Ferrari Mailing List: Re: 308GT4, was something...

[Rick Lindsay (richardolindsay]

It is atypical for me to be the voice of reason but...we're all different and we're all the same. Please allow me to spew philosophically.

Some of us like the big flashy supercars, others like the more understated. Sadly, I have and like both. I have a silver 308GTB and a red Testarossa.  I'd far rather drive the 308. Yes, the V8 has to be wound up to go, but it winds up very fast. The V12 has gobs of power and a surprisingly large amount of torque at low revs. And even more sadly, if I just want to go somewhere, I'd rather drive my Cayman. :-o

An interesting point about the Testarossa; As big as it looks, it measures about the same size or smaller, than the 360 Modena and its descendants.

Both of my cars are berlinettas. I'm not a fan of open cars. Perhaps that's because I have two open British cars...and I don't like getting rained on. I also think the closed cars are prettier. Also, I live on the U.S. south coast so the sun is intense here. The sun is the enemy. We hate the enemy.

The 308 has a four-pack of challenging-to-synchronize Webers. The TR has a pair of horrible-to-synchronize K-Jetronics. Both are fantastic, once set correctly. And those setting will hold as long as the screwdrivers stay in the toolbox.

As most of you know, I prefer the older cars. Part of that is because they are simpler. Part of that is because that's all I once could afford. And if I may climb upon my soap box for a moment;

I fear that the newer generation of cars (of all exotic marques) are doomed to extinction, or at best, modification. There just isn't enough market to support the plethora of unique electronic parts. Already the MAFs for the 348 are NLA. What's next? And what happens in another decade or so when one presses the 'START' button and nothing happens? Sure, aftermarket FI and ignitions are available but that's modification, not restoration.

Regarding maintenance/repair money or purchase price; these cars are not about economy. How much is too much to pay? Kinda depends on the car and the buyer's wallet. That's really none of our business.

So whether this fascination/hobby/love affair is with carbs or injectors, open or closed, new or old, red or silver, Clyde does make one valid point. In his milder moments he states, "It is what it is." That cannot be doubted.

-rick