ferrari 308 gts

Is it possible to own a car by accident?

Like most boys, growing up included walls adorned with posters of Lamborghini's or Ferrari's. Actually growing up didn't change much, except the posters were replaced by drooling over the classifieds in a dreamy state. MGB's TR6's & Sunbeam Tigers were but a few of the cars I craved, never making my mind up which would be the one. Eventually I started looking at potential cars, more of a tyre kicking exercise than a serious purchase one, the choices rattled around, a virtual budget was set, then increased as the potentials changed to TVR's. Finally I spotted this 1979 308GTS and advertised in side profile, lowered with its 17" split rim alloys, it was love at first sight. The virtual budget once again was increased, now 3 times it original size! Was I really going to spend this much money on a weekend plaything?

I viewed and drove a few for comparison, a later injection model, a QV and another carb model. For me, these cars didn't have the same visual impact as the first and the injection models lacked the roar and induction noise of the carb model. Another trip was planned to re-visit the first car and the reality started to sink in that this was turning into a serious purchase proposition. Only half way through the test drive and I was smitten! Had I finally let my heart rule my head?

Ownership has had its downs, but I can honestly say the ups, have far outweighed those few downs. The first year was fairly painless, reliability out-shone my expectations, spares were readily available and the MOT & service didn't cost the bankrupting figures I feared.

Last year, the second of ownership, was where wallet surgery hit. Booked in for a major service, cambelts, clutch & valve clearances, horrors were uncovered. I had a bent valve requiring head removal and replacement of said valve, a spacing washer behind the clutch was sitting loose in the bell housing leaving gearing to move side to side freely. Luckily I was blessed as the cogs suffered no damage but all the bearing had to be replaced. Was it now time to cut my losses & sell up?

Adverts were placed, but I couldn't do it. A call from Octane magazine wanting to include my, which was now called "Precious", car in a Seventies Supercar article was the deciding factor that she should stay another year, (or so). Looking back, what a decision, another year of trouble free motoring followed by a reasonably priced service & MOT. Following an all car meet in Virgina Waters in February, regular events have introduced a new wave of enjoyment with "Precious" thanks to the Piston Head Forums and the London Tunnel Run crew. Although I have since had to call on the RAC once for a broken clutch cable. But at 27 years old, I think I can forgive a cable to wear.

Following three years of ownership, every journey is still grin inducing! If I was to suggest how you compare a potential purchase, I would say the final decision should be down to one thing. The grin factor.

Mark Borthwick
July 2006