Ferrari vs Lotus decision.
07-20-2005, 07:12 PM
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Ferrari vs Lotus decision.
Just need a little advise. i am getting the urge again to buy another classic and am going a little exotic this time. The three cars are a stunningly well done
S1 lotus esprit
30K invested and I believe it 10K+ in body work, engine built by the best in the biz.
A early 308 GT4 in perfect condition.
Stock photo here, car is red and black with full records going back into the 80's
Nothing really special. But still carries two people plus bags.
Or a 1966 330 GT 2+2 with a chevy v8 conversion kit. Car is original, motor went bang in the early 80's and has been well road tested with the new 350 that has been installed. Photo's pending on this one, again a stock photo. CAr is Red on tan my favorite.
They are all going to be about the same price, the lotus is insanely restored, It needs nothing, the same with the GT4, the 330 would need a little bit of elbow greese but not much cash to turn into a reliable driver (mainly because the monster v12 is missing. Maybe 2-3K, the motors in original form are running close to 20K I hear lately, so pulling it back to stock is out of the question.)
I am leaning towards the 330 gt because the GT4's are unloved, the S1's are impossible to get parts for. I will take expensive parts over non exsistant ones any day. Kind of at a impass, I am hoping to have a good look around the 330 in the next few days if I can manage it.
I need something more sporty then comfy but I also need something that is not so hard edged as well, and I love these designs.
Before anybody ask's they would be a cash deal I would only need to worry about the parts as I can do everything short of a full engine teardown myself.
Anything else you think I should look at, I like the 400i' and it cousins but the v12 scares the living crap out of me. I also would like a M1 BMW but the pices are out of control, 75-80K just to get in the door. though symbolic has a widebody M1 street legal for 65K that needs some cosmetic love.
S1 lotus esprit
30K invested and I believe it 10K+ in body work, engine built by the best in the biz.
A early 308 GT4 in perfect condition.
Stock photo here, car is red and black with full records going back into the 80's
Nothing really special. But still carries two people plus bags.
Or a 1966 330 GT 2+2 with a chevy v8 conversion kit. Car is original, motor went bang in the early 80's and has been well road tested with the new 350 that has been installed. Photo's pending on this one, again a stock photo. CAr is Red on tan my favorite.
They are all going to be about the same price, the lotus is insanely restored, It needs nothing, the same with the GT4, the 330 would need a little bit of elbow greese but not much cash to turn into a reliable driver (mainly because the monster v12 is missing. Maybe 2-3K, the motors in original form are running close to 20K I hear lately, so pulling it back to stock is out of the question.)
I am leaning towards the 330 gt because the GT4's are unloved, the S1's are impossible to get parts for. I will take expensive parts over non exsistant ones any day. Kind of at a impass, I am hoping to have a good look around the 330 in the next few days if I can manage it.
I need something more sporty then comfy but I also need something that is not so hard edged as well, and I love these designs.
Before anybody ask's they would be a cash deal I would only need to worry about the parts as I can do everything short of a full engine teardown myself.
Anything else you think I should look at, I like the 400i' and it cousins but the v12 scares the living crap out of me. I also would like a M1 BMW but the pices are out of control, 75-80K just to get in the door. though symbolic has a widebody M1 street legal for 65K that needs some cosmetic love.
07-20-2005, 07:37 PM
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Lotus fan myself. very clean design. Not a a fan though of a classic ferrari having a chevy engine. Half the cost of buying a ferrari is being able to listen to the music it produces.
I would look into a nice 400i, I love that design too or even better a Mondial convertible 
07-21-2005, 08:05 AM
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I would choose Lotus.
I think one reason of having a Ferrari is to hear the engine. GT4's are unloved.
but unique.
In fact how much is that Lotus if you dont buy it? I may be interested.!
Maybe a 328? 348?
Lotus Elise?
NSX?
I think one reason of having a Ferrari is to hear the engine. GT4's are unloved.
but unique.
In fact how much is that Lotus if you dont buy it? I may be interested.!
Maybe a 328? 348?
Lotus Elise?
NSX?
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07-21-2005, 09:30 AM
#9
The GT4 would be the definitive choice for me. The GT4 is certainly becoming a desireable car as they are still fairly cheap to obtain and a hoot to drive. The GT4 was the best handling car of the mid Ferrari 8's prior to the 348. Just listening to the Weber's chatter on top of the Ferrari 8 would buy me a ticket. A friend of mine has a 1977 GT4 and the looks have really grown on me, the S1 Esprit's are painfully fragile and very slow, the interior ergonomics are downright ridiculous too. I wouldn't even touch a Ferrari with Chevy power. Let us know what you decide.
07-21-2005, 09:39 AM
#10
What appeals to you most about owning one? Head turns, rarity, exclusivity, speed, performance, investment? If you want to turn heads Ferrari all the way. There is a slim chance the 330 could even appreciate if someone wants to buy it as a restoration project and can find an original engine.
I still think the Lotus looks the best to me, but I think I would be in the minority on that one. I have a friend that owned one and his at least was a ticking time bomb. Everything that could break did. Worse than his old MG. I still like styling over the other two.
I still think the Lotus looks the best to me, but I think I would be in the minority on that one. I have a friend that owned one and his at least was a ticking time bomb. Everything that could break did. Worse than his old MG. I still like styling over the other two.