As my colleague Doug has relayed to y'all, our 308 is running fantastic. It fires up with a single key twist, the power delivery is smooth and linear and with temps in the mid-80s I ran the A/C (when I wasn't driving al fresco with the top off) with no threat of the engine overheating. It's well sorted, in the zone, running clean.
But in spite of those quirks (hey, they add character, right?) I thoroughly enjoyed the 308. So much so that I didn't play the stereo a single time, just so I could hear the high-revving V8 happily go about its work. The four-cam mill is aurally intoxicating, responds crisply when you're rev-matching downshifts and settles into a contented hum at 75-80 on the freeway. While running through some canyon roads in Malibu the 308 felt confident and solid as a rock arcing through the turns. The manual steering and brakes might seem too heavy at first, but once you acclimate to them they, along with the gated gear shifter, provide that genuine, all-mechanical connection to the driving process that's becoming increasingly rare in today's overassisted, microprocessor-intensive world.
Finally spent some quality time in the 308,
and I'm happy to say it was just great.
With the targa top off and the 32-valve V8 spinning smooth and free,
who needs a radio with such a sweet symphony?
Sure, the seating position is odd and on the weird ergonomics I'll pass.
When you're having this much fun, who gives a rat's a**?
John DiPietro, Automotive Editor @ 52,600 miles
estreka says:
04:17 PM, 03/24/08
Nice sonnets. ;-)
I think everyone lost their bets on this thing. I remember I was expecting a breakdown within 2 weeks of the last one.
I tell ya, I can't wait to buy an '84-'90 Alfa Romeo. These blogs are just increasing my desire.
clay92 says:
04:52 PM, 03/24/08
Hey, another short person! I'm a scant 5'6", but that just means I can fit in some cars tall people can't.
gossard267 says:
05:37 PM, 03/24/08
It seems this car is just what some of the experienced F-car folks predicted: Bargain-basement priced, but running strong now that the needed repairs have been performed. Chronically putting off repairs really seems to destroy the fun of cars like this.
ahightower says:
06:22 PM, 03/24/08
Cool. I think if the Ferrari lasts the rest of the 12 months without major problems, you should just keep it until it finally does have one, or three years, whichever comes first. Just to give the rest of us some confidence, and to help us convince our wives that we really can afford one...
PS - I want a limmerick in your next post.
daytona_500 says:
06:50 PM, 03/24/08
Good to know the Ferrari is running without problems. Now you can fully enjoy it.
I know its a 1984 car, but those gauges are still pretty ugly.
aps2 says:
07:29 PM, 03/24/08
Glad the car is as fun as predicted.
FYI:
1. The windows are slow because the 25 year old grease that was supposed to lubricate the window mechanism is almost petrified. A good weekend project is to: take the door panels off; clean out the old grease; re-lube with fresh grease; reassemble; enjoy your faster windows.
2. If the seat isn't locking throughout it's range, check the mechanism. It should be a simple fix. You will find that seat holds you in place better than the pillow.
jriz says:
07:46 PM, 03/24/08
Sadlier does the haiku. DiPietro does this poem. If anyone expects this Edmunds.com editor to chip in with some poetry, fahgetaboutit. I slept through that year of high school English. I am considering an aria about the diesel Jetta, though.
texases says:
08:18 PM, 03/24/08
If the window track cleaning doesn't do it, the motors might be getting old. I'd think they'd be some kind of standard Fiat/Alfa/Lancia-type part, no?
funkymunky says:
10:12 AM, 03/25/08
Estreka:
All I can say is, good luck. I love the Ferrari because I don't have to pay for it. But I have owned two 80s Alfa Romeos. I had an '84 GTV6 and an '88 Graduate. The Graduate I didn't own long enough to put it in the shop all the time (couldn't hold my musical gear) but it was awfully fun to drive, and I got mad respect in that car. The GTV6, however, was a bloody nightmare. I wouldn't sell it unless I knew the other person had a daily driver. Fantastic to drive, but constantly in the shop. Good luck.
desmolicious says:
02:37 PM, 03/25/08
I wanted a Graduate but every one that I test drove (ok it was 2 of them) had bad synchros in the gearbox.
Then I drove a used Miata, and wished that that was what the Alfa could have become...
billymay says:
07:01 PM, 03/31/08
Amen to this: "It seems this car is just what some of the experienced F-car folks predicted: Bargain-basement priced, but running strong now that the needed repairs have been performed. Chronically putting off repairs really seems to destroy the fun of cars like this."
I have a 328, and you're right: exotics, especially old ones, need regular preventative maintenance. When you take care of them, there's nothing more fun to drive.
birdman_308 says:
05:59 AM, 04/ 8/08
Something is broken or not engaging on your seat rails. Only 4 bolts hold the seat to the floor. Pull the seat and fix it. I am 5' 7" and have no problem adjusting my 308 seat for proper pedal reach.
Birdman