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Tigers cap optional: Inside Line adds a Ferrari 308 to its long-term fleet
It's something many of us have thought while perusing the car listings. "You know, I could actually buy a 308," becomes part of our inner monologues as we see them tantalize us with prices equal to those of new cars normal people buy all the time. It's a fantasy of sorts. After all, for many of us Autobloggers, the 308 WAS Ferrari when we were kids. It was Magnum's ride. And it was cool.
And now, the gang at Inside Line has acted on the impulse so many of us have felt, but suppressed in fits of rationality and/or practicality. They bought a 308 -- an '84 GTSi Quattrovalvole, to be exact. We're completely jealous, of course. Inside Line's going to roll in the Ferrari shown above for the next year, reporting on it -- the performance, the expenses, the headaches, and the heartaches -- just as they would any other long-termer. And when they're done, we'll all know whether or not the siren's song emanating from the local car paper is worth succumbing to after all. One of the photo captions in IL's piece reads, "What would you rather have for the same money; this or a Toyota Camry?"
That's the kind of crazy talk empty bank accounts and broken marriages are made of. Installment one's posted here, Magnum, P.I. clips and all. Enjoy it. In the meantime, we feel the urge to catch up on some reading, ourselves.
[Source: Inside Line]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
glen_eigo 12:11PM (6/20/2007)
Reminds me, last friday I was stuck in traffic on I95 in CT (no surprise) and there was a black one on the side of the road with its hood up.
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Mark MacLeod 12:18PM (6/20/2007)
A photo in an ad for this car in the 70's (obviously not the Quattrovalvole version) is the first time I can remember being 'moved' by a the sight of a car and played a big part in me becoming a 'car guy'.
I think I was 7 or 8 years old at the time.
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bill 1:05PM (6/20/2007)
This is great. I am really looking forward to how this long term test goes for you guys. Evo Magazine from the U.K gas been running a bright orange Lamborghini long term. I especially enjoyed the part when they needed to replace the water pump for something like $5,000. The factory took pitty on the mag and replaced the pump for free.
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Fooman 3:07PM (6/20/2007)
I want a 308GTB Quatrovalve personally. the GTB was released in smaller numbers, looks way better is a stiffer car, and also generally cheaper then the 308GTS (also no roof leak problems.) The GTB is the hard top version... Of course I would not kick a 328gtb out of bed either, but prices on the updated 308 are still riding very high based on the bigger engine and improved styling.
On a smaller side note, my references state that the GTSi and the GTS Quattrovalve are different cars there is not a GTSi Quattrovalve. I am pretty sure the 4 valved cars did not run that designation, only the 80-82 FI cars had the I. The later 82 on cars had the four valve engine.
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007baf 3:11PM (6/20/2007)
I have the same dream and I believe it will come true because it is attainable. My plan is for a 328 though. They apparently have a little better reliability, but the price is steeper. My friend has a 308 GTB in brown. It is very nice. On my blog I have a video of it with good interior shots and the sound of starting and running. www.danmosqueda.blogspot.com
I am eager to follow IL's progress and reporting.
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007baf 3:12PM (6/20/2007)
One more thing. I had a guy offer me his 308 GTS for $25k, but it has electrical problems even after spending $3k on it. I passed.
Andy 3:19PM (6/20/2007)
The 308 is notorious for electrical woes. I like the car somewhat, but would've have been overjoyed had it been a Dino 246 GTS. We have to settle for less.
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Fabulo 4:55PM (6/20/2007)
And how much do you expect to pay for one of those used 308? Insurance? Maintenance? Mmm... TCO...
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Jaymez 5:37PM (6/20/2007)
If I were to buy a Ferrari, I think I'd go with a black Testarossa. Yes, I love the cheese grater look. The 308 is nice as well, but, I've always loved the Testarossa. As outlandish as the styling is, compared to today's choices, it's really understated.
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http://elrincondelconductor.blogspot.com 6:26PM (6/20/2007)
I love Ferrari. Have you see the new Ferrari Dino???
http://elrincondelconductor.blogspot.com/2007/06/remake-ferari-dino.html
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Rob 11:50PM (6/20/2007)
"I'll go get Rick and have him talk to Icepick. TC, go get the chopper and meet me on the other side of the island, and whatever you do, DONT TELL HIGGINS!"
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