I WANT A 360 SPIDER ... ANY REASON NOT TO GET ONE?

Hawk13

Member
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1,471
I have wanted an open top / targa Ferrari for a long time and have considered a California but keep coming back to the 360 Spider.

This would be a fun car for me and would be used as a sunny day toy.

Anything I should be aware of?
 

Bebs

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3,271

Twinspark

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460
Unrelated but I wish Aldous would’ve put some time into the GranSport TCU/ECU, the work and research he’s done into the 360 is nothing short of amazing.
 

Hawk13

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1,471
Thanks Bebs - appreciate it is a very open question and I am going into this eyes wide open.

I have seen your rebuild thread and read other 'horror stories' but something about the way they look appeals to me.
 

philw696

Member
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25,114
Certainly enjoyed owning my 2004 360 Modena F1 a few years ago cost me more in maintenance than the previous 456 or any other car I had but that was my choice keeping the history with Ferrari.
A brilliant driving car in my opinion.
Good Luck searching.
Bought mine from forza288.com
 

Bebs

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3,271
I wouldn’t categorise mine as a horror story.. 105,000 miles is not bad going at all for a highly strung V8 and I was unlucky with the incorrect rear main seal and the chipped oil pump gear.
Up until then the car had been faultless and done anything asked of it, track days, daily London commute over 3 years etc etc.
You just need a PPI from somebody who knows these cars hence suggesting AV. There will always be consumables on a car that age and they can quickly add up if you need a new clutch, plate, release bearing, cam cover gaskets, ball joints, track rod ends, air-con unit etc etc. Far better to pay a bit more and get one that is fully sorted than an average car that needs spending on.
 

azapa

Member
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1,300
I would certainly suggest driving one first, if you have not done so yet. It will feel very different to a Maser GT. I fell in love with a 348GTS, great condition, ran well, but I found it hard work, slow and unenjoyable to drive.
 

Hawk13

Member
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1,471
I would certainly suggest driving one first, if you have not done so yet. It will feel very different to a Maser GT. I fell in love with a 348GTS, great condition, ran well, but I found it hard work, slow and unenjoyable to drive.

I have driven a few and have been around classic / interesting cars pretty much all of my life so am well aware of the pitfalls and perils. I've even been stupid enough to buy a few cars before even driving them and regretted a couple.

This really is an eyes wide open but I will be buying from a dealer and I will be getting a PPI.

I know a few on here have owned one and was hoping to get a balanced view.
 

Bebs

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I doubt you’ll regret it if you get a well maintained one. It’s just a big go cart and feels very nimble compared to a GT. The top end rush to 9000 RPM with a decent exhaust is something else!
 

azapa

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1,300
no offense meant chaps, I'm sure the 360 is a different experience, was just relating my view of how important a drive is after dreaming of the car for so long. I wonder how many have bought a car without ever driving it, only to be disappointed and/or frightened! (me, more than once).
 

rossyl

Member
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3,312
Bebs has given some good information.

Tim Walker is one of the best at assessing 360's. Also he does not sell the cars himself, so he has an impartial view

I would use FerrariChat forum as a good resource, full of information.

Issues that resulted in me choosing a Gallardo over a 360:

- aluminium corrosion, I was repeatedly told that they should not be parked outside as they will suffer.

- need for perfection, the Ferrari world is small and well recognised independents tend to know most cars, if anything is remotely wrong with a car it is like it becomes untouchable. I got warned off a car as it was parked outside under a car port! I was also reminded that some Ferrari owners just like to wax their cars and look at them.

- eat batteries, must be kept on a battery tender, not that big a deal

- 360's are regarded as bulletproof, however, sine digging abs I found plenty of people with niggles

There is also a very active ownership, which I think is unparalleled in the UK for other Supercar marques.

There's a lot of information, both DIY and cost saving advice, on YouTube and Forums.
 

BennyD

Sea Urchin Pate
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14,994
Apparently, the standard exhaust off a 430 slots straight on and sounds a lot like the CS.
 

Ewan

Member
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6,757
I thoroughly enjoyed my 360 (Coupe) and would happily have another. But still preferred my slower but prettier 355’s.

If you have an urge to try a 360 convertible, I say go for it. Just buy a good one with good provenance, so selling via dealer in due course is easy if you so decide.