GT4 Dipping my toe into the classic waters...

Barry · 11-10-2011, 11:24 AM

Well gents,
The search may be over (for the moment anyway). Having chased a few GT4's, read lots of histories and even more articles and buyers guides, I have had an offer accepted and look set to acquire my first ever classic car.

It's a 1977 308 GT4, black on black, with tan carpets. Only 2 owners since new, with the last custodian having had the car in his posession for over 12 years. Some small bits and pieces needing to be done, but hopefully it is the honest and clean car that it appears to be (and that the PPI report says it is!).

Flying to the UK on Sunday with my equally excited 7 yr old boy to pick her up and drive her home - no better way to start a new Ferrari ownership than a road trip.

And so begins a new chapter in my "Ferrari Life". Let's hope it's all I think it will be.

I know there is no substitute for the sheer euphoria of your first Ferrari, but tonight I'm very very

(PS - a big thank you to everyone who assisted, advised and provided opinions on their own experiences along the way. FL is such a good place to come for advice and reassurance that a classic Ferrari is a good idea! I'll try to repay the favours with some pics and stories as the bonding process begins...

)

Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS · 11-10-2011, 12:35 PM

Congrats, Barry. Great find, I am sure. No doubt you would enjoy her thoroughly. Looking forward to your updates. w/ smiles Jimmy

Neopolitano · 11-10-2011, 01:10 PM

Congratulations Barry. The GT4 is such a fun car to drive. I really think it is underappreciated by many. Light on it's feet with plenty of power you will have many happy miles......including your long inaugural run.

many happy revs

champagne612 · 11-10-2011, 01:43 PM

Enjoy Barry!

Looks great ... I would say you dipped a lot more than a toe unless you have feet that equal Sasquatch

Have fun with your son and take lots of pics.

t1fosI · 11-10-2011, 02:04 PM

Many Congratulations Barry!

Look forward to reading your impressions and more pictures - RMD will be pleased at your choice of chick magnet!

.

Granucci · 11-10-2011, 02:25 PM

As for chick magnet: Puppies, young children, and Ferraris mean you got two out of three, but guessing that's not on the agenda.

Congrats Barry: With only two previous owners I would expect it in great condition as mentioned and easy to maintain.

We'll need bigger pics along the way

Barry · 11-10-2011, 02:40 PM

Thanks for the good wishes guys. I'm really looking forward to the analogue experience and a different type of Ferrari fun.

Barry · 11-10-2011, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Granucci

We'll need bigger pics along the way

Pics are the only ones I had on that laptop. Will definitely need some more of my own soon!

Barry · 11-10-2011, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Granucci

We'll need bigger pics along the way

Pics are the only ones I had on that laptop. Will definitely need some more of my own soon!

JayG · 11-10-2011, 04:15 PM

You'll love it!

tazandjan · 11-10-2011, 08:15 PM

Barry- Way to go. Looks and sounds like a nice one.

Boxer · 11-10-2011, 10:50 PM

Well done. Congrats.

Vitalone · 11-11-2011, 02:04 AM

Congratulations Barry! She looks stunning in black. Looking forward to hearing about your driving adventures in her and how she fits in with her younger sister!

212Export · 11-11-2011, 07:17 AM

Repay....? Sounds great. How about a drink in Ireland once I'm there

. Many congratulation again. You will love the classic experience, i'm sure.

Barry · 11-11-2011, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 212Export

How about a drink in Ireland once I'm there

.

I wouldn't allow you to leave without one (or two, or three, or four....

)

a1exander · 11-11-2011, 09:22 AM

Well done I am excited for you. I always enjoyed that shape as well as the handling on that car which I think is superior to the 308GTB/GTS.

Black suits it....drive it in good health.

Barry · 11-11-2011, 11:13 AM

Thanks again Gents.

Spent the day getting the paperwork in place. Banks, Insurance, Import Duties even breakdown rescue cover (well it is a classic). My son is in bed now shouting down to the stairs, "only 2 more sleeps Dad!".

I'm delighted he's old enough to be able to remember this one. He was only 2 when the 360 arrived.

Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS · 11-11-2011, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barry

Thanks again Gents.

Spent the day getting the paperwork in place. Banks, Insurance, Import Duties even breakdown rescue cover (well it is a classic). My son is in bed now shouting down to the stairs, "only 2 more sleeps Dad!".

I'm delighted he's old enough to be able to remember this one. He was only 2 when the 360 arrived.

Simply,...wonderful, Barry. w/ smiles Jimmy

Barry · 11-11-2011, 03:19 PM

Found a few better pics...

bretm · 11-11-2011, 07:22 PM

It looks great! I love GT4s... there's a small part of me that keeps thinking about buying one to use as a daily driver. They're just cool, plain and simple.

11-10-2011, 11:24 AM	#1
Barry Owner Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Europe Ferrari Life Posts: 3,257	Dipping my toe into the classic waters... Well gents, The search may be over (for the moment anyway). Having chased a few GT4's, read lots of histories and even more articles and buyers guides, I have had an offer accepted and look set to acquire my first ever classic car. It's a 1977 308 GT4, black on black, with tan carpets. Only 2 owners since new, with the last custodian having had the car in his posession for over 12 years. Some small bits and pieces needing to be done, but hopefully it is the honest and clean car that it appears to be (and that the PPI report says it is!). Flying to the UK on Sunday with my equally excited 7 yr old boy to pick her up and drive her home - no better way to start a new Ferrari ownership than a road trip. And so begins a new chapter in my "Ferrari Life". Let's hope it's all I think it will be. I know there is no substitute for the sheer euphoria of your first Ferrari, but tonight I'm very very (PS - a big thank you to everyone who assisted, advised and provided opinions on their own experiences along the way. FL is such a good place to come for advice and reassurance that a classic Ferrari is a good idea! I'll try to repay the favours with some pics and stories as the bonding process begins... ) Attached Images Barry Ferrari's: 360 Modena F1, 308 GT4 Other Italians: Ducati 916, Ducati 848 DD's: RR Sport, BMW 645ci, BMW 1200GS Adv.

11-10-2011, 01:10 PM	#3
Neopolitano Owner Elite Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: FL/NC Ferrari Life Posts: 121 Name: Steve	Congratulations Barry. The GT4 is such a fun car to drive. I really think it is underappreciated by many. Light on it's feet with plenty of power you will have many happy miles......including your long inaugural run. many happy revs Steve ______________ Current: SA, 330 GTC, Dino, BB, QP Past: GTC, BB, QM, C/4, 355, 360, 550, 575, C/4

11-10-2011, 01:43 PM	#4
champagne612 Owner Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: St Louis Ferrari Life Posts: 4,631 Name: Doug	Enjoy Barry! Looks great ... I would say you dipped a lot more than a toe unless you have feet that equal Sasquatch Have fun with your son and take lots of pics. 612 Nuvolari 16M Grigio Ferro

11-10-2011, 02:04 PM	#5
t1fosI Owner Elite Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: London, UK. Ferrari Life Posts: 1,439	Many Congratulations Barry! Look forward to reading your impressions and more pictures - RMD will be pleased at your choice of chick magnet! . Current: 360 Modena Future: ? ----------------------------- 'Some people dream of success... while others wake up and work hard at it.'

11-10-2011, 02:25 PM	#6
Granucci Owner Elite Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: far and away Ferrari Life Posts: 5,053	As for chick magnet: Puppies, young children, and Ferraris mean you got two out of three, but guessing that's not on the agenda. Congrats Barry: With only two previous owners I would expect it in great condition as mentioned and easy to maintain. We'll need bigger pics along the way Guide to the Galaxy: Don't Panic Rik -- LAH ! Current: 1990 Mondial T Cabriolet : Red/Tan 1995 456 GT 2+2 : Roso Metalizzato [Fer 311/C] & Tan

11-10-2011, 12:35 PM	#2
Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS Owner Elite Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Yokohama & Tokyo, Japan Ferrari Life Posts: 3,550 Name: Jimmy Chen Shiba	Congrats, Barry. Great find, I am sure. No doubt you would enjoy her thoroughly. Looking forward to your updates. w/ smiles Jimmy

11-10-2011, 02:40 PM	#7
Barry Owner Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Europe Ferrari Life Posts: 3,257	Thanks for the good wishes guys. I'm really looking forward to the analogue experience and a different type of Ferrari fun. Barry Ferrari's: 360 Modena F1, 308 GT4 Other Italians: Ducati 916, Ducati 848 DD's: RR Sport, BMW 645ci, BMW 1200GS Adv.

11-10-2011, 04:15 PM	#10
JayG Owner Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Acworth, Ga, U.S.A. Ferrari Life Posts: 328	You'll love it!

11-10-2011, 08:15 PM	#11
tazandjan Owner Elite Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NM Ferrari Life Posts: 3,606 Name: Terry H Phillips	Barry- Way to go. Looks and sounds like a nice one. Taz Terry Phillips Present: 575M 135171 Past: Dino 246 GT 02984, 365 GTB/4 14009, 308 GTS 25125 Every day I look around, and if nobody is shooting at me, it is a pretty good day.

11-10-2011, 10:50 PM	#12
Boxer Owner Elite Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: UK Ferrari Life Posts: 12,793	Well done. Congrats. Boxer Current: F40, F50, 612, 430 Scuderia Past: 360 Modena, 360 Challenge, 550, 575, 365BB, 512BB, 456 GT, F355 GTS, 365 GTB/4 Daytona, 308 GTB

11-11-2011, 02:04 AM	#13
Vitalone Owner Elite Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Amsterdam Ferrari Life Posts: 638	Congratulations Barry! She looks stunning in black. Looking forward to hearing about your driving adventures in her and how she fits in with her younger sister! David Current: 308 Michalone and a few 911's Past: 246gt, 512BB and a few 911's

11-11-2011, 07:17 AM	#14
212Export Owner Elite Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Europe Ferrari Life Posts: 2,288	Repay....? Sounds great. How about a drink in Ireland once I'm there . Many congratulation again. You will love the classic experience, i'm sure.

11-11-2011, 09:22 AM	#16
a1exander Owner Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Johannesburg RSA Ferrari Life Posts: 768 Name: Peter	Well done I am excited for you. I always enjoyed that shape as well as the handling on that car which I think is superior to the 308GTB/GTS. Black suits it....drive it in good health.

11-11-2011, 11:13 AM	#17
Barry Owner Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Europe Ferrari Life Posts: 3,257	Thanks again Gents. Spent the day getting the paperwork in place. Banks, Insurance, Import Duties even breakdown rescue cover (well it is a classic). My son is in bed now shouting down to the stairs, "only 2 more sleeps Dad!". I'm delighted he's old enough to be able to remember this one. He was only 2 when the 360 arrived. Barry Ferrari's: 360 Modena F1, 308 GT4 Other Italians: Ducati 916, Ducati 848 DD's: RR Sport, BMW 645ci, BMW 1200GS Adv.

11-11-2011, 03:19 PM	#19
Barry Owner Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Europe Ferrari Life Posts: 3,257	Found a few better pics... Attached Images Barry Ferrari's: 360 Modena F1, 308 GT4 Other Italians: Ducati 916, Ducati 848 DD's: RR Sport, BMW 645ci, BMW 1200GS Adv.

11-11-2011, 07:22 PM	#20
bretm Owner Join Date: May 2002 Location: New Jersey Ferrari Life Posts: 1,258 Name: Bret	It looks great! I love GT4s... there's a small part of me that keeps thinking about buying one to use as a daily driver. They're just cool, plain and simple.

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