So I'm getting the itch to add to the stable. I'll never sell my 928 and it will always be my favorite BUT I'm tempted to get something else entirely different. My first thought was to finally try something Italian. I've always like the 308 GTB. Don't really like the GTS's for some reason. The maintenance story's kind of scare me but I heard the same thing for years about 928's and it seems to be totally unfounded unless they were neglected. Fitting in the car comfortably is a bit of a concern. I have yet to sit in one but I sat in a 355 and was VERY uncomfortable. Testerossa's are cheap now but for some reason too 80's looking for me. I prefer the look of the 70's more - less BS on them and more simple lines in general.

So Here's the list I've compiled of contenders. I'm going to see if I can set this up as a poll. Basically with a budget of 35-45k

1. Ferrari 308 GTB carb's (70's car).
2. Dodge Viper GTS
3. Lotus Esprit Turbo V8 (@1998 or later)
4. Ford GT40 turnkey kit

 

Well I would not bother with a viper. Styles wrong and to many driving around.

The ford is nice but a kit is a kit is a kit and it takes forever to complete.

The 308 has a very vintage nostalgia that will look good next to the 928

The lotus esprit turbo is a demon in disguise.

Cost and the way you drive would decide which is best for you.

I have not driven either but would go for the 308 (then you can join their club)

 

Viper (GTS) all around? I see more 928's then GTS's and that's not saying much. Maybe one a year at most.

Ford GT40 -- I would buy one built.

Lotus. Is that demon good or demon bad? Lol.

My first choice is the Ferrari BUT hearing of 19k repair bills is - frankly - shocking.

 

Lotus Esprit all the way! There was a Rennlister selling his a while back. I think it still is for sale, here's the link.

https://rennlist.com/forums/for-sale...-turbo-v8.html

 

What is your price range? That is quite a spread.
A quality GT40 is quite a bit more than anything else on that list, unless the Viper you are considering is of the last few years produced.

Depending on the kit chosen, GT40 hands down over the rest. You already have a comfortable car for trips, might as well get a purpose built sports car. But only if it's a CAV, Superformance or equivalent.

Second choice, the Viper for the same reason as above.

308 / Lotus, to me it's a tie. No real winner in the pro / con comparison.

 

Not on your list, but for exclusivity and extreme performance try an Ultima GTR. I had a blast building one, but not quite finished it before selling. www.ultimasports.co.uk

 

Esprit!!


I am a bit biased though, and would happily own any of the cars you listed.

 

Here is to hoping this thread avoids the 'Other Marque' abyss.

 

Price range is in the OP - range $35-$45k. I'd go for the earlier years on the GTS. The 928 is a weekend car and so would the next toy. I'd love the new Ford GT, but they seem to be going up in value not depreciating as I hoped. I'd be looking for a already built (Finished/used) Gt40. What's CAV mean?

 

Wasn't talking about the "new" Ford GT.

IMO there are only a couple manufacturers of replica 1960's era GT40's worth buying, CAV and Superformance are arguably the top two followed by ERA. There are some other small companies that have pumped out good replicas over the years, they are usually $60k upwards of $80k or more.
Reason why I asked about price range.

Typical CAV's:
http://www.clubcobra.com/classifieds...uct=3346&cat=2

ERA:
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/...0/1236852.html

Superformance:
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/...0/1209306.html

I'm not familiar with GTD, looks nice for $65k:
http://www.clubcobra.com/classifieds...uct=1494&cat=2

 

AM DB9 ... gorgeous

Ferrari maint costs are unimaginable, but the Pres. of the Austin Ferrari club drives a silver GTS for daily transportation, so you'd be right in line having one of each ;-)

 

Beautiful car, but they are well above the $35-$45K price range.

BTW., you can buy a nice '98 Esprit for less than $35K if you go with a private party car.

 

Thanks for the links. I know you weren't talking about the "new" Ford. Just my 2 cents on wishing they (New Ford GT's) were depreciating instead of appreciating. If I go Gt40 route, I'd be looking for a "used" Gt40 kit and not buying new. One just sold on Ebay for 50k. Maybe won't be able to get one in the 40's but they seem really cool. I'd need to sit in and drive one.

 

Smartest thing you have said here!

Personally I would be looking at the Esprit of the GT40.
But until I drove one of each, I would not make a choice.

I would also be looking at ease of working on it etc. as I do all my own work.

 

none of the cars listed / look at C5 or C6 vettes IMHO