Hello Mike, et al.,
I wrote,
> > Most of the people I know, young or old, don't have Ferraris
> > because they don't have the imagination to know that they
> > CAN have one.
>
> How true. And they may not have the money either. You have to
> admit that owning a Ferrari is a far cry from having an MG or a
> Triumph, or a Fiat or Alfa-Romeo for that matter.
I will agree that RESTORING an LBC is much more
affordable that restoring an exotic (having done both) but buying
one, while not the cheapest idea on the block, it is not stupidly
insane either. And I will also agree that some people can't afford
one. Some people can't afford a used Yugo. Everything is
relative. Many times, our LBCs are kept at a very low budget
because for the most part, money spent is thrown down a hole.
They are a low-dollar hobby and that is intentional. If so, there
is no disagreement. But here's the best kept secret: Not all Ferraris
cost $145k!
My 308GTB is pristine -- and I mean, better than showroom
(newer technology paint) quality car. It is worth about $36k.
A great looking, good driving 308GT4, or 308GTSi sells for
about $25k. A Mondial 8 in good condition can be had for
under $20k.
As I tell others, my car costs about the same as all these
damned SUVs running around here. The main difference is that
the day AFTER the sale, my 308 is still worth what I paid for
it -- or more.
> Happy motoring.
>
> Mike
Mike, this note is in no way a flame or slap. I hope it is a
revelation to some of the guys who always admired the cars
but ASSUMED that they needed to be millionaires to own
them. It IS possible. Ask yourself what you could buy for
$25k that would hold its value. Then ask yourself if you would
rather have a Ferrari that you could turn around and get your
money out of within a month...
I am only trying to encourage true motor-heads to not limit
their potential with flawed assumption. Personally, I want an
MGA to sit next to the 308! :-)
best,
Rick
'79 308GTB -- that has needed nothing other that oil and filter
changes in the last two years.
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