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forzav12
forzav12 Reader
1/9/13 1:32 p.m.
lastsnare wrote: I always liked the Mondial, ever since seeing it on an episode of Motorweek when I was in middle school :) Not to derail the thread, but here's a Photoshop (Gimp-chop, technically) I did a while ago (I just added the badges to someone else's photo) :P add burbly exhaust and Pininfarina badging.....all set :D

uh, no. You actually have to earn the Prancing Horse regalia by doing stuff like winning Lemans and a bazillion F1 races. Last I checked, despite spending more money than anyone in the history of racing-the folks from Toyota City had done neither.

Cotton
Cotton SuperDork
1/9/13 1:36 p.m.

How bad is a Testarossa? I've looked at 348s and 355s, but always come back to the Testarossa. Would like a 360, but they are higher than I'd like to spend.

singleslammer
singleslammer Dork
1/9/13 2:31 p.m.

In reply to forzav12:

You know what I mean. Way to pick the worst possible examples.

Perhaps a nicely tuned up 1UZ with a transaxle. Sorry, I would love to find one needing an engine but it makes no sense to me to spend 30 grand rebuilding an engine in a car that is disliked by most collectors to have still have a sweet 0-60 of 9 seconds that will get trounced by 90% of modern cars (including a Honda Odyssey).

Even if I COULD afford to rebuilt a stock engine in a Mondial, I don't think I could bring myself to it. Guess I'm not cut out for such a classy piece of machinery.

Joe Gearin
Joe Gearin Associate Publisher
1/9/13 2:37 p.m.

All Mondials are not dogs. The later ones (Quattrovalve) were decently quick with sub 7 second 0-60 times, 240hp and a top speed in the mid 140s. Not a rocket, but plenty fast to have fun.

I like the way the hard-tops look, but I'd rather have a 308GT4 for the funkiness and cooler interior.

forzav12
forzav12 Reader
1/9/13 2:47 p.m.
Cotton wrote: How bad is a Testarossa? I've looked at 348s and 355s, but always come back to the Testarossa. Would like a 360, but they are higher than I'd like to spend.

Engine out services of 10k or more, lots of bits on a 4cam 12, "interesting" handling, pretty pricey to run but they sure sound good.

Adrian_Thompson
Adrian_Thompson SuperDork
1/9/13 2:49 p.m.
singleslammer wrote: In reply to forzav12: You know what I mean. Way to pick the worst possible examples. Perhaps a nicely tuned up 1UZ with a transaxle. Sorry, I would love to find one needing an engine but it makes no sense to me to spend 30 grand rebuilding an engine in a car that is disliked by most collectors to have still have a sweet 0-60 of 9 seconds that will get trounced by 90% of modern cars (including a Honda Odyssey). Even if I COULD afford to rebuilt a stock engine in a Mondial, I don't think I could bring myself to it. Guess I'm not cut out for such a classy piece of machinery.

I think yuour missing the point. It's not always about how fast something is, whitness the Miata popularity. Sometimes it's the look, feel and sound. Modern Ferrari's do nothing for me, if given one I'd turn round and sell it to buy something else. But 80's and prior Ferrari's do stir me, I think it's down to when you came of age as to what hit's your buttons.

forzav12
forzav12 Reader
1/9/13 2:53 p.m.
singleslammer wrote: In reply to forzav12: You know what I mean. Way to pick the worst possible examples. Perhaps a nicely tuned up 1UZ with a transaxle. Sorry, I would love to find one needing an engine but it makes no sense to me to spend 30 grand rebuilding an engine in a car that is disliked by most collectors to have still have a sweet 0-60 of 9 seconds that will get trounced by 90% of modern cars (including a Honda Odyssey). Even if I COULD afford to rebuilt a stock engine in a Mondial, I don't think I could bring myself to it. Guess I'm not cut out for such a classy piece of machinery.

Yeah, I know what you meant, but, I think many miss the point of owning a classic. Sure, a Type 35 Bugatti would be faster with an LS7 in it, but that eliminates one of the greatest engines built. Same with Ferrari-they may have been late to the disc brake and mid-engined party, but, they've always built great engines. Removing one for the simple reason of more speed seems rather silly to me. Now, if you are assembling some rusted out hulk that was missing its engine(like someone here was contemplating with a 308 GT4), thats an entirely different matter.

forzav12
forzav12 Reader
1/9/13 2:56 p.m.
Joe Gearin wrote: All Mondials are not dogs. The later ones (Quattrovalve) were decently quick with sub 7 second 0-60 times, 240hp and a top speed in the mid 140s. Not a rocket, but plenty fast to have fun. I like the way the hard-tops look, but I'd rather have a 308GT4 for the funkiness and cooler interior.

This. I was running perhaps one of the best 308 GT4s built a few years ago(engine mods, euro bumper, upgraded suspension,etc)and found it to be very entertaining and more than able to "keep up with traffic", especially when stringing a few corners together. Its also important to realize that while a 308 isn't going to win many drag races, it does very well once its up to speed.

93EXCivic
93EXCivic MegaDork
1/9/13 2:59 p.m.
Adrian_Thompson wrote:
singleslammer wrote: In reply to forzav12: You know what I mean. Way to pick the worst possible examples. Perhaps a nicely tuned up 1UZ with a transaxle. Sorry, I would love to find one needing an engine but it makes no sense to me to spend 30 grand rebuilding an engine in a car that is disliked by most collectors to have still have a sweet 0-60 of 9 seconds that will get trounced by 90% of modern cars (including a Honda Odyssey). Even if I COULD afford to rebuilt a stock engine in a Mondial, I don't think I could bring myself to it. Guess I'm not cut out for such a classy piece of machinery.
I think yuour missing the point. It's not always about how fast something is, whitness the Miata popularity. Sometimes it's the look, feel and sound. Modern Ferrari's do nothing for me, if given one I'd turn round and sell it to buy something else. But 80's and prior Ferrari's do stir me, I think it's down to when you came of age as to what hit's your buttons.

I agree with this. Some cars are worth buying because of what they are. Now a rusted out beat to crap one go crazy but a good one (even an early Mondial which I wouldn't pay anyting close to what the cost for) should IMHO remain what it is.

turboswede
turboswede GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
1/9/13 3:24 p.m.
singleslammer wrote: In reply to forzav12: You know what I mean. Way to pick the worst possible examples. Perhaps a nicely tuned up 1UZ with a transaxle.

1UZ? Done.

http://www.f40.co.nz/f40/index.aspx

Adrian_Thompson
Adrian_Thompson SuperDork
1/9/13 3:39 p.m.
turboswede wrote:
singleslammer wrote: In reply to forzav12: You know what I mean. Way to pick the worst possible examples. Perhaps a nicely tuned up 1UZ with a transaxle.
1UZ? Done. http://www.f40.co.nz/f40/index.aspx

I've seen that before, it's a heck of a replica

singleslammer
singleslammer Dork
1/9/13 4:18 p.m.
forzav12 wrote: Now, if you are assembling some rusted out hulk that was missing its engine(like someone here was contemplating with a 308 GT4), thats an entirely different matter.

This is probably the only way I will EVER get a an F-car so there we go .

singleslammer
singleslammer Dork
1/9/13 4:20 p.m.

In reply to Adrian_Thompson:

I definitely appreciate older cars for what they are. I have a hard time not thinking about what if I change this or that though. Besides I have always been more of a Lambo guy (pre-5000 before the Countach turned into a Transformer are best).

This would remain completely untouched. And thrashed regularly.

singleslammer
singleslammer Dork
1/9/13 4:22 p.m.
Adrian_Thompson wrote:
turboswede wrote:
singleslammer wrote: In reply to forzav12: You know what I mean. Way to pick the worst possible examples. Perhaps a nicely tuned up 1UZ with a transaxle.
1UZ? Done. http://www.f40.co.nz/f40/index.aspx
I've seen that before, it's a heck of a replica

Agreed!

Wally
Wally GRM+ Memberand UltimaDork
1/10/13 12:26 a.m.
Adrian_Thompson wrote: Just remembered, there used to be a silver Merek arund SE Michigan with the perfect licence plate "DOES 185" I haven't seen it in a few years come to think of it.

He can't take it out since he lost his license

EvanB
EvanB GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
1/10/13 1:31 a.m.

In reply to Wally:

I hear he has a limo, rides in the back.

DES4
DES4 None
1/10/13 7:01 a.m.

I worked at a Ferrari dealership for nearly three years as a tech. There is no such thing as a "cheap" Ferrari; in fact, the most expensive Ferrari to own is one that you've paid very little for. This isn't Disneyland; once you're through the door, the rides aren't free.

The least expensive of Ferraris, like 400s, 308s, Mondials and the like, are every bit as expensive to repair and maintain, and I've seen many, many posers get in way over their heads buying cheap (read: trashed) examples. You will NEVER come out ahead, I don't care how sharp of a wrench you fancy yourself. Parts for the lowliest Ferraris are every bit as expensive as the desirable models.

Don't do it, man.

forzav12
forzav12 Reader
1/10/13 9:04 a.m.
DES4 wrote: I worked at a Ferrari dealership for nearly three years as a tech. There is no such thing as a "cheap" Ferrari; in fact, the most expensive Ferrari to own is one that you've paid very little for. This isn't Disneyland; once you're through the door, the rides aren't free. The least expensive of Ferraris, like 400s, 308s, Mondials and the like, are every bit as expensive to repair and maintain, and I've seen many, many posers get in way over their heads buying cheap (read: trashed) examples. You will NEVER come out ahead, I don't care how sharp of a wrench you fancy yourself. Parts for the lowliest Ferraris are every bit as expensive as the desirable models. Don't do it, man.

Not true. Plenty of regular Joes on Fchat have figured out how to run/service their cars relatively inexpensively. While there is some truth to expenses being the same for all models(labor rate, interior leather refurbs, perhaps) an 8 cylinder car usually quite a bit less to operate than a 12. As to parts costing the same-not so much. Early 250 bits are so expensive that its not unheard of for a 1% er to purchase an entire 250 GTE(at about 150-180k) just to have a spare 250 V12 for unobtainium like GTOS, SWBs, etc.

Buy a good car and you'll have a blast and come out OK when you sell it. By a crappy car if you plan to parts scrounge and do all the work your self(understanding that pieces are still going to be expensive-interior, major components,etc) I purchased a 308 GTB from a friend(he was the second owner), drove it for a few years without issue and had fun doing it. I then sold it to a friend of mine that is still driving it and has had no major repirs or expenses. Original paint, engine, etc. Still looks great, handles very well(especially after updating wheels/tires from a later model to get rid of the TRX tires) and has essentially a flawless leather interior. When its time for him to sell, he'll get what he paid for it if not a bit moe.

SlickDizzy
SlickDizzy GRM+ Memberand UberDork
1/10/13 9:07 a.m.
DES4 wrote: I worked at a Ferrari dealership for nearly three years as a tech. There is no such thing as a "cheap" Ferrari; in fact, the most expensive Ferrari to own is one that you've paid very little for. This isn't Disneyland; once you're through the door, the rides aren't free. The least expensive of Ferraris, like 400s, 308s, Mondials and the like, are every bit as expensive to repair and maintain, and I've seen many, many posers get in way over their heads buying cheap (read: trashed) examples. You will NEVER come out ahead, I don't care how sharp of a wrench you fancy yourself. Parts for the lowliest Ferraris are every bit as expensive as the desirable models. Don't do it, man.

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=154964

Not saying that I'm going to do it and buy one tomorrow, but as a tech, of course you'd say that - the guys who have been maintaining their own successfully for years probably have no desire to pay Ferrari labor rates when they don't have to

Seriously though, the Ferrari owners on this board seem to indicate that while it'll never be CHEAP, it doesn't have to be EXORBITANT. That's pretty much the answer I was looking for.

Adrian_Thompson
Adrian_Thompson SuperDork
1/10/13 9:17 a.m.
Wally wrote:
Adrian_Thompson wrote: Just remembered, there used to be a silver Merek arund SE Michigan with the perfect licence plate "DOES 185" I haven't seen it in a few years come to think of it.
He can't take it out since he lost his license

Adrian_Thompson
Adrian_Thompson SuperDork
1/10/13 9:20 a.m.
singleslammer wrote: In reply to Adrian_Thompson: I definitely appreciate older cars for what they are. I have a hard time not thinking about what if I change this or that though. Besides I have always been more of a Lambo guy (pre-5000 before the Countach turned into a Transformer are best). This would remain completely untouched. And thrashed regularly.

I wholeheartedly agre on the Muira and Pre-5000 Countach, but they are on an entierly differnt cost plane to 308's, Mondials, Merek's, 400i's etc. Now we're getting close to 288GTO money

singleslammer
singleslammer Dork
1/10/13 9:42 a.m.

In reply to Adrian_Thompson:

I am fully aware, but a guy can dream. Considering I don't think I could afford to bring home an NSX in the next 5 years, anything Italian (other than Fiat, Alfa and the like), is out of the question.

mad_machine
mad_machine GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
1/10/13 1:50 p.m.
SlickDizzy wrote:
DES4 wrote: I worked at a Ferrari dealership for nearly three years as a tech. There is no such thing as a "cheap" Ferrari; in fact, the most expensive Ferrari to own is one that you've paid very little for. This isn't Disneyland; once you're through the door, the rides aren't free. The least expensive of Ferraris, like 400s, 308s, Mondials and the like, are every bit as expensive to repair and maintain, and I've seen many, many posers get in way over their heads buying cheap (read: trashed) examples. You will NEVER come out ahead, I don't care how sharp of a wrench you fancy yourself. Parts for the lowliest Ferraris are every bit as expensive as the desirable models. Don't do it, man.
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=154964 Not saying that I'm going to do it and buy one tomorrow, but as a tech, of course you'd say that - the guys who have been maintaining their own successfully for years probably have no desire to pay Ferrari labor rates when they don't have to Seriously though, the Ferrari owners on this board seem to indicate that while it'll never be CHEAP, it doesn't have to be EXORBITANT. That's pretty much the answer I was looking for.

and if you have a reliable DD.. if something expensive does break.. you can take your time repairing it (provided you do not get into the "while I'm here" mode of working on the car)

Travis_K
Travis_K UltraDork
1/10/13 4:32 p.m.

Having owned an Alfa Milano for a while I have to wonder about the build quality of Ferraris of the same vintage. Most of the mechanical parts of the Alfa were reasonably well made and easy to work on, but most of the interior trim, electrical stuff, etc wasn't so impressive. For a $1500 car its fine to just laugh and find some way to fix it so it works again, but for a $30k car it might be kinda annoying lol.

Streetwiseguy
Streetwiseguy UltraDork
1/10/13 5:55 p.m.
Adrian_Thompson wrote:

Really? REALLY??? That makes every other federalised bumper in the entire known universe look fabulous. I want a rubber bumper MGB now;.

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