Italian Car Show In San Diego

[Benjamin]

Took my 330 to the Italian car show in Little Italy, San Diego this weekend. Thought you might enjoy some photos.

The local Ferrari Club was there in force with some really spectacular cars. I apologize, but I did not get any serial numbers. There were two great looking 2+2's and an amazing 330 GTC (?), along with a 206 Dino, Boxer, Daytona Coupe, 365 GTC/4, a souped-up 308 GT/4 Dino from Carabou in OC, and assorted modern F-cars.

Link to photos: http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g278/ ... edia=image

As usual, reaction to my unrestored car was mixed, to say the least. One couple remarked to each other "oh, how sad!" Others were more appreciative. Still I was sent to the end of the line.

When I first arrived, I made the mistake of turning into the local Ferrari/Maserati dealer's area. I was met with outright hostility and threats to have my car towed immediately. These guys were such unbelieveable, pompous jerks - I would never consider buying a vehicle from them. The local owner's club was much more receptive and appreciative. A great bunch.

Wish I could make it to Tom's Monterrey party, but I will be on the lookout for you all at Concorso. Regards.

[william]

Nice photos Benjamin,

Is that your red 330 in the photos?

[Benjamin]

No, but it was really nice. Mine is the blue "beater" at the end of the line!

[Tom Wilson]

Don't knock beaters! At least yours runs...

[Art S.]

Ben,

Don't ever restore it! Just maintain it and enjoy.

I'm always amazed that people can be so obnixious as the dealer you mentioned. The guys at Algar tend to be very nice and although all of the cars Francois works on are nicer than mine, think Francois appreciates mine for what it is.

The Red 330 needs new foglights, the '70s/'80s ones just don't look right.

Regards,

Art S.

[Art S.]

I forgot to mention, I love the green Islero!

Art S.

[william]

Ben,

Which photo shows your car? Can you post a photo or two?

[Benjamin]

Art - thanks for your message. I am in your camp for the time being. It's pretty stealthy now to drive around with the paint in such shabby shape. As you overtake people on the street, they look around knowing the growl is something special but they can't spot the Ferrari!

The vintage Lambos were amazing and the owners actually drove and enjoyed them. So much more elegant and appealing than the modern models.

William - here are some pictures of my 330 that I posted earlier on Tom's site. http://s58.photobucket.com/albums/g278/ ... Directory/

You may be able to see - there is a tiny amount of superficial rust on the roof, which has been causing me some anxiety. I had the car looked at by a paint and body shop and was assured its nothing. However, I know that "rust never sleeps." Their estimate to paint was very reasonable, but I'm told that unrestored cars are now the Holy Grail and I should leave it alone. I had a nice talk with Tom about this, so he knows how undecided I am. I wonder if it really does affect the value significantly.

[330GT]

...There were two great looking 2+2's ...

I only saw pictures of one 330 GT which was red/tan. Based on the license number, it is 7025.

Did you take pictures of the other 'great looking' one? I presume that your car was the third 330 GT there.

[Yale]

I know this has been covered but I think you should sell your car to a right hand country and get a left hand drive car. Those right hand folks have enough trouble finding rhd cars and put a premium on them and at times muck about with those wonderful, should be preserved, 330GT's to make the steering on the wrong side. You can help + possibly get enough for yours to buy a less needy car.

Also I have heard Art talk about how much he loves having a Ferrari that is one step away from being Shaunessied, but I assure you, if you gave him the choice he would opt for one (just) a few steps closer to Pebble Beach. Yale

[robsandiego]

Ben
Nice to chat with you. Thanks for the compliment on my car(the GTC in front of yours). I wish I had stood around longer to hear what people were saying about your lovely ride but it was geting a little hot out there. See you at Concorso.
Rob

[Rudy van Daalen Wetters]

That interior of Ben's car is perfect. If is was restored it could never replicate the true essence of the factory product. It conveys a genuiness that hopefully will be left for many to experience.

Rudy van Daalen Wetters
1963 GTE s/n 4001
1966 330 GT s/n 8705

[Art S.]

Yale,

I assure you that your comments about my desires are not correct. First off, I like my cars mechanically perfect but cosmetically presentable original. If I was to 'upgrade', it would be to a different model, not to shinier paint!

If Benjamin's car was mine, I would remove the lifting paint on the roof then cover the bare spots with some touch-up paint then buff the heck out of everything and detail the car - you'd be amazed how 15 hours of elbow grease and creativity will improve that car's appearance. I would then focus on making it the best driver I could. Alternately, I'd sell it to England where I would get top dollar for it, they love cars in this condition and together with the RHD it should be a home run.

In my opinion, cosmetically speaking, cheaply restored cars are worse than original condition cars. Well restored cars are, at best, on par with original cars but do not justify the investment.

Remember, they are only original once!

Regards,

Art S.

PS. Speaking of being Shaunessied, if I recall, Tom S. has a few 'beaters' that he loves above all other cars.

[Benjamin]

Kerry - my apologies, I did not get a photo of the other 330. It did not stick around long and I was a little preoccupied.

Art - any idea of the ballpark for a vehicle in condition such as mine (mechanically excellent, cosmetically challenged) in one of the right-hand drive countries? It would help me in the financial part of my analysis whether to restore or not.

[Art S.]

Benjamin,

I would contact one of the english auction houses to get an estimate. However, if you look at 'Sportscar Market' the barnfind original cars have regularly sold for prices approaching #2 condition cars. as yours is a non rusted original '60s RHD Ferrari V12, I would expect a similar result.

Regards,

Art S.