the current condition of the car with the seller to see if anything was left for the next owner to address.
As far as V12 manual Ferraris go, this car is expensive, but seems to be priced pretty reasonably. The design was clearly influenced by the more-valuable Daytona, but the price tag doesn't really reflect that. We would imagine that the extra mass doesn't really detract from the driving experience, compared to the Daytona. The 324bhp on tap for North American cars should make quick work of moving the 3,200lb of mass down the road. Now, who is ready to buy this and rocket across the desert?
Yesterday we checked out the bottom of the Ferrari 360 market, so today let's take a look at what we imagine most of our readers would go for if they were in the market for a 360. It would be tough for us all to agree on color, so bear with us on the yellow. What we do hope you'll agree with us on are the gated manual shifter, Challenge rear grill, modular wheel option, and Daytona seats. Shields are a minus in our book, but floss and a hairdryer and maybe some polishing are all you need to delete those.
In today's age of supercar / high-end sports car excess, the 360 doesn't outperform the field like it once did. A modern Camaro SS 1LE will put it to shame on the track, after all. And, a 20 year-old, not-quite-classic Ferrari is an odd choice for a status symbol. So, if you're in the market for one of these, hopefully it's due to an admiration for what the car represented when it came out. It's the first aluminum space-frame mid-engine V8 Ferrari, with a fire-breathing 395hp over-square 3.6L behind the driver. It has one of the coolest shapes of late 90s automotive design, and the interior design holds up even today.
This is an incredibly beautiful 2000 Ferrari 360 Modena with the very rare and desirable 6-speed manual transmission. The options on this car include the deviated stitching in yellow, Scuderia shields, Daytona seats with yellow inserts, very rare modular wheels, and rear challenge grill. It also comes with a Remus exhaust which gives it a deeper tone and screams at wipe open throttle! All of the normal "sticky" parts have been addressed and refinished. The dash leather was redone due to the common leather shrinkage that is common on all 360's. The recall on the cam variator has been taken care of as well. Car comes with the tool kit, tire inflator kit, manual pounch, and red satin car cover. We have service records on the car that go back to 2005. The last belt service was performed in February of 2017. This car was judged at an FCA Ferrari event and won a platinum award with a score of 97 points. The paint has been wet-sanded and polished to near perfection and then sealed with cermaic coating to protect the show car finish.
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The front of the engine, where the serpentine and timing belts are situated, is accessible to technicians through the removal of the front seats and a firewall panel. This lends to generally palatable service prices, when compared to removing the entire rear subframe, such as is required on an F355. Records dating back to 2005 are a plus here, and the 2017 timing belt service is a good point of reference, but does mean that a timing belt service is coming up soon - something to factor in when negotiating a sale.
For the price of this 360, you could have yourself a C8 Corvette that will run laps around it at the track. And you'll come out way ahead on service costs, should you go that route, especially if you plan on tracking either option. The daily usability will be much better on the Corvette too - it should be no-less tame than a Tahoe in day-to-day use. And yet, we prefer the Ferrari, which was produced to protect a brand image over a bottom line.
