Questions from '78 308 GTS Buyer

Hello all,

I am looking to buy a '78 GTS (my first Ferrari), and I have a couple of questions. OK, a FEW questions!

1) I am curious if this model Ferrari has any trim tag to indicate the color of the exterior or interior of the car?
2) Are there stampings or castings numbers on the engine to indicate if it is original?
3) The interior looks original (black), but there are carpeted areas on the left and right undersides of the dash that appear to be a light brown color. Is this normal or was the original color likely tan, but changed in the past except for these pieces?
4) The car seems to have an occasional "chirping" noise that occurs from (I think) the tailpipes especially during accelleration. It is remarkably similar to the "chirpy" sound from an old VW beetle with original exhaust. Is this normal?
5) Any recommendations on books with lots of technical info (I've got parts manuals on order!)
6) This is a ridiculous question (you have to see it and have more info I know), but is $17,500 a decent price for this car, providing that the body is entirely rust-free, the paint is an 8 of 10, the interior is a 7 of 10, no accident history, two owner, 90K miles, gold :-? exterior, black interior?

Thanks so much in advance for your help! Sound like a GREAT board!!!!!!!! I look forward to hangin out here often!

Michael Hampson
Marietta, GA