Questions from '78 308 GTS Buyer

6435 Views 33 Replies 11 Participants Last post by 4kids3fish, Dec 22, 2003

mhampson

Discussion Starter · Nov 20, 2003

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

21 - 34 of 34 Posts

250lm

· #21 · Nov 22, 2003

Actually I do not know where you could find the interior color code. Somehow I seem to recall I have seen VM-codes sometime. I am not sure if it was in the engine bay or not. It might be possible that it is a sticker in de door or maybe in the front lid??? Just check every sticker you find and looks if it has some VM-code on it ;-) It's weekend now, so you have two days to turn the car inside out :green:

Niels

Pete04222

· #22 · Nov 23, 2003

I've been away for a few days on business so I didn't get to respond but 17,500 is cheap for a GTS!

Congrats on the purchase and welcome to this forum. Post your adventures and if you have any questions post those too. I'll do whatever I can to help you out.

4kids3fish

· #23 · Nov 23, 2003

Well researched and purchased, Michael.

I think the colour (color?) is so flattering on the car. IMHO ligher colours show off the sensuous lines of the 308 better than does red or black, etc. And metallic is even better at emphasising the curves away from the light source.

A real head turner. I'm jealous! :evil:

mhampson

Discussion Starter · #24 · Nov 26, 2003

Thanks Guys

I really appreciate the compliments.

So far, other than general cleaning, all I have done is removed the door panels and disassembled and regreased both of the electric window motors (the drivers side doesn't have much longer to live as the cable has begun fraying, but it now works great). The grease inside the mechanisms was extremely hard

! I actually had to CHIP it out as best as I could, and then soak the parts in lacquer thinner to remove the remnants. No wonder they didn't work!

Next is the timing belts and tensioner bearings. I am going to post on the technical board to get advice on this one. Sounds scary! Not as scary as the price at the dealer, though!

Michael

Dr. Bob

· #25 · Dec 19, 2003

Well this doesn't sound good...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2449404159&category=6212

If you are still around, why are you selling it again? It's a gorgeous car

Bazil

· #26 · Dec 19, 2003

The listing says he has a baby on the way, and even I'll admit, that's more important!!!

What a shame though - it's a beautiful looking car.

mchferrari

· #27 · Dec 19, 2003

Dr. Bob said:
Well this doesn't sound good...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2449404159&category=6212

If you are still around, why are you selling it again? It's a gorgeous car

Somebody got a good deal.

Pete04222

· #28 · Dec 20, 2003

Michael told us he got it for $17,500. I see on EBay that it sold for $15,000. So he lost $2,500 in one month. Major Bummer!

rosed37

· #29 · Dec 20, 2003

Pete04222 said:
Michael told us he got it for $17,500. I see on EBay that it sold for $15,000. So he lost $2,500 in one month. Major Bummer!

Not to mention the fact that he probably dumped another 1 or $2k into it in the time he had it which is not very hard to do!

Ed

Dr. Bob

· #30 · Dec 20, 2003

He sold it to the first guy who wanted to pay 15000. That was within 2 hours, because he did not want to negociate and stuff.

4kids3fish

· #31 · Dec 22, 2003

I wonder if he finished refurbing that air pump ...

Dj Dirk

· #32 · Dec 22, 2003

he already sold it??

that's a shame that car looked great

Pete04222

· #33 · Dec 22, 2003

4kids3fish said:
I wonder if he finished refurbing that air pump ...

Nope, the ad says that the air pump is off the car and disassembled.

4kids3fish

· #34 · Dec 22, 2003

Pete04222 said:
Nope, the ad says that the air pump is off the car and disassembled.

What a pity - that will knock a bit off the top speed.

21 - 34 of 34 Posts

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