Over the past 45 years or so there have been countless TV shows featuring unforgettably classic cars. Anyone who was around in the 1980’s certainly remembers Tom Selleck giving the camera a smirk in that red Ferrari 308 GTS as he burned rubber during the opening theme of Magnum PI. As a kid I watched each episode of Magnum simply to see that car! As if the 308 wasn’t as close to aesthetic perfection as a car could be, Ferrari continued to hone its design and offered the even more stunning 328 in 1985. Located just outside of Boston and available for sale here on Craigslist is this beautiful 1987 328 GTS that can be yours for $59,900.
Mentioning (in all caps) that “WE CAN ASSIST IN SHIPPING DOMESTIC OR INTERNATIONAL” likely reveals this car isn’t being offered by a private seller. That makes me leery for some reason, and what kind of a person photographs a Ferrari alongside a collection of dumpsters behind a strip mall? Distasteful! Perhaps the seller doesn’t have tags for the car and is simply trying to be discreet? Nevertheless the car’s condition is described as “mint…in excellent shape [and] very well maintained.” It certainly appears to be, although it’s difficult to tell if those are scratches on the hood or just sunlight reflecting off the paint. The signature star wheels with the Ferrari insignia in the center look flawless. The targa top appears a bit weathered however, and the seller mentions there is some damage to the “bonnet” from the previous owner improperly closing the top.
The seller claims the 3.2 liter V-8 “starts up and runs beautiful,” however horsepower is erroneously stated at 235 in the ad (Ferrari claimed 270 hp with a 0-60mph time of 5.5 seconds). The 5-speed manual is reported to shift smoothly and the seller mentions the car was recently serviced. At just under 95,000 miles on the clock the seller’s claim of “low miles” prompts an interesting debate. High performance machines like this are typically driven sparingly and many examples can be found on the market with significantly fewer miles. Not considering the effect on resale value, would you prefer a classic like this that’s been driven or one that’s hardly seen the open road? There exists a stigma that Ferraris aren’t dependable past the 30,000 mile mark. Yet the 328 has a reputation of being among the most reliable Ferraris ever built and there are many enthusiasts who will argue that with proper maintenance owners need not worry about mileage and shouldn’t hesitate to enjoy their car to the fullest.
The cream colored Italian leather interior looks to be in great condition with perhaps just a bit of wear on the lower edge of the driver seat back. No fading or cracks can be seen on the dash and the steering wheel displays only minor wear as might be expected with a car approaching 100K miles. The seller reports all electronics work as they should and since a clean Carfax report is shown (recently ordered by Porsche of the Main Line in Pennsylvania), it would be interesting to do some private investigating into this car’s background. Although this 328 presents well, it seems the asking price is a bit high compared to others on the market with fewer miles. But since this appears to be a dealer sale some back-alley price haggling would certainly be appropriate, don’t you think?
59 large seems high for a 100k mile 1980s Ferrari but I admit I’m no pricing expert in these. Personally, for this money, I would buy a driver quality 911 turbo from the same year and probably save a few bucks
That is definitely on the high side. My second thought, what is it doing here Jay?
A pristine example with 60,000 LESS miles and a complete maintenance history can be found on Hemmings with a $7500 higher ask. Considering the costs of parts, labor, and paint, the higher ask car will still cost you less money.
As a V8 Ferrari owner, I couldn’t disagree more. A 95K mile car, if properly maintained, will be more reliable than a low-mile garage queen. Knowing what I know now, I’d prefer one that had been regularly driven, as it has been properly sorted and provide a positive ownership experience. Also, as a counterpoint, a 1987 Porsche 911 Turbo is a $100K to $180K car… So, for a fraction of the cost, you could have a driver-quality Ferrari.
A row of dumpsters is the perfect photographic backdrop for a Ferrari , I’m sure no lakes or buildings with beautiful, eye-catching murals were available :|
I have known a number of people that have owned various versions of the 308 and they have been among the most reliable cars I have ever seen. Almost in the best of Mercedes territory in terms of function. That being said they were cared for my my favorite shop and the mechanics said that the 308’s tended to be reliable and easy to work on with some conditions.
With the use of unleaded gas and better filters the modern engines seem to be good for up to 200k with only a oil pump, fuel pump or something in the injection system to be of serious problems. Belts are not fun but doable. The most shocking thing is that even the electrical systems seem to be solid and reliable and for an Italian car is shocking. If I did not own a Lotus Esprit Turbo already I would seriously consider one of these.
Honestly, I had contemplated the Esprit Turbo before buying my V8 Ferrari. My carbureted 308 is exceptionally reliable, so long as the engine is serviced as required.
I was Never sports car fan Ferrari or any other make but must admit I am fan of Tom Selleck and Magnum P.I. series do watch it occasionaly I have complete dvd collection!
Still kicking myself for passing on buying a very nice one of these in traditional red over tan 20 years ago. I could have had it for $35K. Regrets.
I always compare value against what else I could get for my dollars. My first thought was I could get 2 Corvettes that were faster, cheaper to own, and newer.
Then I looked at the pictures.
I would take one Ferrari over 2 Corvettes any day.
My dream car (in red- but I can settle with black!)
I will have one parked in the garage one day in the not too distant future. I already own the shirt and Tigers hat to go with it.
I think the price is a little high but not too far out of line. From my research it should be in the $45-50 range to be comparable. I have seen better for less.
My favorite….the Ferrari Dino….and probably part of the inspiration for the 308/328
Waaay overpriced. Attractive Ferrari for sure!
35K is the number imho…..have experience with F cars of this vintage. New owner should plan on spending 10k to get it right & will not b able to recover the investment ever with those miles.
I had the chance to pick up one of these with a snapped timing belt for $15K the summer before last, also near Boston. It had come up from Florida and sat after the timing belt fiasco. At the time, I assumed these were still $35-40K cars (they aren’t). I will admit the prospect of tearing the engine down did not bode well for my empty bank account, so I passed. Still, they are pretty cars and surprisingly small (and low) in person.
Unfortunately, some dope damaged the bonnet by not releasing the strut. That damage alone will cost serious money to fix. I’d also be curious as to all of the ownership and service history for this particular car. One thing for sure, I wouldn’t be afraid of the odometer reading.
Miles are extremely high to warrant this price.
328s are very nice cars but very plentiful. I have never seen or heard of one (till now) with nearly 100k mikes on it. Nice or not take retail pricing and divide by two and you will be in the ballpark for a very good one. Have owned F cars for 25 years *remember the car you buy will also be sold you one day!
I agree these are beautiful cars (I’ve owned an ‘85 308 GTS now for >10 years), and they are appreciating as well. However, the 3×8 series is the most plentiful of all the classic Ferraris. That aspect of the market, although $59K is a reasonably high dealer ask, should give the buyer enough leverage to drop the price MUCH closer to $50K. The hood might be able to be fixed by a paintless dent repair guy, and as long as the recent service was an actual Ferrari Service (which for this car w/these miles can very easily run in excess of $10K) then you might have a really nice car.