The above photo illustrates the only way to drive a 1984 Ferrari 308 GTSi: top down. It is so much a part of the whole Ferrari Southern California mystique, and in my mind, the only way to go. And practically speaking, I'm 6'1, so my head rubs against the roof and it feels a bit claustrophobic with the top on.
But so much a part of West Los Angeles driving is about the sun, the wind, the smell of the ocean...
And the best part: Removing and attaching the roof is shockingly easy. It takes all of 30 seconds and anyone can do it. The roof is basically like a very lightweight table leaf. Two quick latches in back and a couple locating pins in the front, and it pulls out and slides behind the seats. Putting it back on just involves matching the two front pins with the corresponding holes and relatching in back. Easy as pie.
Doug Lloyd, Senior Copy Editor @ 53,344 miles
canadaphant says:
01:04 PM, 04/14/08
But does it provide the rustic-style leaks of the Wrangler's top? Or do you guys dare drive the Ferrari in the rain-I'd understand if you didn't!
desmolicious says:
01:13 PM, 04/14/08
Hmm, Edmunds has had this car for 10 months and has racked up about 6000 miles.
Guess the Enclave doesn't have to worry about losing it's mileage champ crown.
tmanz says:
01:45 PM, 04/14/08
If they need more miles put on it just let me know. I'll be down there in June :)
funkymunky says:
01:57 PM, 04/14/08
I've driven the Ferrari in the rain, and it's a little unnerving just cuz the car is so low to the ground and L.A. drivers are notoriously foolish in the rain. But it's leak-free. Engine is exposed in the back, so theoretically it wouldn't be cool to leave it out during a major downpour, but it's fine to drive in the rain. Wipers work 'n everything.
estreka says:
02:43 PM, 04/14/08
It fits behind the seats? That's pretty cool!. Sure beats a frantic Chinese fire drill at the initial onslaught of a freak thunderstorm.
billymay says:
09:02 PM, 04/14/08
I have a 328 GTS, and like you said the targa top is easy for one person to remove/replace.
The big question: why don't we see many targas anymore? The Lotus Elise, and the Corvette (sort of)...
stingray454 says:
12:46 PM, 04/15/08
That's a great picture! I miss living in SoCal and driving those roads. :(
aps2 says:
06:47 PM, 04/17/08
Interesting... Fun car, no problems, almost no responses to the blog entry. If a problem arrises, everyone pipes up!
In order to keep things quiet on the blog front: enjoy the car, keep driving it but continue improving it - make sure you start replacing the old brittle hoses throughout the car.