Is this 1980 Ferrari 308 GTS for $58,500 an imperfect deal? – Jalopnik

According to the seller, the current Nice Price or No Dice 308 GTS is “an honest, mechanically minded driver rather than a cosmetic showpiece.” Does the idea of ​​a Ferrari driver appeal more than that of a garage queen? More importantly, how much would you pay to get behind the wheel?

These days it seems like folly to buy an internal combustion car or truck without forced induction. I mean, it just leaves horsepower on the table. Naturally, alternative opinions exist, as the best-selling car in the US last year that wasn’t a pickup – the Toyota RAV4 – doesn’t offer a turbo or supercharger, even as an option. It seems like people are happy with that.

BMW was an early proponent of the turbo train, adding a punchy snail to its straight-six-powered 7 Series in the ’80s to compete with rival Mercedes’ V8s. It dove in with both feet in early August, adding twin turbos and later double-scroll units to virtually everything it could. The 2013 BMW 335i M Sport that came our way yesterday was a fine example of the breed, with low mileage, an attractive color combination and an attractive options list for the turbo tab. Unfortunately for the dealer looking to sell the car, too few of you felt that it all came down to the Bimmer’s asking price of $22,995. Ultimately, it fell with a “No Dice” loss of 57%.

No such confusion exists with that of today Ferrari 308GTS from 1980. That name, like many Ferraris that have come before it and a few since, has a direct correlation to the engine shrouded in its bone-chillingly beautiful Pininfarina body. That means it has a 3.0-liter 8-cylinder engine and is a Gran Turismo Spider, hinting at its Targa top end. Beyond this guarantee of truth, we should start by noting that the engine in this 308 is not the one that came with the car in 1980.

For the rest of us, the four-valve engine is probably a plus, offering the added appeal of some work done over the past three years, according to the ad. That includes replacing the timing belt and water pump, seals, gaskets and fluids, a new clutch and what is described as “multiple oil changes with 20W-50.”

After all, this is also a Ferrari for sale on Craigslist, not the “Robb Report,” where one of the photos in the ad places the car next to a porta-potty as a level set. Clearly this is a Ferrari for those not interested in simply performing.

Cosmetically, the car can best be described as presentable from a distance, but imperfect up close. The paint shows age and previous work that is not up to modern show standards, and buyers should view this as a driver-quality finish rather than a refinished example. The interior remains largely original in feel and character, although there are areas – including some exposed wiring – that would benefit from attention or renovation, depending on the goals of the next owner.

Additional issues that need to be addressed include a slowly leaking tire and the need to rebuild the rear brake calipers.

This is by no means a fearsome pig, but as you breathe the rarefied air that surrounds one of Maranello’s magnificent machines, you can expect the cars to have retained concours status, rather than daily driver status. With only 34,000 miles on the odometer, this 308 hasn’t seen much daily driving, but it’s seen enough adventure that it’s a bit rough and on its second engine.

What’s your take on this slightly scarred GTS and that $58,500 asking price? Does that seem reasonable given the condition of the car? Or is this a rearing horse that needs to be put out to pasture?

You decide!

Los Angeles, California, Craigslistor go here when the ad disappears.

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