[Boxer]

One thing that dawned on me recently was that owners of Vintage Ferraris seem to hold them much longer that Modern Ferrari Owners.

Most 430s, 360s, etc seem to change hands every couple of years. When I see ads for 330s, 365s, etc may state same owner last 5, 10, 15 etc years.

Is this just a perception or do Vintage owners tend to hold their Ferraris much longer?

[Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS]

I tend to agree, Boxer.

Just speaking for myself, my modern Ferrari and the first was a 1997 F355 which lasted only three years or so. Meanwhile, I have had my Dino since 2004. As for my 275, I have had for almost three years and the reasons I am letting go have been stated in the other thread. There's something different about owning older cars. w/ smiles Jimmy

[Barry]

The GT4 I just bought has only had 2 owners since new. First owner from 1977 to 1999, second from 1999 to 2011. I wonder how long the 3rd will retain ownership?

[Brian]

It is true without question.


Buyers of vintage Ferrari's are buying the car they wanted for possibly all their life since adolescence, early adulthood or just when they became a fan of the brand whereas new buyers are buying the latest and greatest. And there is always a new latest and greatest.


The buyers of vintage cars see them as more than a car. It is a dream, a piece of art or a piece of history. The modern buyers see them as a cool car and rarely more.

[Neopolitano]

For me it depended on which model......my 1st GTC - 9 yrs. by 1st BB- 15 yrs, QM - 2 yrs, 1st C/4 - 4 months, 2nd C/4 - 2 yrs, 2nd GTC - 7 and counting, Dino 3 yrs and counting......2nd BB - just got it.

The newer cars were less.......355 - 18 months, 360 - 6 months, 550 - 2 yrs, 575 - 2 yrs, SA almost 4 yrs and counting

I have found it's hard to predict what I will do. I think my GTC is a long term car......especially with all the work I have had done to make it a better GTC. BB being a Carobu special should be long term, Dino is on the bubble.

[Admiral Goodwrench]

Originally Posted by Boxer

Is this just a perception or do Vintage owners tend to hold their Ferraris much longer?

Boxer,

Are you using me as an example? Going on 52 years this coming spring.

Best regards,

[bryanp]

25 year old punk.

[Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS]

Originally Posted by bryanp

25 year old punk.

I suggest that Admiral deserves an official title like Sir or Lord. !!! w/ smiles Jimmy

[Admiral Goodwrench]

Thanks Jimmy, many years ago the Senate already confirmed me as a Rear Admiral so I guess that will have to do.

Best regards,

[Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS]

Originally Posted by Admiral Goodwrench

Thanks Jimmy, many years ago the Senate already confirmed me as a Rear Admiral so I guess that will have to do.

Best regards,

Dear Robert:
Never understood such military jargon. Rear ? I am sure that is an honorable title, but seems like they can think of something better ? Maybe I am just taking it in a skewed manner.

Anyway, if that is so, why not Sir Rear Admiral ? I suppose the other way around does not sound very cool Oh, almost forgot,...Happy and peaceful Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones. w/ smiles Jimmy

[Admiral Goodwrench]

Dear Jimmy, HelenAnn and I wish you a happy thanksgiving as well.

The military jargon is strange, I always thought that Vice Admiral was strange.

Best regards,

[Brian]

Originally Posted by Admiral Goodwrench

Thanks Jimmy, many years ago the Senate already confirmed me as a Rear Admiral so I guess that will have to do.

Best regards,

Since both parents were Navy it is a title I grew up having great respect for.

I have their wedding picture on the bar. Both in uniform.


I have lived most of my life within 40 minutes or less of NAS Oakland or NAS Alameda for that matter.

Your photo made me read up on NAS Oakland. I was unaware it carried that designation until 1961.

[Admiral Goodwrench]

Dear Brian,

NAS Oakland was closed in 1961, it was on the very first base closure list of McNamara's. We worked Wednesday thru Sunday as we took care of the "Weekend Warriors" who came from all over Northern California to do their weekend reserve flying. We shared the runways with the old Oakland Airport before the new one was built out in the bay. All of our hangars and shops and exchange and clubs were at the very northeast corner of the airfield. And of course we had a nice auto hobby shop.

The active duty guys were at NAS Alameda as were the carrier piers.

Best regards,

Robert

[Brian]

Originally Posted by Admiral Goodwrench

Dear Brian,

NAS Oakland was closed in 1961, it was on the very first base closure list of McNamara's. We worked Wednesday thru Sunday as we took care of the "Weekend Warriors" who came from all over Northern California to do their weekend reserve flying. We shared the runways with the old Oakland Airport before the new one was built out in the bay. All of our hangars and shops and exchange and clubs were at the very northeast corner of the airfield. And of course we had a nice auto hobby shop.

The active duty guys were at NAS Alameda as were the carrier piers.

Best regards,

Robert

I have a photo of a long line of Bearcats on the ramp there. If I recall, the footnote said that squadron was relocated to Livermore.

[Admiral Goodwrench]

Dear Brian,

The Bearcats were long gone by the time I arrived in 1959. Almost all our aircraft were the A4 Skyhawks and a few 2 or 4 engined transports. No photos as I was too poor after the Mondial purchase.

Best regards,

Robert

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by Admiral Goodwrench

Boxer,

Are you using me as an example? Going on 52 years this coming spring.

Best regards,

Admiral Sir, You are the gold standard of long term vintage ownership

[JazzyO]

Whilst not quite as long as the esteemed Admiral, the previous owner of my GTC owned it for 21 years. The owner before that 4 years, and the owner before that 18 years. It's hard to believe I'm only the 4th owner in 45 years (I've owned it for a bit over 2).

Similarly, I'm only the 4th owner of my 37 year old Boxer.

I do believe that the vintage Ferraris are cars that you fall in love with. With the newer cars, most people want to upgrade to new technology after a couple of years. One thing that is very different with the old days, is that the cars are moving so rapidly on. Although Ferrari created lots of cars in the old days, I don't think they aged so quickly. There was less of a need to trade it in. And I think most owners feel the same about those cars now. If you are lucky enough to own a good example of a particular model that you love, why would you want to trade it in?


Onno

[Killer58]

While not a Ferrari, I bought my 1964 Jaguar MKII from the original owner in 1990.

I don't envision selling her for a long long time.

[Barry]

Originally Posted by JazzyO

If you are lucky enough to own a good example of a particular model that you love, why would you want to trade it in?

I think there in lies the the exact reason why classic/vintage Ferraris don't change hands too often. Why would you? The desire for the latest and greatest is not a motivating factor, so it could only be the ability or desire to purchase a "better" classic (which in itself it completely subjective). Though I think in many cases, having spent time, money and emotion getting a classic the way you want it, it becomes even harder to part company.

My 2 cents... many classics/vintage are sold either because they have to be (financial, personal reasons) or because they are no longer being used and the owner cannot justify either the continued expense of maintenance or simply the notion of it sitting, gathering dust.

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by Barry

I think there in lies the the exact reason why classic/vintage Ferraris don't change hands too often. Why would you? The desire for the latest and greatest is not a motivating factor, so it could only be the ability or desire to purchase a "better" classic (which in itself it completely subjective). Though I think in many cases, having spent time, money and emotion getting a classic the way you want it, it becomes even harder to part company.

Certainly buying a classic Ferrari is a highly emotional decision. The total ownership experience would certainly have a much higher weight than any performance numbers.